The chapel contains the remains of Saint Demetrius, which are displayed as a full-body wax figure.
Father Mollinger founded the chapel in 1880 after arriving in the United States from Belgium.
Many of the relics were acquired by Mollinger to protect them from secularization efforts in Europe during the late 1800s.
The collection includes a relic identified as a tooth of Saint Anthony of Padua.
Each relic is authenticated with a wax seal from the Roman Catholic Church.
Saint Anthony Chapel in Pittsburgh houses the largest collection of Christian relics outside of the Vatican. Father Suitbert Mollinger, a physician and priest, spent his personal fortune acquiring these items during the 19th century. The collection contains over 5,000 relics, including pieces of the True Cross, the Crown of Thorns, and the remains of various saints. The chapel interior features intricate wood carvings and detailed paintings designed to display these artifacts in a devotional environment. It serves as a pilgrimage site for those seeking to venerate historical religious objects. The building is located in the Troy Hill neighborhood overlooking the city landscape.
The exterior facade of the chapel from across Harpster Street, capturing the ornate stonework and tower.
Bring a list of specific saints you wish to find, as the sheer number of reliquaries can be overwhelming.
Visit on a weekday to avoid the larger crowds that gather for weekend services and special feast days.
Walk the perimeter of the chapel exterior to see the architectural details before entering.
Do not attempt to touch the glass reliquaries or remove any items from the prayer desks.
Open for scheduled public tours and religious services; check the website for specific holiday closures and private event restrictions.
Dress modestly as this is a functioning place of worship; maintain a quiet voice and refrain from photography inside the chapel.
