Saint Catherine of Siena (1347 to 1380) is co-patron saint of Italy and one of Europe's patron saints.

BBC: Two days in Siena, Italy

The looming encounter between modern technology and a timeless spiritual tradition might indeed pose an almost insuperable challenge for the latter if Saint Catherine's were located anywhere else.

ECONOMIST: Saint Catherine's monastery

There is also a long-term conservation project which has attracted the support of some up-market benefactors in London, Geneva and New York, who set up the Saint Catherine Foundation.

ECONOMIST: Saint Catherine's monastery

He is the patron saint (with Catherine and Bernardino of Siena) of the nation of Italy.

NEWYORKER: Rich Man, Poor Man