Moselle fishermen placed the sandstone figure of St. Francis at this previously dangerous spot for their protection. Before that, they had saved the figure from the French revolutionary troops.
From the board: This sandstone figure was purchased from a monastery by Trier fishermen in 1802. The boatmen thus saved the statue from the French revolutionary troops and placed it here on the banks of the Moselle near Riol. This part of the Moselle was very feared by fishermen because of the shallows. Francis was supposed to keep watch here and protect the sailors. St. stands with a rope-belted habit and, as attributes, the cross in his hand and the globe under his left foot. Francis has been in this place since that time.