Padova’s spectacular San Antonio Basilica

This past winter, my son and I took a few weekend trips to Padova, in Italy’s northern Veneto region.

It was also a great opportunity to see the Sant Antonio basilica once again. This spectacular basilica was constructed beginning in 1232, a year following the death of St Anthony. It was completed in 1310. Like many churches, it continued to grow and expand after completion, and today it is an eclectic (and stunning) blend of archtectural styles.

The basilica’s exterior mixes Romanesque and Byzantine elements, and also includes some Gothic features that were added later. It should be a jumble of competing styles, and yet it all works perfectly.

It’s gorgeous to view this basilica from various sides as you wander around this postcard-perfect town.

Our hotel on the edge of then old town had gorgeous views over then basilica, and we enjoyed seeing it each morning at breakfast..

I didn’t take photos of the lovely interior – since signs (and guards) were all over asking visitors not to do so. But there is a lovely chapel with the tomb of Saint Anthony, where pigrims and visitors come to pray.

Saint Anthony of Padova (1195-1231) was born in Portugal and came to live in Padova, where he died. He was one of the most famous folowers of Saint Francis of Assisi.

The basilica is reason alone to visit Padova – and yet there is so much to see in this beautiful town.