Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua

Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua tickets: which one to buy

The Basilica of Saint Anthony, known locally as Il Santo, stands on a square in the centre of Padua, northern Italy, and entry to the basilica is free. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, drawing millions of pilgrims each year to the tomb of Saint Anthony. The basilica's museum and cloisters can be visited, and an audio guide is available. Photography is not allowed inside the basilica.

Padua is about half an hour from Venice by train, and many visitors come on a day trip, combining the basilica with the Scrovegni Chapel, with Giotto's frescoes, which must be booked in advance, the Botanical Garden, the university and the Prato della Valle square. Walking tours of Padua include all of these. Donatello's equestrian statue of Gattamelata stands in the square in front of the basilica. Modest dress is required. The basilica's information office, at the entrance, offers maps and arranges guided tours in several languages.

Visiting Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua: what to see

Saint Anthony of Padua, a Franciscan friar born in Lisbon, died in Padua in 1231 and was canonised within a year. The basilica was built from 1232 to around 1310 to house his tomb, and it combines Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine elements, with eight domes, two slender minaret-like towers and a brick facade. Inside, the Chapel of the Saint's Tomb, decorated with Renaissance marble reliefs by Tullio Lombardo, Jacopo Sansovino and others, holds the tomb, which pilgrims touch as they pass. The Chapel of the Relics, or Treasury Chapel, displays the saint's tongue and jaw in reliquaries, found intact when his body was exhumed. The high altar holds bronze sculptures by Donatello. The Chapel of Saint James has fourteenth-century frescoes by Altichiero.

The cloisters include gardens and a magnolia tree. The basilica's cloisters include the Cloister of the Magnolia, with a magnolia tree planted in the nineteenth century, and the Cloister of the Novices. The Chapel of Saint Felix holds frescoes by Altichiero depicting the life of Saint James. The basilica's museum displays paintings, sculptures and liturgical objects, including works by Mantegna and Tiepolo. The Scuola del Santo, beside the basilica, holds frescoes attributed to the young Titian. The basilica's bells ring for masses throughout the day. Pilgrims leave letters and photographs at the tomb. The Oratory of Saint George, next to the basilica, holds frescoes by Altichiero.

Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua opening hours and the best time to go

The basilica is open daily from early morning until evening. The feast of Saint Anthony on 13 June is the great celebration, with a procession through Padua and huge crowds. The tomb is visited throughout the year, and Tuesdays, the day dedicated to the saint, are busy. Summer is hot, and spring and autumn are pleasant. Early morning is the best time for a quiet visit. Allow about an hour for the basilica, chapels and cloisters, and book the Scrovegni Chapel for the same day. The Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe, with an island surrounded by statues, is about ten minutes' walk south.