Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon or Church of Saint Anthony near the Cathedral and sacristy.

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Sé

Historical Location

The church is located in the parish of Santa Maria Maior, in Lisbon, and is situated on the site where, according to tradition, Saint Anthony was born. This is a point of great historical and religious significance for devotees.

Connection with Marriage

There is a popular tradition associated with the church, where couples often visit it on their wedding day to pray and leave flowers, asking for the blessing of Saint Anthony, who is considered the patron saint of marriages.

Crypt and Destruction of the Original Church

The crypt, accessible through the sacristy, is the only vestige of the original church, destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. The current church was rebuilt in late Baroque and Pombaline style from 1767.

Architecture and Interior

The new church, designed by the architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira, has a late Baroque style, with an elegant staircase and pediment. Inside, you can see the floor covered with coins, a tradition that comes from children asking for "a penny for Saint Anthony." The walls have messages left by devotees.

Visit of Pope John Paul II

On the way down to the crypt, there is a panel of modern tiles that celebrates the visit of Pope John Paul II to the church in 1982, an important milestone in the recent history of the church.

Museum dedicated to Saint Anthony

Next to the church, there is a small museum dedicated to the life and work of Saint Anthony. This museum was created in 1962 and renovated between 2010 and 2012, providing a more current view of the saint's history.

Recent Renovation

The church was renovated in 1995, on the occasion of the eighth centenary of the birth of Saint Anthony, making it a more modern space for the faithful and visitors.

Importance for Devotees

The Church of Saint Anthony is a meeting point for devotees from all over the world, who come to pray, give thanks, or ask for the intercession of the saint in various situations in life.

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

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt