The Scrovegni Chapel: A Top Attraction in Padua

One of Padua's top tourist attractions, 

if not the top tourist attraction, 

is the Scrovegni Chapel. 

The chapel was commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni in 1303

but is now a museum open to the public 

to view the vibrantly colored frescoes of Giotto. 

Scrovegni Chapel

To tour the chapel, 

you need to purchase tickets 

and you must arrive on time.

Scrovegni Chapel

You will enter a decompression area first 

where you will spend 15 minutes 

allowing the stabilization of the interior microclimate

during which time you will be watching an informational film. 

Scrovegni Chapel

Then you will get exactly 15 minutes in the chapel. 

I read a good suggestion for those 

who wish a longer time to view the frescoes 

is to purchase two back-to-back tickets. 

That would give you 30 minutes in the chapel. 

Scrovegni Chapel

The frescoes are a masterpiece of storytelling so  

take time to notice the intricate details. 

If you do not have a tour guide, 

read a bit about the frescoes in advance 

and you will have a greater appreciation 

of the work and juxtapositions. 

Scrovegni Chapel

Be sure to look for the frescoes depicting 

Vices and Virtues, 

the Life of Mary

the Life of Christ, 

the Last Judgement, 

and the Annunciation. 

Scrovegni Chapel

Sometimes the chapel is referred to as the Arena Chapel

 because of its location 

on what was once a Roman arena. 

Don't let that confuse you, 

they are one in the same. 

Scrovegni Chapel

More images from the chapel are here. 

The chapel website is here. 

More of my information about visiting Padua is here. 

Once you are at the chapel, 

take a stroll through the nearby Church of the Eremitani 

Church of the Eremitani

Once bombed in WW2 for its unlucky location 

next to a German command center, 

it has been rebuilt 

and some frescoes remain. 

There are additional photos of 

the Church of the Eremitani here. 

Suburban Girl's 10 Things to Do in Padua (Padova), Italy

Padua. 

Or as it is known in Italy, Padova, 

is an easy 25 minute bus ride from Venice. 

Via Umberto, Padua, Italy

It is worth the trip, 

Especially when Venice is overrun with tourists. 

Padua, Italy

Padua is one of those off-the-beaten-path 

yet much to discover kind of towns. 

I love those kind of places.

Padua, Italy

Padua offers  

alleys, 

arcaded streets, 

rivers, 

canals, 

bridges,

gardens, 

piazzas, 

a university, 

a huge market, 

outdoor cafes', 

remains of the old town wall, 

charming architecture, 

lots of history, 

and a wonderful climate

all packaged up with delicious wine and food.

Prato della Valle

So what's not to love about Padua? 

Really, nothing. 

Canal Off Of Via Umberto/Via Roma

We visited Padua in September
and stayed at
B and B San Marco 

and 

Hotel Fagiano

both just a short block from 

St. Anthony's Basilica. 

But of the two, we preferred B and B San Marco.

Both locations are not too far from the 

great people watching spot of 

Prato della Valle.

Prato della Valle

You absolutely must visit the market 

which has an outdoor and indoor section and 

fills two squares.
(Piazza dell’Erbe and Piazza dei Frutti) 
Closed Sundays

Outdoor Market, Piazza dell’Erbe

At the market enjoy a spritz with some Tramezzini (sandwiches). 

Then climb up the steps to view the arches of the Ragione Palace. 

Ragione Palace

There is a small fee 

unless there is an art show inside, 

then the fee is higher.  

From above you can look down 

and take in the market business below. 

Ragione Palace

After our stay in Padua, we headed off to Ravenna,  

but there are lots more picture of Padua here. 

Part of the City Wall Along the Canal

Some of the highlights of Padua are 

(in no particular order)

A walk along a canal or river 

Visit the Padua Duomo

People watch at the Prato

Have a drink at the historic Cafe Pedrocchi 

View the frescoes at the Scrovegni Chapel €

and the Church of the Eremitani

Visit the Anatomy Theater €

at Palazzo Bo 

(but confirm availability first.) 

Visit St. Anthony's Basilica (modest dress required) 

Eat at the outdoor market

photo above

Visit the Ragione Palace € 

photo above

Visit the Botanical Garden € 

Closed when we tried to visit. 

Eating: 

For great pizza and wine, the Pago Pago 

Delicious dinners at 

Trattoria al Prato 

and

Corte dei Leoni

Stay:

Bed and Breakfast San Marco 

Travel Tip

If you take the bus from Venice, 

turn to the left from the bus door, 

walk to the train station. 

Get a tram ticket 

in a booth in front of the station. 

Beyond the ticket booth, 

are the tram stops -

one on each side of the street. 

Validate your ticket on the tram. 

If you go in the wrong direction,  (we did)

your ticket is still good, 

just get off and get the next tram in the correct direction. 

To get to the City Center, The Prato, 

and places mention in this post, 

you need to cross the street for the stop. 

We exited at the Livio stop and walked 

to BB San Marco.