Fernando de Bulhões (known as Saint Anthony) was born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195, the son of a wealthy family.

The site of the family house where Fernando was born, located very close to Lisbon Cathedral, was turned into a small chapel in the 15th century.

A religious brotherhood (Irmandade de Santo António) dedicated to the saint was founded in the 16th century.

In the 1755 Lisbon earthquake the Santo António Church was destroyed, with only the main chapel left standing.

Since 1755, a procession leaves the church every June 13, passes by Lisbon Cathedral, and goes through the slopes of Alfama neighbourhood, located nearby.