Church of the Saint Anthony of Padua

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CHURCH

Location

The Church of St. Anthony of Padua is situated in Zvezdara, near the Red Cross, at Bregalnička 14. This serene location serves as a spiritual retreat and a testament to the architectural beauty found within Belgrade.

History

This church and its adjoining monastery are affiliated with the Franciscans of the Province of Bosnia. The construction of the monastery began in 1926 and was completed by December 17th of the same year. The church itself was designed by the renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik, with construction commencing in 1929, following the recommendations of sculptor Ivan Meštrović. After Plečnik’s passing in 1957, his pupil, architect Valentinčić, took over the project's continuation. The church was consecrated by Archbishop Gabrijel Bukatko on May 2nd, 1962.

Exterior Architecture

The church’s design features a unique rotunda shape with an apse oriented to the east and a porch to the west, complemented by a cylindrical bell tower on the southeast side. The ground plan intriguingly resembles the image of St. Anthony holding the baby Jesus. The bell tower reaches a height of 52 meters and has a diameter of 9 meters, while the main church structure stands 25 meters tall. Notably, the bell tower leans slightly, giving a distinct appearance to the edifice. The wooden porch is supported by three pairs of slender pillars and showcases a modernism style influenced by early Christian and Byzantine architecture.

Interior Design

Inside, the church features a spacious main area with a diameter of 25 meters. This area consists of three conches on both the north and south sides and is dominated by the main altar, which can be found opposite the entrance. The altar is crafted from lustrous black marble and is enhanced by a crypt below. Following World War II, an additional altar was integrated into the church design. The striking bronze statue of St. Anthony, created by Ivan Meštrović, stands 2.75 meters tall above the main altar, added in 1955. Side altars host the statues of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary, both crafted by Božo Pengov as per Plečnik’s designs. The overall ambiance inside the church is further elevated by the natural light streaming through the windows that encircle the building.

A Symbol of Faith and Culture

St. Anthony of Padua Church stands as a magnificent representation of Belgrade’s religious and architectural heritage, inviting visitors and parishioners alike to experience a divine atmosphere filled with history and grace.