Scrovegni Chapel — Attraction in Padua

The Scrovegni Chapel is a Catholic place of worship located in the historic center of Padua and houses a world-famous cycle of frescoes by Giotto from the early 14th century, considered one of the masterpieces of Western art. The nave is 20.88 m long, 8.41 m wide, 12.65 m high; the apse area is formed by a first part with a square plan, 4.49 m deep and 4.31 m wide, and a subsequent part, with a five-sided polygonal shape, 2.57 m deep and covered by five ribbed nails. Since 2006 the Scrovegni Chapel is a candidate to become the second site of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Padua (the first is the 16th century botanical garden).

Named after Maria Vergine Annunziata, the chapel was built by Enrico Scrovegni, a very rich Paduan usurer, who at the beginning of the fourteenth century had purchased the area of ​​the ancient Roman arena of Padua from a decayed nobleman, Manfredo Dalesmanini. Here he built a sumptuous palace, of which the chapel was a private oratory and a future family mausoleum. The Florentine Giotto called to paint the chapel, who, after having worked with the Franciscans of Assisi and Rimini, was in Padua called by the Friars Minor Conventual to fresco the Chapter Room, the Chapel of Blessings and perhaps other spaces in the Basilica of Anthony. The news that Enrico Scrovegni built this sacred building in atonement for the sin of usury committed by his father Rinaldo (or Reginaldo), which Dante Alighieri, a few years after the conclusion of the Giottesque cycle, places in Hell among the usurers (XVII, 64-66).

Ancient fourteenth-century mentions (Riccobaldo Ferrarese, Francesco da Barberino, 1312-1313) certify the presence of Giotto at the construction site. The dating of the frescoes can be deduced with a good approximation from a series of news: the purchase of the land took place in February of the year 1300, the bishop of Padua Ottobono dei Razzi authorized the construction before 1302 (date of his transfer to the Patriarchate of Aquileia ); the first consecration took place on the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25, 1303; the first of March 1304 Pope Benedict XI granted indulgence to those who had visited the chapel and a year later, again on the occasion of March 25 (1305), the chapel was consecrated. Thus, Giotto's work takes place between March 25, 1303 and March 25, 1305. Incidentally, in the Universal Judgment of the Chapel, a ray of light every March 25 passes between the hand of Henry and that of the Madonna.

Giotto painted the entire inner surface of the oratory with a unitary iconographic and decorative project, inspired by an Augustinian theologian of refined competence, recently identified by Giuliano Pisani in Alberto da Padova. Among the sources used there are many Augustinian texts, the apocryphal Gospels of the pseudo-Matthew and of Nicodemus, the Golden Legend of Jacopo da Varazze and, for some iconographic details, the Meditations on the life of Jesus of the pseudo-Bonaventure, as well as texts of the medieval Christian tradition, including the Physiologist.

When he works on the decoration of the Chapel, the great master has a team of about forty collaborators and 625 "days" of work have been calculated, where per day does not mean the arc of 24 hours, but the portion of fresco that can be achieved to paint before the plaster dries (ie it is no...

First of all, I would like to point out that this review is clearly not about the masterpiece inside the Chapel (about which there is nothing to say except that it is one of the most significant works in the history of Italian art and must absolutely be seen during your stay in Padua). I will report my experience with the staff and the organization in general. Unfortunately, not even small dogs in carriers or with muzzles are allowed inside. As a result, my father, mother and I had to take turns. While one kept the dog outside, the other two went and vice versa. With this in mind, we went to the tourist office where they told us that there were only three tickets left, one for the 9:00 pm shift and two for the 9:20 pm shift. However, they assured us that although the visit normally lasts 40 minutes, the person who went first could leave earlier, after only 20 minutes, to ensure the change for the other two and to keep the dog. We bought the tickets, but when we got there and I had already entered, I discovered that the first 20 minutes of the visit consist of watching a video. Consequently, I would only see the video and not the chapel, but for my dog ​​I was willing to do this too. A very kind girl immediately apologized for the inconvenience, but standing behind a glass booth and arguing with another person who didn't seem very sorry, but rather annoyed, they made incomprehensible gestures. I later understood that they had decided that I had to stay there and continue the visit until 9:40 pm, and they also communicated to my parents, who however managed to exchange the entrance with two very kind ladies so that they could also enter at 8:40 pm and therefore not lose the money we had spent. For this reason my mother asked the people to warn me since I was already inside, but I was not warned of anything and a few minutes before 8:20 pm I got up, they left me standing in the middle of the room in front of everyone until I wrote to my parents that it was impossible to leave and they told me about the ticket change. When we finally took turns, my parents advised me, since it was late at night, to stay in the little garden right behind and not on the benches in front of the bookshop because they were isolated and poorly lightened , but as soon as they went, the person who was there and who had heard the whole conversation sent me away with my dog ​​in my arms (I'm talking about a 3 kg toy poodle). We also discovered that the same inconvenience had happened to another couple with a dog. This certainly discourages those like me who have a four-legged friend and still want to see works of art that are so precious on a cultural level. However, remember that the unconditional love that your dogs give you and the love for art are worth much more than small accidents...

Capella degli Scrovegni in Padua town, Italy is a true masterpiece of art and architecture that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. This stunning chapel, built in the early 14th century, is renowned for its breathtaking frescoes by the famous artist Giotto.

Visitors have praised the chapel for its remarkable beauty and historical significance. The frescoes, which cover the walls and ceiling of the chapel, depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, and are considered some of the greatest masterpieces of Western art.

The chapel's architecture is also impressive, with its simple and elegant lines creating a sense of harmony and balance that is both calming and inspiring. The light and colors within the chapel are expertly used to enhance the beauty of the frescoes and create a sense of depth and dimensionality.

Visitors have also praised the chapel's careful preservation, which has kept this historic and artistic treasure in pristine condition for centuries. The chapel's small size and intimate atmosphere make it a truly special place to visit, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for all who come to see it.

Overall, Capella degli Scrovegni in Padua town, Italy is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. This remarkable chapel is a true masterpiece that showcases the incredible talent and creativity of Giotto, and offers a glimpse into the rich cultural...