If you are traveling for a trip out of town and you are near the Padova Est exit, a little tour to discover one of the most beautiful religious architecture in Italy is considered a must.

The Basilica of Sant'Antonio, reachable in about fifteen minutes, awaits you in Piazza del Santo to surprise you with its imposing size, the eight domes and the two bell towers.

Ah hour is all you need for the visit and then you will be ready to leave for the next stop!

St. Anthony is the patron saint of the city of Padua and is celebrated on June 13th. The Padovans are very dear to his figure, so much that at his death in 1231 he began a pilgrimage so widespread in the church where he was buried that he forced the city authorities to build a very large building, as we see today. The result is a triumph of three styles: Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque. The Basilica is a jewel of architecture, inside which the small church of Madonna Mora and an adjoining convent whose forms are still visible are incorporated. Every year millions of devoted from all over the world go to this place of art and faith.

Antonio, born in 1195 in Lisbon with the name of Fernando, became a Franciscan friar and many miracles are attributed to him. To pay homage to the saint, there are various treasures to be discovered inside the wonderful Basilica: such as the Chapel of the Relic, or of the Treasure, which houses the uncorrupted tongue of Antonio. Or it is possible to see in the lunette a work by Mantegna portraying the patron saint, together with Bartolomeo.

The Basilica gives us the thrill of seeing, in one place, the works of the most important masters of art in our country: among these, the monument dedicated to Gattamelata, a work by Donatello. Many important workers have dedicated themselves over the centuries to pay homage to Antonio, whose remains are kept in the Altar of the Ark.

Why leave immediately when you can take a nice walk among the beauties of the historic center of Padua? You will surely find time at least to visit the Scrovegni Chapel painted by Giotto, the main icon of the city of Padua internationally. And who knows, it could end beautifully at the table: among bigoli, paccheri and boiled meats, the choice on the menu is really difficult!

So when is it going going to be your next trip to Padua?

 

A land to discover:

Food and Wine: The Saint's sweets: “amarettoni”, laces and more.

History: Padova is the oldest city in Veneto, home to a prestigious university.

Territory: From the Scrovegni Chapel to the other wonders of the historic center.