Bernardino’s long stay at the Capriola, the hill where the Basilica dell’Osservanza stands, was intermittent and can be divided into two periods: the first was between 1405 and 1415, the second went from the spring of 1425 to that of 1444. We know very little of the first period. It was characterized by a strictly ascetic life of prayer, penance and care of his brothers, for whom he humbly . . .