The figure of San Felice is linked to the events of many martyrs in history bearing this name and among those who are most remembered there is certainly San Felice, Bishop of Nola, whose story is told to us by the statue on the spire of the G16 facade. But there are also other saints of the same name, some are martyrs and remembered by the Christian community for their great courage in professing their faith in times of persecution. Other San Felices are remembered for having held the papal office, still others are Saints born and raised in different parts of the world. Some were probably soldiers and legionaries, as the clothing of this statue suggests. We cannot know which of the countless Felices it is, but we know for sure that it was placed on the top of the Milan Cathedral to protect all the other statues that precede the main spire, the golden virgin that stands in the sky blessing passers-by and citizens.

Tales of the statue in Dome’s building site:

The statue of San Felice was created by Gigi Supino around the mid-20th century. In fact, terracotta model studies have been preserved which represent the statue in the same pose and with the same clothing, and bearing the engraving of the name “Supino” at the base. In line with these sketches, the definitive San Felice presents himself as a gladiator, like the one who was put to fight in the Roman arena against wild beasts to entertain the public. The raised right arm originally held a crucifix, a symbol of Christianity.