Basilica of Sant'Antonio di Padova - Padua (PD) - Veneto
- Tuttitaly
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Known worldwide as the Basilica of the Saint, or more simply as the Saint, it is one of the largest churches in the world and is visited annually by over 6.5 million pilgrims, making it one of the most venerated sanctuaries in the Christian World... #tuttitaly
The Basilica of Saint Anthony, better known as "Il Santo," is the main religious center of the city of Padua and a destination for thousands of believers who make pilgrimages there every year, especially on June 13th, the feast day of the Saint.
The construction of the Basilica began in 1232 with the purpose of housing the tomb of Saint Anthony, the Franciscan friar who died in Padua in 1231. The location where the Basilica stands was already sacred, as there was a church dedicated to Mary since 1110, later incorporated into the Basilica's structure as the Chapel of the Madonna Mora. Next to the church, a Franciscan friars' convent was founded in 1229, possibly established by Saint Anthony himself.
The architecture of the Basilica is a fusion of different styles: Romanesque elements in the facade, Gothic in the chapels of the ambulatory, Byzantine domes covered in lead, and Moorish bell towers. The building attracted the attention of renowned artists like Giotto, who contributed to its decoration.
The heartbeat of the basilica is the main altar, located at the center of a wide apse surrounded by an ambulatory leading to the sumptuous Treasure Chapel. Built between 1443 and 1450 by Donatello, the altar is a true masterpiece of Italian Renaissance, adorned with gilded bronze sculptures rising magnificently. The statues of the patron Saints of Padua, along with the majestic Crucifix and the Madonna with Child enthroned, captivate visitors with their timeless beauty.
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