The San Antonio de Padua church, known locally as Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua, stands as a beacon of historical and architectural splendor in the heart of Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. This remarkable church is not only the main parish of the municipality but also a declared Bien de Interés Cultural (Asset of Cultural Interest) in the category of Monument, making it one of the most significant religious structures in the southern part of Tenerife.
The origins of the San Antonio de Padua church date back to around 1570 when a humble hermitage was built by the town's founder, Gonzalo González Zarco, a Portuguese settler. This early structure was dedicated to Saint Anthony of Padua. Over time, the hermitage was elevated to the status of a parish on January 30, 1617, by Bishop Antonio Corrionero, becoming the first branch of the parish of San Pedro Apóstol in Vilaflor de Chasna.
The original building was dismantled in 1645 to make way for a new temple, which, due to its poor condition, was reconstructed again in 1711. The construction work spanned the entire 18th century, with the final touches to the main chapel and the transept completed by the end of the century. The church tower, a notable feature of the structure, was added in 1885, marking the completion of the temple as we see it today.
The San Antonio de Padua church is an architectural gem, featuring a single nave with a Latin cross layout. The roof is adorned with a Mudejar coffered ceiling, showcasing intricate geometric designs. The decorative elements are concentrated on the eight tie beams that reinforce the nave, resting on corbels, and the various shapes of diamonds and stars that embellish the ceilings of the main and side chapels.
The church boasts three semicircular arches made of stonework; the principal one is located in the transept, while the other two open into the transept from the chapels. These arches are supported by Corinthian columns with plinths that feature floral decorations on the Epistle side and schematic and cruciform motifs on the Gospel side.
The exterior of the church is equally captivating, with a façade constructed from chasnera stone masonry. This façade is flanked by two large pilasters topped with urns. The Baroque-style main entrance is framed by Corinthian columns supporting a frieze adorned with floral motifs, above which sits a triangular pediment with pinnacles at its lateral vertices. An oculus with the symbol of Saint Anthony is situated above the pediment, and the tympanum is carved with the symbols of Saint Peter – the papal tiara and keys. The Baroque style of the façade is further accentuated by a curvilinear cornice at the top. The roof is made of curved tiles arranged in a gable.
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The church tower, a square structure located at the foot of the temple on the Epistle side, is composed of three sections separated by stone cornices and masonry walls with corner pilasters. The tower is topped with an octagonal section featuring eight semicircular arches separated by pillars with half-columns attached, and it is crowned with a bulbous dome reminiscent of Byzantine architecture.
Stepping inside the San Antonio de Padua church, visitors are greeted by a treasure trove of religious art and artifacts. Among the notable pieces are the 18th-century oil painting of the Souls in Purgatory, the Baroque altarpiece housing the Virgin of Sorrows, and various sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries, including those of Saint Joseph, Saint Rita of Cascia, Saint Francis, and Saint Louis Bishop. The main altarpiece, dating from the 19th century, and the 18th-century statue of Saint Anthony of Padua are also significant highlights.
Other remarkable items include the 18th-century articulated wooden statue of the Christ of the Descent, the pulpit located on the Gospel side wall next to the triumphal arch, and the retable featuring a painting of Christ embracing Saint Francis. Additionally, the church houses a collection of silverware, including a 17th-18th century silver lamp, a silver crown of Saint Fernando, and two silver monstrances.
The San Antonio de Padua church is not just a place of worship but a cultural and historical landmark that reflects the rich heritage of Granadilla de Abona. Its architectural beauty, combined with the wealth of religious art it houses, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island of Tenerife. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or a spiritual seeker, the San Antonio de Padua church offers a profound and enriching experience that connects you to the past and the enduring legacy of this vibrant community.
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