Sant'Antonio da Padova in Via Merulana, Renaissance Revival basilica in Esquilino, Italy
Sant'Antonio da Padova in Via Merulana is a brick church in the Renaissance Revival style, set on the Esquiline hill in Rome, reached by a broad staircase rising from street level. The interior is divided into three naves by pink marble columns, with side chapels arranged on two levels along the walls.
The church dates to 1888, built after Franciscan monks were displaced from their previous location to make way for the construction of the Victor Emmanuel II Monument. Over time it was granted the status of a minor basilica and became a cardinal title church.
The church is still run by Franciscans, who maintain an active convent attached to the building. Inside, the decoration is centered on Saint Anthony of Padua, and the side chapels often draw local worshippers who come to pray before his image.
The church sits on Via Merulana in the Esquiline neighborhood, within easy walking distance of several metro stops. Visitors enter through the top of a wide exterior staircase, so comfortable shoes are helpful when exploring this part of Rome.
The octagonal bell tower is covered in polychrome and gilded majolica tiles, a type of decoration rarely seen on church towers in Rome. This contrast with the plain brick of the rest of the building makes the tower one of the more unexpected details in the neighborhood.
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