Igreja de Santo Antonio de Lisboa (St. Anthony's Church), Lisbon

The Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon, a Roman Catholic church, is a tribute to Saint Anthony of Lisbon, also known as Saint Anthony of Padua. It is famously located at the site where the saint was born in 1195 and has been designated a National Monument. The church's origins trace back to a 15th-century chapel built over Saint Anthony's family home, near the Lisbon Cathedral. This structure underwent several reconstructions, the most notable being during King Manuel I's reign, in the early 16th century, and later, in the 18th century, under King John V.

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake devastated the church, leaving only the main chapel intact. It was subsequently rebuilt in a Baroque-Rococo style post-1767. Unique funding efforts for the rebuild included collections from the city’s children who asked for "a small coin for Saint Anthony." The tradition of venerating Saint Anthony continues robustly with crafted thrones and altars in his honor during Lisbon’s popular June festivities, dedicated to him.

Saint Anthony is deeply revered in Lisbon, not only as the patron saint but also as a matchmaker. Traditionally, couples visit the church on their wedding day to seek blessings for their marriage. Each year on June 13, Saint Anthony's feast day, a procession significant to the city’s cultural and religious calendar, starts from this church, passing the Lisbon Cathedral, and meandering through the Alfama neighborhood.

Pope John Paul II visited the church on May 12, 1982. He inaugurated a statue of Saint Anthony and prayed in the crypt—the only part of the church dating back to 1195—where a tile panel commemorates his visit. The crypt marks the spot where the saint was born and is a poignant site for pilgrims and visitors.

Tip:
Adjacent to the church, you'll find a small museum housing paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts associated with Saint Anthony. Museum admission is fairly cheap, with free entry on Sundays until 2 pm and when using the Lisboa Card. If you have a penchant for acquiring religious souvenirs during your travels, you'll discover a selection of medals, statues, and other items available at the church as well.