Padua 2021 – Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua – Saint Anthony’s miracles: Aleardino’s Glass

“During the Renaissance, artists drew inspiration from the remains of Greco-Roman antiquity, and this is why all the characters of the scene are dressed as ancient Romans. One day a knight called Aleardino da Salvaterra arrived in Padua. This knight had always despised Catholics, believing them to be ignorant and gullible. One day, while dining, his tablemates started telling him with great enthusiasm of the many miracles performed by St Anthony. As a reaction, Aleardino emptied his glass and said, “If he whom you consider to be a saint will prevent this glass from breaking when it hits the ground I will believe everything you are telling me about him.” He then threw the glass to the floor with all his strength, and quite unbelievably, the glass did not break. It is even said that the hard tiles on which it fell broke instead of the glass. Faced by this inexplicable phenomenon, Aleardino believed and was converted.”

Source: www.santantonio.org/en/content/saint-anthonys-miracles-aleardinos-glass

Building of the basilica started in 1232 and it was completed in 1310, although there are some later additions and changes. It has the tomb of Saint Anthony of Padua and several other shrines.