Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon — Attraction in Lisbon

It is unclear whether the chapel below the church, which is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Lisbon (a.k.a. Anthony of Padua) really marks the spot where the birthplace or even the house of the saint stood in the 12th century. In 1495, King João II commissioned the construction of "a lager and more dignified" church or chapel on this site. Simultaneously, history tells us that the meetings of the city council of Lisbon were held in the house of Saint Anthony and continued to do so for several more centuries. This building was situated next to the church but destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, which was followed by a tidal wave that consumed over 80 percent of the city, including the church. A third church, the present one, was built on the site of the old church. The present chapel below the church used to be called the Crypt of Saint Anthony, suggesting he was buried there. He was, as a matter of fact, buried in Padua, Italy. Since Pope John Paul 2nd visited the chapel and prayed there, it is officially called a chapel. The chapel itself is a small hallway with a small niche under an arched construction, in which behind bars is a small 'altar' with a relic of Saint Anthony. Presumably, there is a piece of bone of the saint inside it, but regretfully, there is no text explaining this to visitors. Mostly, the texts inside and outside the chapel relate to the visit of the pope. Besides that, they mention that the chapel is the only remnant of the 2nd church of 1495. That church was built 264 years after the death of the saint. If it truly it had been the exact spot of the birthplace of Saint Anthony, several meters below ground level, you would expect such a sacred place would have been incorporated into that new church. Also, it contradicts the existence of the Saint Anthony House next to the church at that same time.

Another matter is a painting inside the nave of the church. It is advertised to be the most faithful likeness of Saint Anthony, the "true effigy of the Saint," although it was painted somewhere between 350 and 450 years after his death. Apparently, it is of unknown provenance.

On the other side of the nave is a relic of Saint Justina. This could be Saimt Justina of Padua, but regretfully, this is not mentioned. It is a statue of a reclining lady dressed in cloth of real fabric, decorated with golden flowers and jewelry. On her head, a wreath of flowers, and in her hands, she is holding a bouquet of flowers. At her feet, a small vase, covered by a lid, presumably, inside it is a piece of bone or other body part of this saint.

The church itself is quite beautiful. It was designed in a rococo-baroque style.

Set aside all the questions about the originality of spaces and objects under and inside the church, the dedication by believers is what matters most to people of faith. It's arguably that which gives it its strength and makes it unique.

It is to be assumed that during the earthquake and the following tidal flood of 1755, much of the original documentation of the city was lost.

The visit is free of charge.

At the entrance of the church and next to the sacristy are religious gift shops. Also, next to the sacristy are public toilets for visitors. To the side of the front of the church is a Saint...

I had the opportunity to visit the Church and Museum of Saint Anthony in Lisbon, and it was a deeply enriching experience that offered both spiritual reflection and historical insight. Located near the Lisbon Cathedral in the Alfama district, the Church of Saint Anthony is traditionally believed to be built on the site where the saint was born in 1195. The original structure was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, but it was rebuilt in 1767 in a late Baroque and Pombaline style under the direction of architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira. The interior is serene, and the crypt, accessible through the sacristy, is considered to be the exact spot of Saint Anthony's birth.

Adjacent to the church is the Museum of Saint Anthony, which offers a comprehensive look into the life and legacy of one of Lisbon's most revered figures. The museum houses a collection of religious artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and liturgical items, all dedicated to the saint's life and the devotion he inspires. One of the highlights is a 17th-century polychrome tile panel depicting Saint Anthony preaching to the fish. The museum also features multimedia exhibits that delve into the traditions, festivals, and miracles associated with the saint. Admission is affordable, and the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, making it accessible for visitors interested in exploring Lisbon's rich cultural and...

Igreja de Santo António de Lisboa (Church of St. Anthony) is a small church and National Monument in the Alfama district. It Is is situated upon the site of the location believed to be the birthplace of St. Anthony of Lisbon (also known as St. Anthony of Padua).

An early church stood on these grounds but was mostly destroyed during the earthquake of 1755. By 1767 a new church had been built by architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira in Baroque and Rococo design. The exterior of the church is unassuming yet the inside is quite ornate and worth a look-see.

Of most interest to me was the altar and the wooden figure of St. Anthony holding the Christ child in hand. This is quite interesting to see, as is the Statue of St. Anthony just outside the church, which was inaugurated by Pope John Paul II during his visit to the city and church in 1982.

In all, Igreja de Santo António is a place worth stopping for when sightseeing in the Alfama district. You can find the church along Rua do Limoeiro a couple minutes away from Sé (The Cathedral) and conveniently visit prior to planned stops at Sé, São Jorge Castle and other attractions...