🙏 Basilica of St. Anthony, Padua
Italy
About This Sacred Site
The Pontifical Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua, known simply as Il Santo, is one of the world's most visited pilgrimage churches. It houses the relics of St. Anthony (1195-1231), the Portuguese-born Franciscan friar who is one of the most popular saints in the Catholic world, invoked as the patron saint of lost things. The basilica blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Byzantine architectural elements. Pilgrims flock to touch St. Anthony's tomb and venerate his incorrupt tongue and vocal cords, displayed in the Relics Chapel as testimony to his extraordinary preaching.
Key Facts
- •Over 6.5 million pilgrims visit annually, making it one of the most visited churches in the world
- •St. Anthony's tongue and vocal cords remain incorrupt after nearly 800 years
- •The basilica houses works by Donatello, including the high altar and bronze crucfix
- •St. Anthony is the patron saint of lost things and is invoked worldwide
- •The Feast of St. Anthony on June 13 draws hundreds of thousands to Padua
Location
Coordinates: 45.4015, 11.8808
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