The Church of San Antonio is a remarkable church for the people of Sorrento. The church is named after the patron saint of the city, the saint who saved its residents, performed miracles for them, and helped the town. The church sits in a square that also bears the name of San Antonio.
What makes the basilica worth a visit in Sorrento is the fact that this basilica does not resemble the same thousand churches you have seen before. The building was built in the 11th century and was designed excitingly and originally.
The church’s walls are covered with marble, Roman columns decorated with many details, and paintings from the Middle Ages with dark tones by well-known local artists describe the glorious history of Sorrento and the events of Saint Antonio.
There are also exhibits in the place that are gifts brought by sailors who survived the sinking of their ship and wanted to thank the saint who saved them. And if you look closely, you can also see a whale’s ribs in the basilica’s entrance lobby. How did Leviathan get to the church? if you ask the city’s residents. Patron Antonio performed miracles and helped the people of Sorrento. A whale swallowed a child, and St. Antonio did not hesitate to rescue the boy. The bones belong to that hungry whale, and some believe that coming to the church of Saint Antonio will bring them miracles and health.
And another small but important thing: it is hot in the south of Italy, and the heat hits mercilessly, but it is essential to remember that the church is a religious site and to dress accordingly – no tank tops or clothing that is too revealing.
