Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua

Fun Facts

• • In 1991, thieves stole the relic of the chin of the saint, only for it to be found undamaged near Rome shortly after, allowing it to be returned to the chapel.
• • Inside, the Chapel of the Relics contains a fragment of a drinking glass that, according to legend, was thrown by an arch heretic to prove it would break, but it remained entirely intact.
• • Look closely at the bell towers, which bear a striking resemblance to Islamic minarets, a unique architectural choice that reflects the cross cultural influences of medieval trade routes.
• • The Basilica was long known as the Saint by locals, emphasizing its singular importance to the city identity.
• • The Madonna Mora chapel incorporates the original small church where Saint Anthony himself prayed, serving as a direct physical link to his life in the early 13th century.
• • The basilica was historically managed by the Veneranda Arca di Sant'Antonio, a lay organization that has overseen its administration since the late 14th century, a rare example of civic management for a church of this status.
• • The choir area once featured a wooden inlay masterpiece by Lorenzo Canozi, though only small fragments of this intricate work survive today.
• • The church is famous for holding the incorrupt relic of Saint Anthony’s tongue, a phenomenon that has fascinated believers and scientists alike for centuries.
• • The equestrian statue in the square, depicting the mercenary leader Gattamelata, was created by Donatello and remains one of the most significant bronze statues of the early Renaissance.
• • The organ of the basilica is a massive instrument with over 6,000 pipes, featuring a console that allows the organist to control sounds originating from different parts of the church.