Spending as much time as I do on the San Antonio Riverwalk and the surrounds, I am amazed at the amount of creative artworks around the banks of the river.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people pass by these displays, and sadly some miss the contributions to the beauty and unique character of the Riverwalk.
Many of these are obvious to all and in plain view, some are higher up…and some at ground level.
Periodically, I will highlight some of these artistic contributions so that the next time you visit the Riverwalk, or downtown San Antonio, you might like to check them out for yourself.
I am going to start with a sculpture on the bank of the Riverwalk, that is seen by thousands of people every day.
THE STATUE OF ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA
This 8’ bronze statue is situated in the man made section of the river, at the junction of the “Shops at the Riverwalk” channel, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center channel.
Photos: Author’s photos
The impressive artwork was a gift to the city of San Antonio from Portugal at the conclusion of Hemisfair in 1968. St Anthony had welcomed visitors to the Portuguese Pavilion at Hemisfair until that point.
Born in 1195, Anthony became known as a passionate preacher and Franciscan teacher, with a vast understanding of scripture. It is reported that he spoke to large crowds…sometimes estimated to be around 30,000 people. He died in Padua, Italy, on June 13th 1231 at the age of 35, and was canonized the following year.
On June 13th 1691, Father Damian Massanet, who was part of an expedition led by Domingo Teran de los Rios, held a Mass on the banks of the Yanaguana River, and named the area after Saint Anthony because it was his feast day. Subsequently, the settlement established there eventually became known as San Antonio.
The statue, holding the Child Jesus, was a gift to the city from Portugal at the conclusion of Hemisfair in 1968, and was created by artist Leopoldo de Almeida in 1950.
Saint Anthony is known as the Patron Saint of many varied things including animals, sailors, fishermen, amputees, mail, mariners, oppressed people, travel hostesses, runts of litters, elderly people, pregnant women, harvests, Portugal, Brazil, Native Americans and lost things. He is also referred to as the “Matchmaker Saint” and is the Patron Saint of those seeking the love of a spouse.
Sources:
Saint Antony Shrine
San Antonio Express News
americamagazine.org
Follow My Blog
Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
Memories of San Antonio 