Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua

The Story

The Pontifical Basilica of St. Anthony in Padua, Italy — known to locals simply as "Il Santo" — is one of the most visited pilgrimage churches in the world, built to shelter the tomb of St. Anthony of Padua (1195-1231). Born Fernando in Lisbon, Anthony joined the Franciscans after the relics of the first Franciscan martyrs were brought home from Morocco. His extraordinary command of Scripture and his fiery, tender preaching made him the most celebrated evangelist of his age; St. Francis himself entrusted the teaching of theology to him. Worn out by his labors, he died near Padua on June 13, 1231, at thirty-five, and was canonized within a year — one of the fastest canonizations in history. Construction of the great basilica over his tomb began around 1232. Its cluster of domes and towers shelters the Chapel of the Tomb, where pilgrims pass in silence, laying a hand on the marble of the saint's sepulcher and leaving petitions and thanksgivings. In the Chapel of the Relics, the reliquary traditionally said to contain the saint's incorrupt tongue — reported found whole when his remains were examined in 1263 — testifies, in the language of devotion, to the preacher whose words never ceased to praise God. St. Anthony, Doctor of the Church, remains among the most beloved saints of the Catholic world: finder of lost things, helper of the poor (the "St. Anthony's bread" tradition of almsgiving continues today), and friend of all who seek his intercession. Millions visit his basilica each year, above all around his feast on June 13.

Church Recognition

The Basilica of St. Anthony is a pontifical minor basilica in the care of the Conventual Franciscans; St. Anthony was canonized in 1232, within a year of his death, and declared a Doctor of the Church (Doctor Evangelicus) by Pope Pius XII in 1946.

Catholic Teaching

The veneration of St. Anthony's tomb and relics expresses the Church's teaching on the communion of saints and the honor due the bodies of the saints (CCC 946-962; 1674), while his preaching embodies the Church's mission to proclaim the Word of God to all (CCC 875).

Plan Your Visit

Open only what you need. Expand all

Practical

1 Additional Information ▾

Pilgrims venerate the tomb and relics of St. Anthony, including his preserved tongue and vocal cords.

Go Deeper

The basilica's official website is https://www.santantonio.org. The Sermons of St. Anthony, the writings of the Messenger of Saint Anthony, and the Catechism on the communion of saints (CCC 946-962) offer rich further reading.