The Basilica of Saint Anthony

The Basilica of Saint Anthony is the largest church in Padua, Italy. Located in the Piazza del Santo, the church catches the spectator’s eye with its domes and majestic brick façade. The church was begun in 1238 and completed in 1310. Saint Anthony had originally been buried in the small church of Santa Maria Mater Domini. This church was integrated into the present basilica as the Cappella della Madonna Mora or the Chapel of the Dark Madonna. The Basilica does not have a specific architectural style and has grown under many different influences. It was begun in the Romanesque style as a single-naved church with an apsidal chancel, broad transepts, and two square nave bays roofed with several domes. Later, the aisles were added in the Gothic style. In 1691 the Treasury Chapel was added in the Baroque style by Filippo Parodi. The domes were raised in height, which gives a Byzantine appearance to the building. The interior of the church contains several funerary monuments including the tomb of Gattamelata and his son. The church also contains several different images of the Madonna.

Amy Altman

Basilica di San Miniato al Monte

Name: Basilica di San Miniato al Monte
Posted by: Clinton Riddle
Location: Florence, Italy


Construction of the present church was begun in 1013. It began its life as a Benedictine monastery, was passed to the Clunaic order. In 1373, it was passed to the Olivetans, who still run it. The monks make liqueurs, honey, and medicines, which they sell from a shop next to the basilica. The interior is of this Romanesque church seems a bit unusual, with its choir raised on a platform above the large crypt, which serves as a gathering place for evening mass. Adjacent to the church is a cloister and the monastery, which has served as a hospital and barracks in times of war. Surrounding the entire complex is a series of defensive walls.

Just as important as the architecture of the site is the breathtaking view afforded by its physical location. An ascent to San Miniato al Monte (made easy by a trip on the #13 bus from the train station) allows the visitor to see the see almost the entire city of Florence and enjoy the park-like setting that rings the complex's walls.

Clinton Riddle