1. Saint Fina developed a paralytic illness and spent the rest of her life on a bed made from a wooden pallet, where, according to legends, Saint Gregory the Great appeared to her to predict her death.
14 Facts About Saint Fina
1. 2.
Saint Fina learned to sew and spin, spending most of her time at home.
3.
In 1248, Saint Fina contracted a serious illness which progressively left her paralysed.
4.
Saint Fina's immense devotion was an example to all the citizens of San Gimignano, who frequently visited her.
5.
Miracles attributed to Saint Fina are mentioned in stories, paintings, poems and in notary documents.
6.
Legends say that, at the exact moment of Saint Fina's passing away, all the bells of San Gimignano rang without anyone touching them.
7.
Saint Fina told her to arrange the pieces and put them under the water: the pitcher became whole and full of water.
8.
When Saint Fina's body was removed from the pallet that was her deathbed, onlookers saw white violets bloom from the wood, and smelt a fresh, floral fragrance throughout her house.
9.
For several days, pilgrims went to the Pieve to see Saint Fina's remains and during that time there were reports of a number of cures.
10.
Saint Fina asked Fina's pardon and was very sorry for not having respected her memorial.
11.
Saint Fina's relics are kept in a chapel in the Collegiata di San Gimignano.
12.
The most important monument dedicated to Saint Fina is her chapel in the Collegiata, designed by Giuliano da Maiano in 1468 and consecrated in 1488.
13.
Saint Fina's relics are located inside the altar built by Giuliano's brother Benedetto da Maiano.
14.
Inside the Civic Museum of San Gimignano there is a wood tabernacle painted by Lorenzo di Niccolo in 1402 depicting Saint Fina holding a model of San Gimignano along with eight scenes of her life and miracles.