How about a story about a church spire that dominates the skyline? This is the Church of San Antonio de Padua. It stands tall in a peaceful middle-class neighborhood. Look around at the white-painted houses. See the red-barrel-tiles roofs. This Romanesque church is a true landmark.
San Antonio de Padua’s history goes back further than you might think. The area was once pasture. That was until the 1920s. The British community then founded the Ituzaingó Golf Club in 1919. Many members worked for the British-owned Buenos Aires Western Railway.
To reach the golf course the railway company opened a stop in 1923. It was just 10 meters from the clubhouse. The railway stop was dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. Over time the railway stop and town became known as San Antonio de Padua.
The town truly began in the 1930s. Houses were built around the railway station. The parish church opened in 1931. San Antonio de Padua grew steadily. It boomed in the 1950s. The church building emerged in the center of the town. It is a middle-class neighborhood. This area features white-painted and red-barrel-tiles-roofed houses.
Take a closer look at the church’s architecture. It was built in a Romanesque style. Notice the spire reaching high into the sky. A Franciscan monastery and a Catholic school were added later. They stand beside the church.
In the 1970s the commercial district grew. It was built around Avenida Noguera. This main street is next to the railway station. It became the most important commercial area in Merlo. The city status was granted on September 11 1974.
San Antonio de Padua is well-connected. It lies on major rail and road routes. These connect it to other important cities in Greater Buenos Aires. The city is mainly flat with few tall buildings.
San Antonio de Padua is also known simply as Padua. It is located in Merlo Partido. The city covers 6.25 square kilometers. Its population is around 38000. The name honors Saint Anthony of Padua. Francisco de Merlo founded a village here in 1755. It was named Villa San Antonio del Camino.
Padua is bordered by several areas. These include Ituzaingó to the north and east. Other parts of Merlo lie to the west and southwest. Libertad is to the south.
Remember the Ituzaingó Golf Club. It played a key role. The railway stop for the club led to the town’s creation. The Catholic clergy also helped by consecrating the railway stop.
So as you stand before San Antonio de Padua think about its history. Picture the open pastures. Imagine the arrival of the railway. Remember the building of the church. Consider the growth of the town. San Antonio de Padua stands as a testament to faith and community. It is a beacon in Greater Buenos Aires. It began as a small railway town. It has grown into a vibrant city.