Contemplate those six statues watching over Trieste. They adorn the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo. This church is not just Trieste’s largest Catholic church. It is a landmark steeped in history.
The Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo we see today wasn’t the first religious structure here. Initially, a private chapel honoring the Annunciation stood on this very site. As the community grew, so did the need for a larger space. A new church dedicated to Saint Anthony was built. Yet, it too proved insufficient for the burgeoning number of worshippers.
In 1808, plans for an even grander church began. Swiss architect Pietro Nobile’s neoclassical design won the competition. Construction of the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo started in 1827. It finally concluded in 1842. However, it wasn’t consecrated until 1849. The church became known as Sant’Antonio Nuovo because it replaced the earlier church of the same name.
Originally, the Grand Canal flowed right up to the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo. In 1934, part of the canal was filled. This created space for a new road.
Look at the facade. Francesco Bosa sculpted the six statues in 1842. They represent Saint Justus. Also represented are Saints Sergius and Bacchus. Completing the group are Saint Servulus, Saint Maurus, Saint Euphemia, and Saint Tecla.
Inside the Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo you can find paintings by local artists. Michelangelo Grigoletti’s “Education of the Virgin” is one example. Odorico Politi’s “Saint Anthony in Glory” also adorns the walls. Other works include Felice Schiavoni’s “Presentation at the Temple”. Sebastiano Santi painted “Christ’s Entry into Jerusalem”. Alessandro Longhi created “The Visitation of the Virgin”. Ludovico Lipparini contributed “Martyrdom of the Saints of Aquileia”. Joseph Ernst Tunner’s “The Crucifix” completes the collection.
The Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo also boasts impressive organs. The Mascioni company built them in 1958. The main organ has 72 stops. The smaller organ has 16 stops.
Interestingly, the Irish writer James Joyce frequented Easter mass here. He found solace and perhaps inspiration within these walls.
The Chiesa di Sant’Antonio Taumaturgo stands as a testament to Trieste’s history. It reflects the city’s religious devotion. It also highlights its artistic achievements. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. Consider its long and fascinating story.