Fernando de Bulhões, later known as Saint Anthony of Lisbon or Saint Anthony of Padua, had a deep connection with the city of Coimbra.
Born in Lisbon in 1195, Fernando moved to Coimbra while still young, where he entered the Monastery of Santa Cruz, one of the most prestigious religious and intellectual institutions of the time. It was in this city that he had his first contact with a life dedicated to prayer, study and spirituality, shaping the path that would lead him to become one of the most venerated saints in the Catholic Church.
"The decision to become a Franciscan and adopt the name António was taken in Coimbra, marking a radical transformation in his life"
In Coimbra, Fernando deepened his studies in theology and philosophy, standing out for his intelligence and dedication. During the time he spent at the Monastery of Santa Cruz, he had access to a vast library and an environment of intense cultural and religious activity. This period was crucial for the development of his thought and his faith, and it was also in Coimbra that he came into contact with the accounts of the first Franciscan martyrs, whose example of total dedication to the service of God deeply inspired him.
The decision to become a Franciscan and adopt the name Anthony was made in Coimbra, marking a radical transformation in his life. Abandoning the privileges and stability he had enjoyed at the Monastery of Santa Cruz, he opted for a life of humility and itinerancy, preaching and evangelizing in various places. Coimbra was not only the setting for this decisive moment, but it remains a place of great significance for understanding the origins of the saint who would become one of the greatest symbols of Christian devotion.
Municipal Tourist Office
Old Coimbra Station A
António Granjo Street No. 6
3000-429 Coimbra, Portugal
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