One of the most important sightseeing highlights in all of Italy is the Scrovegni Chapel. Located in Padova (Padua), it is a short day trip from Venice, in Northern Italy’s Veneto region. A trip to Padova is worth the visit.
Giotto Frescoes in Scrovegni Chapel
Housed inside the Scrovegni Chapel is Giotto’s Last Judgement frescoes.
Giotto painted the frescoes in 1303. Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel work innovates the painting style of the day. It demonstrates the transition to the humanist style and the Renaissance. Giotto’s innovative styles took a step forward transforming art from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance.
Church of the Eremitani and Civic Museum
In addition to the chapel is the The Church of the Eremitani (Chiesa degli Eremitani), where Augustinian Hermit Friars, a group of monks who lived simple, secluded lives, built and ran a church and monastery complex starting in the 13th century through about 1800.
Both are part of the same historical area, The monastery was converted into the Musei Civici agli Eremitani (a civic museum). The Scrovegni Chapel itself is now managed by the city of Padua’s cultural heritage department, with visits coordinated through the Padova Civic Museum.
The chapel and the Eremitani complex, including its museum, Musei Civici agli Eremitani, are managed together. The chapel’s ticket office is at the Eremitani Museum entrance, and visitors often explore both sites in one visit. Plan some time before or after your vist to the chapel.
St Anthony’s Basilica
Another artistic and spirtitual highlight in Padua is St Anthony’s Basilica. It is a a huge church built in Padua to honor him, starting in 1232. It’s a stunning place with domes and towers, filled with art and his tomb, where people still pray today.
Outside the Basilica is Donatello’s bronze equestrian. Not related to St Anthony, it portrays Erasmo da Narni, nicknamed “Gattamelata” (meaning “honeyed cat”), a famous military leader or condottiero who served the Republic of Venice. He died in 1443, and his family commissioned the statue to honor him.
Padua Sightseeing
Padua is also famous for the Bo University. This brings a university vibe and young people to the center.
Prato della Valle
One of Europe’s largest elliptical squares, with a grassy center, a canal, and 78 statues of famous figures.
Acros the street is a lovely supermarket. Go in, try some local flavors, and have a picnic in the park. Or go up to the top to its caffe overlooking the park.
Piazza dei Signori
Great spot to admire Renaissance architecture and soak in Padua’s history. The Clock Tower’s intricate design and the Loggia’s arche are authentic architecture to the area.
Piazza Cavour
Another little square closeby is Caffè Pedrocchi, the classic stop for coffee or afternoon snack much like Caffe Florian in Venice.
How to Plan a Day Trip from Venice
By rental Car
We planned the visit to Padua and the Scrovegni Chapel as a day trip between Venice and Verona. We rented a car in Venice’s Piazzale Roma. Note that the rental car agencies is Piazzale Roma may close flur lunch between 12 and 2 so be sure to pickup your car before or after,
Driving from Venice to Padua is easy ride along mostly highway. It takes about 45 minutes.
Getting into the center of Padua there is typically some traffic due to the university buses and commuters. Plan to park at the Porte Contarine Park (21, via Giacomo Matteotti) or Padova Centro Park – Interparking (50, via Trieste).
By Train from Venice to Padua
From Venice Santa Maria Lucia train station take the train to Padova Centrale. Depending on the train it will take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. From the train station most sites are within 1 mile.
Video of Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel in Padua
Watch the video below for more information about Giotto’s Scrovegni Chapel.
