Church of Saint Anthony of Olivais or Sanctuary of Saint Anthony of Olivais

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Coimbra > Santo António dos Olivais

Location

- Located in the parish of Santo António dos Olivais, in Coimbra, Portugal.

Classification

- Classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1963.

History

- The religious origin dates back to a chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony, in the early 13th century.

- In 1217-1218, a convent of the Order of Friars Minor was founded.

- In 1247, the friars moved to the Convent of São Francisco da Ponte.

- The chapel, later dedicated to Saint Anthony, was enlarged in the 15th century, with the current portico dating from that time.

- In the 16th century, the church passed to the Capuchin Franciscans of the Province of Piety, and later, in 1673, to the Province of Soledade.

- The church was remodeled in the Baroque style, gaining the appearance it has today.

- In 1967, the Conventual Friars Minor returned to the site, resuming the Franciscan presence and, in 1974, assumed the management of the church and the parish.

Architecture and Art

- Access through an ogival portico.

- The church has a single nave.

- Inside, there is a painting by the Italian Pascoal Parente, representing Saint Anthony taking the Franciscan habit.

- Imposing staircase flanked by six chapels with clay figures, which represent episodes from the life of Christ.

Religious Importance

- Place where Saint Anthony took the Franciscan habit.

- The church and convent continue to be managed by the Franciscan friars, keeping the Franciscan tradition and spirituality alive in the local community.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igreja_de_Santo_António_dos_Olivais