“At the intersection of Via Vecchietti and Via Strozzi stands a small bronze statue known as ‘Il Diavolino‘ (The Little Devil). The work, which depicts a satyr holding a flag, was created by the famous sculptor Giambologna. The spot where it stands has been known for centuries as the ‘Canto del Diavolo‘ (The Devil’s Corner).
The statue commemorates a medieval legend from 1243. It is said that while Saint Peter Martyr was preaching to a crowd at this crossroad, the devil suddenly appeared in the form of a massive black horse. The animal began to charge furiously toward the people to terrify the faithful and interrupt the Saint’s prayer.
Saint Peter Martyr was not frightened: he raised his hand and made the sign of the cross toward the horse. Immediately, the power of evil was defeated, and the animal fled, vanishing into thin air. Centuries later, Giambologna created this sculpture to permanently mark the site of this miracle and to remind everyone of the Saint’s victory over the devil.”
