One of the only eight international shrines recognized by the Holy See is located in Padua, but it isn't the cathedral of the city, but Basilica Pontificia di Sant'Antonio di Padova (Pontifical Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua). Known also as "il Santo", it was build between 1232 and 1301, being modified at the end of the 14th and the mid 15th century. According to his will, Saint Anthony (1195-1231), venerated as the Patron Saint of the lost things, had been buried in the small church of Santa Maria Mater Domini, which probably dating from the late 12th century, and near which a convent was founded by him in 1229. This church was incorporated into the present basilica as the Cappella della Madonna Mora (Chapel of the Dark Madonna), and is an important place of pilgrimage.
The church hasn't a precise architectural style, growing over the centuries under a variety of different influences. It was begun as a single-naved church, like that of Saint Francis of Assisi, but the exterior style is a mixing of mainly Romanesque and Byzantine elements, with some Gothic features. The domes, like the domes of Saint Mark's Basilica, were raised in height externally, giving a Byzantine appearance to the building, while the multitude of small belfries which accompany the domes recall Turkish minarets.
About the stamp I wrote here.
Reference
Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua - Wikipedia
sender: Ana
sent from ? (Italy), on 23.08.2012
photo: Archivio Storti 1997
Padua is a beautiful city and this is definitely among my favorite places in it.
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