Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
otto's moving, modern approach changed how people saw themselves: not as lowly vas-
sals but as vessels for the divine, however flawed. This humanising approach was espe-
cially well suited to the chapel Enrico Scrovegni commissioned in memory of his father,
who as a moneylender was denied a Christian burial.
Previously medieval churchgoers had been accustomed to blank stares from saints
perched on high, golden thrones, but Giotto introduced biblical figures as characters in re-
cognisable settings. Onlookers gossip as middle-aged Anne tenderly kisses Joachim, and
Jesus stares down Judas as the traitor puckers up for the fateful kiss. A 10-minute intro-
ductory video provides some helpful insights before you enter the church itself.
Pick up prebooked tickets at the Musei Civici agli Eremitani, where you access the
chapel. Chapel visits last 15 minutes, plus another 15 minutes for the video, though the
'double turn' night-session ticket (adult/reduced €12/6) allows a 30-minute stay in the
church.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR EURO
A PadovaCard ( www.padovacard.it; per 48/72hr €16/21) gives one adult and one child under 14 free
use of city public transport and access to almost all of Padua's major attractions, including the Cap-
pella degli Scrovegni (plus €1 booking fee; reservations essential). PadovaCards are available at
Padua tourist offices and monuments covered by the pass.
MUSEUM
Musei Civici agli Eremitani
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
( 049 8204 5450; Piazza Eremitani 8; adult/reduced €10/8; 9am-7pm Tue-Sun) The ground floor
of this monastery houses artefacts dating from Padua's Roman and pre-Roman past. Up-
stairs, a rambling but interesting collection boasts a few notable 14th- to 18th-century
works by Bellini, Giorgione, Tintoretto and Veronese. The show-stopper is a crucifix by
Giotto, showing a heartbroken Mary wringing her hands as Jesus' blood drips into the
empty eye sockets of a human skull.
Palazzo del Bò
OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP
HISTORIC BUILDING
( 049 827 30 47; Via VIII Febbraio; adult/reduced €5/3.50; tours 9.15am, 10.15am & 11.15am Tue,
Thu & Sat, 3.15pm, 4.15pm & 5.15pm Mon, Wed & Fri) This Renaissance palazzo is the seat of
Padua's history-making university. Founded by renegade scholars from Bologna seeking
Search WWH ::




Custom Search