Question: Ever wondered where the patron saint of lost things first opened his eyes?
Igreja de Santo António stands before you. It is more than just a church. It is a testament to faith and history. According to tradition Saint Anthony was born here in 1195. He is also known as Saint Anthony of Padua.
Fernando de Bulhões was his birth name. He came from a wealthy Lisbon family. Later he joined the Franciscan Order in Coimbra. He adopted the name António. His missionary work led him to Italy. He settled in Padua. Saint Anthony became immensely popular. He was canonized less than a year after his death in 1232.
The original family home became a small chapel in the 15th century. King Manuel I rebuilt it in the early 16th century. A religious brotherhood dedicated to Saint Anthony was founded.
King John V ordered a complete reconstruction in 1730. But the 1755 Lisbon earthquake devastated the Igreja de Santo António. Only the main chapel survived. Architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira rebuilt it in a Baroque-Rococo style after 1767. This is the very church you see today.
Since 1755 a procession starts here every June 13. It passes by Lisbon Cathedral. It winds through the Alfama neighborhood. June 13 is Saint Anthony’s Day. It is part of Lisbon’s Popular Saint Festivities. Special bread is given to the oldest women of each family that morning.
Pope John Paul II visited the Igreja de Santo António in 1982. He inaugurated a statue of Saint Anthony. The statue stands in the square outside. He also prayed in the crypt. The crypt marks Saint Anthony’s birthplace.
Portuguese Catholics playfully argue with Italians. They insist Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon. He is not from Padua. Despite this rivalry they agree on what truly matters. It is Saint Anthony’s contributions to the Church. These transcend nationality.
Inside you can descend to the crypt chapel. It marks the exact spot of Saint Anthony’s birth. The church has been rebuilt several times. The most recent reconstruction was in 1767. It reflects a Baroque style.
Just a block away stands Lisbon Cathedral. Saint Anthony was baptized there. The baptismal font is believed to be the original. It is located to the left of the main entrance. It sits in an alcove decorated with blue-and-white Portuguese tiles.
Saint Anthony first entered religious life at the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora in 1210. He joined the Augustinian Order. Later he moved to Coimbra and became a Franciscan.
Remember Saint Anthony’s connection to Lisbon as you explore. The Igreja de Santo António is a tribute to his life. It is a celebration of faith. It is a reminder that even the most renowned figures have humble origins. Take a moment to reflect on the legacy of Lisbon’s beloved saint. His story began right here.