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Francesca di Savoia
(1595-1641)

Biographical

Duke Charles Emmanuel I of Savoy attempted, in vain, to forge political alliances through the possible marriages of his daughters, Maria Apollonia and Francesca Caterina. The two sisters, however, decided to seek a path away from the court, and they decided to found the Cappuccin monastery at Turin. With their father's permission, they became nuns in 1627 and dedicated their time to charitable work. In 1629 they joined the Third Order of Saint Francis, and in 1640 they moved to Biella. In 1640 Francesca returned from a visit to Orpa and came down with a fever. She died soon afterwards. She was declared venerable in 1838.

Place of birth: Turin
Place of death: Biella
Place of burial: Sanctuary of Oropa

Daughter of Carlo Emanuele I di Savoia and Infanta Catalina of Spain.

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