Overview
The St Anthony Church – Igreja Santo Antonio, Lisbon is a charming church dedicated to Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Portugal. The exterior façade of the late Baroque styled church resembles more of a grand residence rather than an important religious building. The significance of the Igreja de Santo Antonio originates from it being the location of the birthplace of Lisbon’s beloved Saint Anthony.
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The Church which visitors see today originates from the 18th century as the previous 15th century church was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Since the death of the saint there has always been a small chapel at this site but this was extended by King Manuel I with the increase religious popularity of Saint Anthony.
The Igreja de Santo Antonio is the focal point for the Popular Saint Festivities which culminate on Saint Anthony’s day, the 13 June.
On this day the mother of each family collects “Saint Anthony’s bread” to bring good luck and prosperity. As Saint Anthony is the patron saint of newlyweds the second tradition involves a mass wedding and these happy couples lead the carnival later that night.
The alter of the St Anthony Church
During Pope John Paul II tour of Portugal, in 1982, he specifically requested to visit the crypt of Saint Anthony and while here he blessed the statue outside the church.
How to get there
The Igreja de Santo Antonio is on the main road from Baixa to Alfama and is less than a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station of Rossio. The quaint number 28 tram rumbles past the church and is the best public transport option along with photo opportunity.
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Video
The Igreja de Santo Antonio is the focal point for the Popular Saint Festivities which culminate on Saint Anthony’s day, the 13 June.
On this day the mother of each family collects “Saint Anthony’s bread” to bring good luck and prosperity. As Saint Anthony is the patron saint of newlyweds the second tradition involves a mass wedding and these happy couples lead the carnival later that night.
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
The Igreja de Santo Antonio is on the main road from Baixa to Alfama and is less than a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station of Rossio. The quaint number 28 tram rumbles past the church and is the best public transport option along with photo opportunity.
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 to 19:00
- Weekend and on feast days: 11:00, 17:00 and 19:00
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Let us remain close in the same prayer! May the Lord bless you abundantly!
The church which visitors see today originates from the 18th century as the previous 15th century church was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Since the death of the saint there has always been a small chapel at this site but this was extended by King Manuel I with the increase religious popularity of Saint Anthony.
The alter of the Saint Anthony church
During Pope John Paul II tour of Portugal, in 1982, he specifically requested to visit the crypt of Saint Anthony and while here he blessed the statue outside the church.