Church of Saint Anthony of Padua

The church of Sant'Antonio da Padova and the adjoining monastery date from the end of the 15th century. It was built by Franciscan Observant Brothers. It was given the name of Santo Stefano, hence the name of the arch separating Piazza XX Settembre from Piazza Roma, more precisely Arco di Santo Stefano, although on its top stands a clearly recognizable statue of the patron saint San Martino. It was not until the 19th century that the building was consecrated to Sant'Antonio da Padova.
The church dates from the Flamboyant Gothic period, as evidenced by the epigraphic engravings in the intrados of the arches, the third on the left and the first on the right, which mark the dates 1499 and 1500 respectively.
The side aisles are characterized by altars, niches and paintings: the one on the left has a beautiful crucifix, an altar surmounted by the painting of the Madonna delle Grazie (work by Leonardo Antonio Olivieri, considered the most famous painter of the Martinian Baroque ) and a Wooden altar, finely worked by Salento masters, surmounted by the statue of Saint Francis; the right aisle is instead accompanied by niches of the saints, including the statue of S. Antonio. The interior therefore retains a distinct medieval setting. Only the left aisle was enlarged and rebuilt from scratch in the 18th century. The facade is a mixture of classic elements and baroque-inspired motifs.
Source: santantoniomartinafranca.altervista.org/chiesa.html

"Almighty, eternal God, you have given your Church in Saint Anthony of Padua a powerful herald of the true faith and a helper in times of need. Grant that we may live a Christian life following his example and receive your help in all needs." (Daily Prayer of the Catholic Church for the Memorial of Saint ANTONY of PADUA, June 13)