Basilica of Saint Anthony, Padua, Guide du visiteur et quoi faire à proximité

The Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, Italy, is the great pilgrimage church built around the tomb of St Anthony, one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic world. Locals simply call it il Santo. Its cluster of domes rises just off Piazza del Santo and draws pilgrims and curious travellers alike.

The story behind it

St Anthony was born in Portugal with the name Fernando. He joined the Franciscan order and took the name Anthony, in honour of Anthony the Hermit, and became famous across Italy as a preacher and theologian. Late in life he lived a more contemplative existence at Camposampiero, not far from Padua. When he fell ill he asked to be taken to Padua, but he died in 1231 at Arcella, on the edge of the city, before he could reach it.

Padua claimed him as its own. He was declared a saint within a year of his death, and work on a church to hold his remains began soon afterwards in the 13th century. Over the following generations the building grew into the large basilica seen today, and it has been a place of pilgrimage ever since.

What to look for

• The roofline, where a group of domes gives the church an almost Eastern silhouette that sets it apart from other Italian churches.
• The tomb of St Anthony, where pilgrims queue quietly and rest a hand on the stone in prayer.
• The bronze sculptures that Donatello made for the high altar, among the finest Renaissance works in Padua.
• The equestrian statue of Gattamelata in the square outside, also by Donatello, which makes a fine spot to look back at the facade.

Tips for your visit

• This is a working place of worship, so cover your shoulders and knees, keep your voice low and check current rules on photography and opening hours.
• Allow about an hour for the interior and the cloisters, a little longer if you want to sit and take it in.
• Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the square is calmer and the light on the domes is softer.
• Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares, and the Botanical Garden are an easy walk away, so the basilica pairs well with a wider stroll through the old centre.

See it on a quest

Hidden Magic: The Secret World of Padua brings you to the basilica on foot as one stop on a longer route through the city. The app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle based on what is in front of you, so you look at the details instead of just walking past them. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group. You can start whenever you like, with no guide and no set departure time.