In this photo, real pigeons share the fountain with bronze versions,
who have been there since 1927, when sculptor Giannino Castiglioni created the work
dedicated to St. Francis, in Piazza Sant'Angelo (the church is dedicated to our guardian angel).
The Franciscan friars who run the church traditionally cherish animals,
just as their order's founder did many centuries ago,
and once a year in the piazza just in front this church
there is a service in which all animals can be brought for a blessing.