The Basilica of Sant’Antonio da Padova all’Esquilino was the first church built in Rome after the Unification of Italy in 1870. Together with the Palazzo Brancaccio it is the best known work of the architect Luca Carimini. The church is also known under the name Sant’Antonio al Laterano.
Sant’Antonio da Padova Basilica Rome
Address, opening hours and admission
The address of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio da Padova all’Esquilino is Via Merulana, 124 – Rome (tel. +39 06 70373416 of 06 70373420). Opening hours: From 06.45 till 12.00 and from 16.00 till 19.00 hours. Admission: Free.
History and description
Construction of the church took from 1884 till 1888. It was built for the Minorite Order, after these had seen there former convent near the Ara Coeli destroyed when the Vittoriano has to be built.
The church has a striking facade, with a wide double staircase and a portico with five arches. The statue underneath the portico depicts “Saint Anthony with Child”.
The upper part of the bell-tower is octagonal and culminates in a gilded spire decorated with majolica’s.