Святое место. Holy place.

Rating 10110

I waited a very long time for someone to write first about this unique city and unique place. Unfortunately or fortunately, I will be the first. Please do not judge my review strictly. In Italy, of course, Florence attracted me (forgive me, fans of Rome, but this is not my city). Padua was considered as a small bonus, since there was no time to see the Scrovegni Chapel, the rest was decided "at random". This tourist "maybe" has turned into a real gift! Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua! I confess right away that I am a Lutheran by baptism and faith, BUT Catholic shrines are interesting to me. It's just a unique, lively, praying place. The impression is that the Divine essence is really present there! We had an excellent guide and enough time to more or less consider this beauty. It is impossible to describe everything. If you are interested, ask yourself. Just a lot of interesting things.
I could drown you in dates, but why? I will describe only what I remember from the first moment. The Chapel of the Dark Mother of God is a statue of the 13th century, and according to the guide, this is the only image of the Virgin Mary brunette (and therefore Dark). Chapel of the Blessed Luke. Very beautiful Altar of the 13th century. The frescoes look great as they have been recently restored. In the same chapel are the remains of St. Luke. Relic Chapel. Unfortunately I don't have a photo. I don’t even remember if it’s possible or not to shoot there, because there was simply no desire to do it. Faith is a matter of faith! In the central niche in the reliquary are the incorrupt remains of St. Anthony. the tunic of St. Anthony is also kept there. The courtyards of the monastery and the courtyard of Magnolia are also interesting. Unfortunately the magnolias haven't bloomed yet! Monks sit in the caella of relics and for 2 euros you can buy a brochure with a detailed description of the Basilica and the Chapel. In all languages.
There is a detachable part where you can leave a wish to St. Anthony. We left our e-mail and unexpectedly received a touching Merry Christmas. It was very pleasant, in our difficult, treacherous time. Chapel of Saint Anthony. In the center stands the altar-tomb of St. Anthony. It has a lot of thank you letters with pictures of the kids and letters asking for help with problems. They said it helps. I apologize for some confusion, but I wrote what I remember. I could bombard you with dates and names of architects, but that can be found on the wiki too. If you have a small opportunity, then be sure to visit Padua, just because of this place. The most surprising thing is that outwardly the Basilica did not seem so big. And the time spent inside seemed endless. And I didn't want to leave at all.