Built in an imposing neo-gothic style, the church was inaugurated in 1945 and elevated to the category of Basilica by Pope Pius XII in 1952. Its origins go way back to a tiny chapel built in 1875 by Antonio Ferreira da Silva Jr., Viscount Embaré, and his wife, and then handed over to Franciscan friars in 1913, who began the new construction in 1930.
Afrescos
Above the main entrance, a classical composition shows Saint Anthony receiving the Infant Jesus from the hands of the Virgin. Curiously, the image of Saint Peter—who should be on the right of the person exiting, as he is the apostle on Christ's right—is located on the left, while Saint Paul is on the right.
On the interior, the 18-meter high ceiling is covered by frescoes by Pedro Gentili, which fill all spaces of the temple. They were executed in 1946 and restored in 2001.
Flanked by two angels sculpted in wood, the magnificent organ features about 3,800 pipes.