Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio in Messina

La Basilica Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio in Messina it is a religious architecture of considerable importance also from a social and cultural point of view. It is, in fact, a building capable of representing a sort of rebirth after the bloody earthquake that struck a large part of Sicily at the beginning of the twentieth century. Here's what you need to know about the shrine, taking a look at its history and highlights.

The history of the Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio in Messina

La Basilica of Sant'Antonio has a history that starts from the beginning of the twentieth century. In fact, after the terrible earthquake that hit Messina in 1908, the local citizen Hannibal Maria Di Francia, who would later be made a saint, had the new sanctuary built.
The priest intervened to contribute to the reconstruction of the city and had received a small church from Pope Pius X, which would later be destroyed by fire. This figure also gave birth to the congregation of the Rogationists, in addition to the group formed by the Daughters of Divine Zeal.

The structure was then created in a neighborhood in poor social conditions, Avignon, by the engineer Letterio Savoia. It required five years of work and was completed in 1926, only to be consecrated eleven years later. Then, in 1988, the sanctuary welcomed Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the canonization of the future Santa Eustochia. The structure became one Basilica Minor in 2006, at the disposal of Benedict XVI.

Architecture and works of art of the Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio in Messina

The Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio in Messina was conceived in reinforced concrete and is a clear example of eclectic style, halfway between Renaissance, Neoclassicism e Liberty. It covers an area of ​​500 square meters and is about 15 meters high. The engineer Gaetano Bonanno took care of the architectural calculations, while Lorenzo Interdonato concentrated on carrying out the work. The bronze statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus between two angels reigns over the triangular tympanum, while the sculptures dedicated to Saints Luke and Matthew are present on the two lateral niches.

Among the main works of art, it should be noted various scenes dedicated to the existence of St. Anthony, located in the ceiling on the right. On the left, here are some moments in the life of the Madonna, including the Triumph of the Immaculate Conception and the victorious Virgin over the serpent. Also important is the pipe organ dating back to the sixties, without forgetting the museum connected to the Basilica and dedicated to Saint Hannibal e Saint Anthony of Padua.

What to do near the Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio in Messina

A big city like Messina offers numerous opportunities to its potential tourists. Those who want to make a religious journey can discover the Church of the Annunciation of the Catalans and Shrine of Christ the Kingbut the opportunities are many. Don't miss it either Palazzo Zanca , Gallery and Theater entitled to Vittorio Emanuele III. From the Lazzaretto to Porta Grazia, from the Statue of Ferdinand II of Bourbon to the Monument to Pope John Paul II, those who love local culture are spoiled for choice, without forgetting the famous fountains.

How to reach the Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio in Messina

To go to the Sanctuary of Sant'Antonio and discover the beauties of Messina, it is possible to take theauto and cross the A20 and A18 motorways, exiting directly at your destination.
By train, the nearest station is Messina Centrale, which requires only another kilometer and a half of the journey.