Galla of Rome

Galla of Rome was a 6th-century Roman widow known for her generosity. She is considered a saint in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Life Galla was the daughter of Roman patrician Symmachus the Younger, who was appointed consul in 485. Galla was also the sister-in-law of Boethius. Her father, Quintus Aurelius Memmius Symmachus, was condemned to death, unjustly, by Theodoric in 525. Galla had been married at a relatively young age, but was soon widowed, just over a year after her marriage. The Hospice of St. Galla, an overnight shelter for paupers, was established next door by Pope Celestine III. When the icon was transferred to the newly built Santa Maria in Campitelli, Santa Maria in Portico began to be called Santa Galla Antiqua in honor of its foundress.

Legacy

Galla's biography is in the Dialogues of Gregory the Great. Galla is also believed to be the inspiration for the letter of Fulgentius of Ruspe, titled .

The new church dedicated to Galla, located in the Ostiense quarter, was consecrated in 1940.

Galla is one of the 140 saints whose images adorn St. Peter's Square's colonnade.