Martyr for Science

I previously referred to Giordano Bruno, when I discussed the statue which can be found in the Camp de' Fiori. After researching more on Giordano Bruno, I have come to realize the true meaning of the statue and what it stands for.

Giordano Bruno was an Italian philosopher, priest, cosmologist and occulist. He is best known for his organization of knowledge by using the mneumonic system. He was thoroughly interested in the art of memory and philosophy. Bruno was fascinated with the Copernicus and his heliocentric ideas, referrering to the sun as the center. His innovative ideas and outspoken nature ended up working against him in the end. His ideas of the infinite size of the Universe, ultimately did not go along with Orthodox Christian beliefs, forcing him to flee Naples and Rome, while abandoning the Dominican order. He managed to find peace in France, where he was able to lead a cycle of thirthy lectures on theoloical topics, and became famous for his exceptional memory.

Bruno's strong philosophical beliefs that clashed with the Christians, eventually led The Roman Inquisiton to have Bruno to be sent to Rome, where he was imprisoned for 7 years, during his trial in the Tower of Nona. The long list of charges against Bruno were based on his writings, immoral conduct and his philosophical views that were against the Catholic faith. Holding strong to his beliefs and thoughts, Bruno eventually was persecuted, in Campo de'Fiori, where he was tied to a pole, naked, burning to death.

The dark and gloomy statue stands tall in the middle of Campo de'Fiori, disobediently facing the Vatican. Ettore Ferrari, an artist, dedicated the monument to him as a reminder of the martyr of freedom of speech and science.

Information obtained from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giordano_Bruno