A fig tree growing in the estates of Baron Anteo Pellacani has been worshipped since the Middle Ages, after a Saint was supposedly martyred there. The Baron, who was crippled in a fig tree-related accident and has since become a raging atheist, vows to tear it down—until he mistakes a beautiful prostitute momentarily lying on the tree for the Saint herself, falling in love with her. Her pimp, his relatives and the clergy try to take advantage of his newfound faith.