The monastery of Saint Damian has been very important to the religious path of the young Francis: in fact, in this country oratory he heard the Crucifix talking to him and saying:

"Vade Francisco et repara domum meam" * *("Francis, go and repair my house")

Such words were enough to him to decide to sell his goods and repair the ancient oratory.

And it was here, in the convent that Saint Francis wrote his "Laudes Creaturarum" ["The Canticle of the Creatures"], during the winter of 1224.

From 1212 to 1253, Saint Clare and her Poor Clares estabilished themselves here, up to Saint Clare's death.