Baudolino
Saint Baudolino was an 8th-century hermit in northern Italy known for his holiness and prophetic gifts. He is the patron saint of Alessandria, where his legend grew significantly after the city's founding, with traditions crediting him with miraculous interventions.
- Feast Day
- 10 November
- Century
- 8th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›He was a hermit who lived in Forum Fulvii (now Villa del Foro) in north-west Italy around the time of the Lombard King Liutprand.
- ›He is described in the Historia Langobardorum as a man of wonderful holiness, distinguished for many miracles and endowed with clairvoyance and prophecy.
- ›A specific miracle recounts his prophetic knowledge of the death of Liutprand's nephew, Aufusus.
- ›Alessandria was founded in 1168, and its citizens brought Baudolino's remains from Forum Fulvii.
- ›Tradition states he appeared on the city's bastions in 1174 to repel besieging Imperial troops.
- ›He was proclaimed the principal patron of the city and diocese of Alessandria in 1786.
Alessandria
About Baudolino
Saint Baudolino
Saint Baudolino was an 8th-century hermit venerated in north-west Italy, primarily remembered for his holiness and prophetic abilities. He lived around the years 700 to 740 AD during the reign of the Lombard king Liutprand in Forum Fulvii, a locality on the lower Tanaro river, which is now known as Villa del Foro.
Life and Historical Context
According to the "Historia Langobardorum" by Paul the Deacon, written about forty years after Baudolino's death, he was a "man of wonderful holiness" endowed with clairvoyance and prophecy. The text records a specific miracle where Baudolino informed King Liutprand that his nephew, Aufusus, who had been accidentally injured by an arrow, was already dead, demonstrating his prophetic gift. Baudolino himself died around 740 and was buried at Forum Fulvii.
Remains and Legend
Centuries later, in 1168, the city of Alessandria was founded as a stronghold of the Lombard League. The inhabitants of Forum Fulvii transferred to the new city, bringing the relics of Saint Baudolino with them. Tradition holds that in 1174, he appeared on the city's bastions to put to flight Imperial troops during a siege. His veneration grew, and a church was built in his honor in 1189. Later, the Humiliati and then the Dominicans elaborated on the scant historical accounts, propagating legends such as Baudolino belonging to the Humiliati order or being an archbishop of Alessandria.
Patronage and Veneration
Saint Baudolino was proclaimed the principal patron of the city and diocese of Alessandria in 1786. His feast is celebrated on the Sunday following November 10th. His remains have been moved over time, currently residing in a chapel dedicated to him in the new cathedral of Alessandria. Iconographically, he is depicted dressed as a bishop, often surrounded by animals like geese and deer, who were said to enjoy listening to him, anticipating later depictions of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Legacy
While historical details of Baudolino's life are sparse, his legend and patronage of Alessandria have endured. In 2000, Umberto Eco, a native of Alessandria, published a novel titled "Baudolino," which features the saint and a miracle of clairvoyance inspired by his attributed gifts. This literary work has brought renewed attention to the saint's narrative and the traditions surrounding him.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Baudolino?
Saint Baudolino was an 8th-century hermit living in Forum Fulvii, in present-day north-west Italy. He was known for his holiness and prophetic abilities.
What is Saint Baudolino known for?
He is primarily remembered for his holiness and miracles, particularly his gift of prophecy. He is also the patron saint of Alessandria, where legends attribute miraculous interventions to him.
When is Saint Baudolino's feast day?
His feast day is celebrated on the Sunday following 10 November.
Where did Saint Baudolino live?
He lived at Forum Fulvii, a locality on the lower reaches of the river Tanaro in north-west Italy. This area is now known as Villa del Foro.
What is the origin of Saint Baudolino's legend?
His life is first mentioned in the Historia Langobardorum by Paul the Deacon. Later, after the founding of Alessandria, his remains were transferred, and his legend grew with stories of his protection of the city.
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