Chiesa di Sant'Antonio di Padova

The Church of Sant'Antonio di Padova (Saint Anthony of Padua) is a place of worship in Via Roma, San Potito Ultra.

Built in the 18th century, it stands next to the bell tower that overlooks the whole of the town centre. The tower was certainly built earlier than the Church, as there is no continuous load-bearing structure linking the two, and the trusses supporting the roof of the Church of Sant’Antonio di Padova are set into the walls of the tower. The theory that the two buildings were constructed at different periods in history is supported by the fact that a stone beneath the majestic tower bears the date 1607, but inside the sacristy, to the left of the entrance, there is a small stone fountain dated 1701. 
After the church was seriously damaged in the earthquake of 23 November 1980, it was reopened for worship on 20 December 1997.

Today, the interior of the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua has a single nave with simple, sober lines and finishes. Inside there are three altars, of which the main one, made from inlaid marble, is dedicated to the great miracle worker of Padua. The small church, which according to tradition houses sacred relics of the saint, used to have a fund managed by the Congregation of Charity, an institution established to help the poor by giving money, free medicines for the sick, and paying hospital fees.

A place of inner peace and serenity, the Church of Sant’Antonio di Padova offers all worshippers a silence that inspires prayer.