Let’s visit the visit the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua
Padua often seems to get lost between its two main rivals: Venice and Verona, although it offers its visitors a wide variety of attractions and interesting places, and the Basilica of St. Anthony is definitely one of them, known in Padua, simply as “ The Saint ”. Come with us! Shall we visit the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
Our Introduction
It is the most important church in the city, one of the largest and most visited in the world, as well as one of the main attractions of Padua. This Basilica has a strong Byzantine influence and is dedicated to Saint Anthony, whose tomb is located inside the church. Preserving its relics in the Basilica, the church has quickly become a place of pilgrimage for all pilgrims in Europe and yet tens of thousands of pilgrims who come each year to Padua to pray in the Basilica of St. Anthony and pay their homage to the Saint. Also read What to do in a day in Padua? and Where to stay in Padua?
St. Anthony’s Day and its procession
The Basilica of St Anthony is the religious center of the city and is visited by thousands of devotees every year, especially on June 13th, the feast of the Saint, where they descend into the city for the famous procession. The Basilica was started in 1232 to protect the tomb of the Franciscan friar Anthony, who died in Padua in 1231 and is in the place where, since 1110, there is a church dedicated to Mary. The large building has a characteristic fusion of styles in its structure: Roman elements on the façade, bell-shaped, Gothic in the outpatient plan, with seven chapels, eight lead-covered Byzantine domes and Arabic style in the two thin and slender towers. Read also Discover Assisi the city of Saint Francis!
Vídeo about Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua
(Source: Museum memories)
1) Let’s visit the visit the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua – VISIT THE INSIDE OF BASILICA
Inside the Basilica, you will find nine radial chapels, named for their position in relation to the arch. It is formed by the chapels of St Francis, St Leopold, St Stanislaus, St Stephen, St Boniface, St Rose of Lima, Chapel of Relics and Chapel of Blessings, where you will have the opportunity to see a concentration of masterpieces. Your attention will be captured mainly by the tombs of doctors, warriors, priests and writers, along with lots of paintings and sculptures by leading artists. Also read about The Scrovegni Chapel in Padua
Chapel of the Holy Ark
The tomb that draws the most attention, of all, is that of Cardinal Pietro Bembo. The Chapel of the Holy Ark is one of the most beautiful works of the Renaissance. All other chapels are also beautiful. As is also worth noting, the square that has the equestrian monument for Erasmo da Narni, mercenary commander, by Gattamelata de Donatello. Also read Religious tourism in Italy?
2) Let’s visit the visit the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua – VISIT THE DONATELLO STATUE
A bronze statue of Donatello, which was a true revolution in art history, is in fact the first equestrian statue of great proportions in relation to other architectural elements. Because of all the splendor of the Basilica, the famous equestrian statue of Gattamelata is hardly noticed, but it is considered one of the most important works of the early Renaissance. In the square, to the right of the basilica, there is also the burial chapel of the Marquis of Soragna, also called ‘Oratorio di San Giorgio’.
3) Let’s visit the visit the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua – VISIT THE CHAPEL OF THE RELICS
Absolutely wonderful are the Presbytery and the Altare Maggiore, where you can admire the four bronze statues representing temperance, faith, charity and hope. The climax of the entire pilgrimage of each visit to St. Anthony’s Basilica is the Chapel of Relics, at the end of the Basilica. In a small room, you can admire the Reliquary, framed in gold, containing the tongue, but not decomposing, of Saint Anthony, his jaw with five teeth and some other remains of the Saint. It is also worth seeing the coffin and one of his robes, which represents a special experience. How about a private tour of the Basilica? Click here to learn more!
4) Let’s visit the visit the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua – VISIT THE CLOISTERS
Beautiful are also the cloisters of the convent. The Basilica of Saint Anthony, you can access from the square to the Franciscan monastery, next to its four medieval cloisters, three of which are accessible and open to the public. The Great Magnolia Cloister owes its name to a large magnolia tree in its center. Through the Cloister of Samples, you will arrive at the Civic Museum of the Saint, which displays the gifts of pilgrims who were brought to St Anthony over time. Through the Beato Luca Cloister, you have access to the Antoniano Museum, which houses many of the Church’s treasures, as well as some paintings, frescoes and many other works of art. The Basilica, as we can see now, is the result that was achieved through three reconstructions, which took place in the space of seventy years.
Conclusion
Visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua? St. Anthony’s Basilica is considered one of the most important and popular religious buildings in Europe, as well as the International Shrine, which is among the most visited in the world. It is thought that each year, more than four million pilgrims come to the city to pay homage to the Saint of the city of Padua. It is really one of the main attractions of the place.
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