Igreja de Santo António (Saint Anthony Church), Lisbon, Portugal

This is the Church of Santo Antonio, or Saint Anthony of Padua (Italy). Despite his name, the saint was born in Lisbon 1195 in what is now the crypt of this church. The site of the family house where Anthony was born was turned into a small chapel in the 15th century. This early building, from which nothing remains, was rebuilt in the early 16th century, during the reign of King Manuel I.

After long missionary pursuits, he settled in Padua (hence, his name). Due to his immense popularity, he was canonized less than a year after his death, in 1232.

St Vincent might be the official patron saint of the city but Anthony dwells in the hearts of all the people of Lisbon. He is the patron saint of lost things and he is also known as the matchmaker saint. On Saint Anthony's Day in June, mass weddings take place in the city's cathedral.

On May 12th 1982, Pope John Paul II visited the church and prayed in the crypt, which marks the spot where the saint was born.

Next to the church is a small museum about the life of the saint.

User Reviews

Rafał Garus (3 months ago)
Very amazing and beautiful place

Yvonne Riester (7 months ago)
Nice cool church to sit and rest a bit.

Jenson Varghese (10 months ago)
Very good pilgrim centre with lot bless of st Antoney

Eduardo Gitassi (10 months ago)
Church of the most famous saint of Portugal, built over his house.

Giulianna (15 months ago)
It's a church which you wouldn't go if you didn't know that the saint Anthony, the patron of Lisbon was born here. Its very interesting and a beautiful church. A place where you can find some peace in the touristy city. They also have a toilet and a shop for people looking for a souvenir of the saint. The priest even gave us his blessing as well as the blessing for the little souvenir of st. Anthony which we bought for one euro each. It is a great place for people who are religious but as well for people who want to understand a bit more about lisbon and the culture.

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