The Sanctuary
of Saint Anthony
in Gemona
The Sanctuary of Saint Anthony in Gemona is located in the historic part of the city, overlooking the square of the same name. Its origins date back to 1219, according to a document deposited with Patriarch Bertrando, making it one of the most important religious buildings in the city and a site of significant historical and artistic interest.
The origins
Consecrated on March 15, 1248, it is considered the oldest place of worship in the world dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. Tradition holds that around 1227, during his stay in Gemona del Friuli as Provincial Minister, Saint Anthony himself had a chapel built in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This chapel was restored after the 1976 earthquake, along with the Chapel of the Rosary (1682), which is recognized as a national monument for its high artistic value.
The Sanctuary was rebuilt with modern architectural lines, and inside, the single-nave structure features ceiling beams that create dynamic perspective effects, symbolizing the seismic movements of the earthquake.
The cell
of the Saint
A particularly evocative feature is the Cell of the Saint, the small room that, according to tradition, was inhabited by Saint Anthony during his time in Gemona del Friuli.
Additionally, numerous artworks can be discovered with a careful visit to the Renato Raffaelli Museum, located beneath the church. The museum preserves the artistic heritage of the Gemona convent, as well as works recovered from the Convent of Saint Anne in Koper (Capodistria). Among the collection are paintings by Venetian and Friulian artists, works by Central and Northern Italian painters, and numerous canvases by the Swiss artist Melchior Widmar.
