[ 135 ]
![next](graphics/next.gif)
TOC
|
On my arrival at Padua I was extreme- ly desirous of seeing the famous church of Saint Antonio, as well as of hearing the service performed in it; and, sup- posing my Reader to be possessed of a small portion of my impatience, I shall hasten to give him a short description of this fabrick, and an account of its musi- cal establishments.
It is a large old Gothic building, and is called here by way of excellence, il Santo the Saint. It has six domes or cupolas, of which the two largest com- pose the nave; but though it is only the second church in rank, it is the first in fame and veneration at Padua. It is ex- tremely rich, and so much ornamented, as to appear crowded with paintings and sculpture. At the entrance into the choir the majestic appearance of four im- mense organs is very striking, of which the front pipes are so highly polished as to have the appearance of burnished silver; the frames too are riched carved
|