Major Artworks

The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony, which the people of Padua call Il Santo (The Saint), is the most im portant monument in the city and one of the world’s most important art treasures. Recognised by the Holy See as an International Shrine, it is also one of Christendom’s most
celebrated and popular churches. The name of the architect is not known; he may have been a Franciscan friar, a man of genius and of extensive figurative knowledge. The Basilica was initiated in 1232, and its principal part was completed towards the end of that century. It was dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua, who was born around 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal, and who died in Padua on June 13, 1231.

Taken as a whole, the majestic building displays the strong influence of Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice, yet its large and imposing structure is Romanesque, while the interior, with its high apse and nine radial chapels, is purely Gothic in style. These con trasting characteristics are blended together in an original way which immediately distinguishes the Basilica from other medieval places of worship.
 

The Chapel of Saint Anthony

The Chapel of Saint Anthony is a splendid Renaissance work begun in 1500 and completed towards the end of that century.

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The Chapel of the Black Madonna

This is all that remains of the small church of Saint Mary Mater Domini, which had been donated to St. Anthony by Iacopo, Bishop of Padua, in 1229.

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The Chapel of Blessed Luke

Behind the north-facing wall of the Chapel of the Black Madonna is the Chapel of Blessed Luke Belludi, a disciple and companion of St. Anthony.

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The Chapel of the Relics (Treasury Chapel)

The chapel was erected towards the end of the 17th century in sumptuous Baroque style according to the plan of sculptor-architect Filippo Parodi, who also produced

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The Presbitery and Main Altar

The main altar and the presbytery are separated by an elegant communion rail adorned with four beautiful bronze statues by Tiziano Aspetti (1594).

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