Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi

Map of the Churches of Rome
Church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi, Rome
Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi
The Baroque church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi, which is the national church of Portugal, was completed in 1638 by the Roman architect Martino Longhi the Younger (1602-60). His fellow architect Carlo Rainaldi (1611-91) was responsible for the design of most of the interior. 
As a result of the Napoleonic occupation of Rome, the church was closed in 1799, and the property was auctioned off. It was restored to the Portuguese government in 1814, and the church was restored and reopened in 1842.
Upper part of the facade of the church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi, Rome
Upper Part of the Facade
The beautiful facade is crowned with the coat of arms of the Most Serene House of Braganza, which ruled the Kingdom of Portugal until 1910.   ​
Nave, church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi, Rome
Nave
The church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi is dedicated to St Anthony of Padua, also known as St Anthony of Lisbon. St Anthony (1195-1231), who is the patron saint of Portugal, was born in Lisbon and died in the Italian city of Padua. He was canonised on May 30th 1232, less than a year after his death. His feast day is June 13th. ​​
High altar, church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi, Rome
High Altar
The altarpiece on the high altar depicts the Appearance of the Virgin and Child to St Anthony (1707), the work of Giacinto Calandrucci (1646-1707). 
Vault of the nave, church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi, Rome
Vault
The House of Braganza was founded by Alfonso I, first duke of Braganza, who is the subject of the fresco in the vault of the nave. On July 25th 1139, at the Battle of Ourique, the forces of Alfonso defeated a superior Muslim army and established the independence of Portugal. During the battle Alfonso is said to have had a vision of the Crucifixion, which is depicted in the fresco.
Organ and cantoria, church of Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi, Rome
Organ and Cantoria
The organ and cantoria above the entrance are beautifully carved. 
Funerary monument to Manuel Pereira de Sampaio by Filippo della Valle, Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi, Rome
Funerary Monument to Manuel Pereira de Sampaio
Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi is home to a fine funerary monument (1750-56) to Manuel Pereira de Sampaio, who served as the Portuguese ambassador to the Holy See. 
Funerary monument of Manuel Pereira Sampaio (1750-56), Sant' Antonio dei Portoghesi, Rome
Funerary Monument of Manuel Pereira Sampaio
​The monument, which was executed by the Florentine sculptor Filippo della Valle, is in two parts. On the right wall is a portrait of Manuel Pereira de Sampaio, while on the left wall is a reference to his work as an ambassador. In the latter Fame blows her trumpet. The winged caduceus is an attribute of Mercury, messenger of the gods.