Sant'Antonio di Padova

Sant'Antonio di Padova, locally known as Chiesa di Sant'Antonio di Padova, is a stunning religious edifice located in the charming town of Torre del Greco, Italy. Despite being one of the younger churches in the area, it has a rich history and an architectural presence that makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring this picturesque part of the Naples province.

The Origins

The origins of Sant'Antonio di Padova trace back to an ancient rural chapel dedicated to San Gennaro. This chapel was first documented in the Santa Visita of Cardinal Giuseppe Spinelli in 1742. In 1897, the chapel and an adjacent piece of land were generously donated to two Franciscan friars, Father Raffaele Di Pietro from Paternopoli and Father Luigi Carlo Cuomo from Naples, by the owners Maria Vittozzi and Nicola Ametrano. Following the donation, the chapel was demolished to make way for the construction of a new convent, designed by engineer Alfonso Guerra, who was related to the Ametrano family.

The Construction Journey

The construction of the convent and the new church was a lengthy and challenging process, spanning over fifty years. Economic hardships, the deaths of the founding friars, World War II, and the rotation of assigned religious personnel all contributed to the slow progress. The initial construction phase of the new church began on July 14, 1925, spearheaded by Father Tommaso Montanino and the young and energetic Father Luigi Sellitti, who remained closely connected to the church until his death.

The first part of the structure, up to the presbytery, was completed and opened for worship on February 14, 1932. Between 1932 and 1934, the convent was expanded under Father Sellitti's relentless drive. However, bureaucratic issues delayed the construction of the transept and apse until 1938. The project faced significant setbacks during the war, including damage from bombings in 1943. The general reform of religious provinces placed the Torre del Greco convent under the jurisdiction of the new Province of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Naples and Caserta. Despite these challenges, the church was finally opened for worship in 1952, thanks to the dedication and sacrifices of the friars and the support of devoted benefactors.

Architectural Marvel

Sant'Antonio di Padova is an architectural gem designed by Camillo Guerra, likely based on initial drawings by his father, Alfonso Guerra. The church and convent complex are a fine example of Neo-Romanesque style, characterized by imposing volumes and intricate details. The pronaos, with its three bays, is supported by robust pillars entirely clad in stone. The interior features three naves, a shallow transept, and an octagonal dome adorned with 13,000 colorful tiles, added in 1949. The side naves house spaces resembling the matronea of ancient Romanesque basilicas, later converted into a convent library.

The monumental church architecture includes stucco and marble decorations on the apse's back wall, created between 1950 and 1952, which house a statue of Saint Anthony by sculptor Antonio Mennella. The faux mosaic decorations with lilies, angels, and the Franciscan coat of arms were painted by Roman artist Giuseppe Stefanilla. The church's interior also features a marble high altar with a bronze tabernacle door depicting Saint Anthony's Miracle of the Mule, designed by Antonio Mennella.

Internal Treasures

Inside the church, visitors can admire numerous artistic treasures. The first bay of the right nave displays an altarpiece from the old Chapel of San Gennaro, the only remaining trace of the 18th-century rural chapel. This artwork, depicting the saint's glory among cherubs and angels, dates back to the mid-18th century. The church also houses several other paintings, including Giuseppe Ciavolino's The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan.

The Sacristy’s Chapel of the Crucifix is home to a significant painting of a crucified Christ surrounded by cherubs, attributed to Paolo De Matteis and dating to the early 18th century. This painting was donated to the friars in 1897 by the Marquis of Tertiveri, Carlo Gagliardi. Another notable artwork is a bronze statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, created in 2000 by local sculptor Vincenzo Giggiano Borriello.

The church also boasts two significant pieces of Torre del Greco's goldsmithing art: an imposing ciborium designed by Antonio Mennella in 1949, adorned with hard stones, ivory, and coral, and an important monstrance made by the prestigious Giovanni Ascione and Sons company in 1966. This monstrance, designed by Giovanni Ascione, features gold, coral, ivory, and malachite, with numerous ex-votos, earrings, and diamond patches donated by devotees of Saint Anthony over time.

Sant'Antonio di Padova stands as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Franciscan friars and the local community. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and artistic treasures make it a captivating destination for visitors to Torre del Greco. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to this remarkable church is a journey through time and devotion, offering a profound glimpse into the cultural and religious heritage of this charming Italian town.