Santo António Church
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Saint Anthony (Santo António) Church

There's been a church on the spot where St. Anthony, (Antonio di Padova or Anthony of Lisbon 1195 - 1231) was born since the 13th Century. The church is located close to Lisbon's cathedral (Sé) halfway between the Baixa and Alfama districts. The Baroque-Rococo-styled church we see today is an 18th-century reconstruction after the original succumb to the great earthquake of 1755. Most Catholics know Saint Anthony as Anthony of Padua, after the Italian town he spent his later years. St. Anthony is revered in Lisbon and is the city's main patron Saint. He was born into a wealthy Lisbon family and went by the name of Fernando Martins. He joined the Franciscan Order and travelled to North Africa and Italy and befriended St Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order. Anthony is remembered as a miracle worker, Saint Anthony is the patron saint of matchmaking and of lost objects, among various other patronages. He died on the 13th of June 1231 in Padua aged only 36. He was canonised the following year.

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Saint Anthony (Santo António) Church - Interior

Saint Anthony (Santo António) Church - Interior

The exterior façade of the late Baroque-style church seems too formal to be a church. Reconstruction began in 1757 only two years after the original was destroyed. The interior is bright and more welcoming with light streaming through the dome on the ceiling illuminating the marble patterned floor. The interior is also adorned with statues and images of Saint Anthony’s life. The main chapel contains a wooden statue which pre-dates the 1755 earthquake. One of the altars contains a painting said to be an accurate effigy of the saint. The sacristy is decorated with 18th-century tiles. A newer tile panel commemorates the visit of Pope John Paul II to the church in 1982 who insisted on visiting the crypt of Saint Anthony below the main church the saint's actual birthplace and home to his many relics.

The 13th of June is St Anthony’s feast day and is a cause for great celebration in Lisbon. In the days preceeding the festival areas of the city are festooned with brightly coloured decorations, food stalls are set up and entertainment throughout the city's streets. Traditionally mass-marriages also take place during the festivities.

Weekdays: 08h00 – 19h00, Weekends: 08h00 – 19h45

Museum of Saint Anthony

Next to the church of Saint Anthony (São António) is a museum dedicated to Saint Anthony and his relationship with Lisbon, where he was born and lived until he was 20 years old. The current manifestation of the Museum of Lisbon - Saint Anthony opened in 2014 after an enlargement programme. The exhibition presents the history of the saint and his elevation over the centuries to one of the most popular saints in the world. The museum also examines lesser-known aspects of the cult devoted to the saint, such as his posthumous military honours, Afro-Brazilian cults associated with the saint and the varied forms this cult takes in Portugal and other countries evangelised by Portuguese priests.

The permanent exhibition also looks into the multiple occasions the saint features on the calendar of popular festivities, including processions, weddings, festivals and marches. The neighbouring Church of Saint Anthony is built upon what is commonly regarded as his birthplace.

Tuesday – Sunday: 10h00 - 18h00, Monday: CLOSED (last admission at 17h30)

Adult: €3.00, Concessionary: €1,50, Lisbon Card Lisbon Card: FREE
Museum of Saint Anthony

Museum of Saint Anthony

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Getting to the Museum and Church of Saint Anthony

714, 732, 736, 737, 760
12E, 15E

Contact Details
22 Largo de Santo António da Sé, 1100-499 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 36.4" N | 09° 08' 02.5" W | +351 217 513 200
santoantonio@museudelisboa.pt |  Website

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