| Famous today as a pilgrimage church, Sant'Antonio preserves the remains of the 13th century Franciscan St. Anthony. Although Anthony was born in Portugal, his last residence was in Padua. Revered as a preacher and worker of wonders, he was canonized in 1232, a year after his death. The history of this church is unclear, Even though known records give the foundation date at c. 1230 (perhaps the date of an earlier church on the same site), scholars date the church at c. 1290; it was completed at c. 1310. The church is a mixture of traditions. It has both Romanesque and Gothic arches. The massive domes are reminiscent of those of San Marco in Venice. Byzantine elements also include the domed cruciform plan, with the domed nave. Still, Lombard Romanesque stylistic qualities are seen in the screen facade, the octagonal turrets and the brick masonry. The facade and nave | ||
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The nave looking up; the nave from the cloister side | ||
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The apse; two views of the cloisters | ||
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