Cathedral of
Sant'Antonio
Padua
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Basilica stands on the site of the small church of Santa Maria Mater Domini, where St. Anthony of Padua was buried after his death in the first half of the 13th century. Soon, miraculous events were reported at his tomb, attracting pilgrims from across Italy and abroad. Just a year after the Saint’s death, Pope Gregory IX canonised him. This event led to the decision to build a new, larger basilica to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. The Basilica of St. Anthony is now one of the most venerated shrines in the Christian world, attracting more than 6.5 million visitors every year.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
The Basilica was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021 as part of Padua’s 14th-century fresco cycles. It also houses numerous masterpieces of art, including monumental bronze sculptures by Donatello on the high altar, frescoes by artists such as Giusto de’ Menabuoi in the Chapel of the Blessed Luca Belludi, and a fresco recently attributed to Giotto in the Chapel of the Madonna Mora.
The basilica’s cloisters also contain the tombs and memorials of illustrious university professors and musicians, bearing witness to the rich intellectual and cultural heritage of Padua.