Surely, there must be a story behind those blue and white tiles. This is the Capela de Santo Antonino. It is also known as the Igreja de Santo Antonio dos Congregados. Some call it the Saint Anthony Church of the Gatherers. Whatever you call it, it stands just north of the main Porto Sao Bento Railway Station. You might even say it is more like a chapel than a traditional church.
Let’s step back in time to 1657. Land was purchased to build a chapel. This chapel would honor St Anthony. By 1680, the building was complete. Then, in 1683, Prince Pedro stepped in. He granted royal protection to the Capela de Santo Antonino. The prince also provided an annual grant for its upkeep.
But the story doesn’t end there. In 1694, a decision was made. A larger church was needed. Construction began that same year and finished in 1703. The facade is sober. Yet, it reveals Baroque influences. Intricate stonework surrounds the main windows. Similar work can be seen on the roof section.
Now, who was this St Anthony? Born in Lisbon in the late 12th century, he was originally named Fernando Martins de Bulhoes. He became a Portuguese Catholic priest. He also joined the Franciscan order. St Anthony became known for his knowledge of the Bible. He was also famous for his forceful preaching. Today, he is the patron saint of finding lost things or people.
Around 1210, Fernando became a novice monk. He joined the Canons Regular at the Augustinian Abbey of Saint Vincent. It stood on the outskirts of Lisbon. Born into a wealthy family, he found their visits distracting. He wanted to focus on his studies. So, he requested a move.
He went to the monastery of Santa Cruz de Coimbra. It was a mediaeval cultural centre. There, he studied Latin, canon law, philosophy, and theology. After ordination, Fernando became Guestmaster. He oversaw hospitality for the abbey.
While in Coimbra, Franciscan friars arrived. They settled at a hermitage outside the city. It was dedicated to Saint Anthony of Egypt. Fernando felt drawn to the friars’ simple lifestyle. Their order was only eleven years old at the time. Inspired, Fernando obtained permission to join the Franciscan Order. He adopted the name Anthony.
Anthony set out for Morocco as a missionary. Falling ill, he decided to return to Portugal. A storm blew his ship off course. It landed in Sicily. Eventually, he reached Tuscany. There, he was assigned to a convent. Still sickly, he spent most of his time in prayer and study.
In 1222, during an ordination, Anthony was asked to preach. His sermon deeply impressed everyone. His skill was recognized. He became a renowned preacher and teacher of Scripture. He soon gained the attention of Francis of Assisi and Pope Gregory IX. Sadly, Anthony died young at age 35. He was quickly canonized due to his preaching and dedication.
Also known as Igreja de Santo Antonio Congregados, the tile work tells a story. It depicts Saint Anthony and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The famed artisans Jorge Colaço and João Baptista Ribeiro created this fabulous tile work.
Between 1832 and 1835, during the siege of Porto, the church served a different purpose. It became a hospital. It was also used to store military equipment. The Capela de Santo Antonino has witnessed much. It has been a chapel, a church, a hospital and a storehouse.