In the early 16th century, a small temple dedicated to St Anthony of Padua was built in memory of the miracle that made a mule devoted to the consecrated host in the 13th century.
It was rebuilt in the 17th century after the 1672 earthquake and has changed its original appearance due to various restorations; it is octagonal in shape, surrounded by columns and covered in marble.
It is said that the miracle of the mule occurred through the intercession of St Anthony of Padua in Piazza Tre Martiri in Rimini.
Legend has it that the saint was handing out the consecrated host to the townspeople when a farmer passed by in the company of a mule. The farmer just did not want to know about receiving the host, the mule on the contrary sat, as if prostrating herself, in front of the saint’s hand.
