For those looking for a spiritual and peaceful place, we recommend a visit to the Basilica of Saint Anthony, an artistic masterpiece considered the main monument of Padua.
Saint Anthony, venerated all over the world, is intimately linked to Portugal, specifically in Lisbon, his city of birth. The first-born of a noble family, Fernando, his real name, was born in 1195. He studied in Coimbra, and after being a missionary in Africa, he arrived in Italy where he met Saint Francis of Assisi who was impressed by the humanity of the Portuguese friar.
Saint Anthony's preachings in Italy aroused profound emotion. He was acclaimed by the people because his messages condemned wealth and exalted humility. Today he is the patron saint of Lisbon (Portugal) and Padua (Italy), a city where he lived and died in 1231. Not even a year after his death, the Church, in the person of Pope Gregory, proclaimed him a saint.
The construction of the Basilica consecrated to him began in 1232, and was carried out in its main part at the end of the 13th century. It is a majestic building built above imposing Romanesque structures. The slender apse part, with nine chapels, belongs instead to the Gothic style. Great both inside and outside it is divided into: Chapel of the Saint, Chapel of Madonna Mora, Chapel of Blessed Luke, Radial Chapels, Chapel of Relics or Treasure, Chapel of St. James, Chapel of Ss. Sacrament, Presbytery and the High Altar.
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