One of the few saints who is highly valued outside of Christianity is San Francesco, known in German-speaking countries as Francis of Assisi. This "Sacro Monte di Orta" is dedicated to him, and significant stages of his life are recreated in the individual chapels.
Francis was born in Assisi in 1181/82, and died in 1226. In his youth, as the son of wealthy parents, he was more of a bon vivant, but later he turned to Christ. One day he was praying in the half-ruined church of San Damiano, located on the hillside outside the city walls of Assisi, and heard the voice of Christ from the cross, calling on him to "rebuild his church". At first he took this request literally and restored the church building, but later he came to the realization that this was primarily about the church as the community of believers.
Francis became a role model for many people, they joined him and the "Ordo of the Friars Minor" (Ordo Fratrum Minorum) of Francis of Assisi was founded. Today, there are three male branches in the large Franciscan order family: the Franciscans, the Minorites and the Capuchins; and two female branches: the Franciscan sisters and the Poor Clares. In addition, there is the "Third" or "Secular" Order, which can be joined by women and men who do not take the classic religious vows (poverty, chastity and obedience) and continue to live in their families and professions.