Igreja de Santo António (Saint Anthony Church), Lisbon, Portugal

This is the Church of Santo Antonio, or Saint Anthony of Padua (Italy). Despite his name, the saint was born in Lisbon 1195 in what is now the crypt of this church. The site of the family house where Anthony was born was turned into a small chapel in the 15th century. This early building, from which nothing remains, was rebuilt in the early 16th century, during the reign of King Manuel I.

After long missionary pursuits, he settled in Padua (hence, his name). Due to his immense popularity, he was canonized less than a year after his death, in 1232.

St Vincent might be the official patron saint of the city but Anthony dwells in the hearts of all the people of Lisbon. He is the patron saint of lost things and he is also known as the matchmaker saint. On Saint Anthony's Day in June, mass weddings take place in the city's cathedral.

On May 12th 1982, Pope John Paul II visited the church and prayed in the crypt, which marks the spot where the saint was born.

Next to the church is a small museum about the life of the saint.

User Reviews

marcela pena (10 months ago)
This church is very important for the locals. Legend said that a lot of people that were trying to get married or trying to find a companion came here. The tail was really beautiful. going in was a bit crowded. The entrance is free, but it is a really good place to visit.

Jen Winkler (10 months ago)
Free church to observe, with a gift shop to the side. There’s a secondary room past this with relics and tiled walls - very beautiful! Big sign when you enter asking for silence at all times & I don’t believe you can enter when service is happening.

Luca Murray (11 months ago)
Very lovely church whilst also being extremely well preserved. Nice area with some nice bars to get drinks aswell. Definitely worth the visit.

snarkyguy (11 months ago)
Another example of a really well-preserved church in Lisbon. There's also a back room with a small shop. If you continue past the shop inside the church, there's some steps going down to a small shrine downstairs. Be aware that if you are there on the weekend, there is a service going on; so try not to disturb the regular congregation attending.

Danil nr1 (2 years ago)
Saint Anthony birthplace, a miracle worker in the catholic church. This place is a must visit for every christian. The church is in barock style with a small souvenir shop inside.

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Igreja de Santo António (Saint Anthony Church)

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