basilica of st anthony
The Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, located in the Northern Italian city of Padua, Veneto, is a renowned Catholic church and minor basilica dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. This architectural marvel began construction around 1232, just a year after St. Anthony's death, and was completed in 1310. It is not the cathedral of the city, which is the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Mary of Padua, but it is a significant pilgrimage site and an international shrine recognized by the Holy See. The basilica, known locally as "il Santo," is a blend of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic architectural styles, reflecting its historical and spiritual significance.