This was literally one of the most spectacular sights I have seen in all my European adventures. It rival the great works like the Ghent Alterpiece and St Peter's. It's a small chapel with a luminous fresco cycle painted by Giotto in the 14th century.. The main panels feature the lives of Christ and the Virgin Mary typical of religious art of the period. These are accompanied by smaller panels depicting the 12 vices and virtues. These panels are unique in their examination of good and evil and the means to achieve salvation through earthly deeds. Tickets MUST be purchased in advance and specify date and time. I advise arriving at least one half hour in advance to find parking (not convenient or easy) and making you way to the chapel. There is also a fascinating museum filled with centuries of art and treasures attached to the chapel. Allow at least 3 hours. If you are anywhere near Padua, this is an experience not to be missed! read more

This is definitely a highlight in Padova. My friend purchased tickets online and we came a little earlier than our scheduled entry time. We wandered around the courtyard of the museum until it was time to go in. We waited outside for our group's turn and entered the screening room. The chairs were spaced out. The film provided a good introduction to what we were about to see and the history of the chapel. The subtitles were in English. Once inside, we had just about the right amount of time to look at the walls in detail. I took photos with both my phone and camera, without flash. I think it is very cool that the first kiss in art history is in this chapel. I recommend a visit to see this historical work if you are in Padova. read more

Probably our favorite church in Italy. There are many others more grand in design and construction, but none with the vibrancy of color and expression. From the outside the building looks like a non-descript box. There is nothing that even hints whether this building was built in 1300 or 1995. It's just blah. But upon taking the first step inside, you see the richest, most saturated blues and golds, with an assortment of other colors (all perfectly contrasting). Truth be told, it overwhelms the senses and you have to look down at the floor every once in a while to clear your mind and allow it to reboot. For us, the focal point was the ceiling, which is covered in stars on a rich blue background. I have never seen Star spangling used in any other church in the world. Truly one of a kind. I wavered between 4 or 5 stars only because you are given a very limited time to walk through the church before the next group is pushed through via security. It is impossible to see everything here while adhering to the time limits. Definitely a bucket list visit for anyone interested in religious art. read more

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From the outside it looks like a deceivingly simple chapel, yet once you watch the film that better prepares you to go inside, you will be amazed by the brilliant frescoes that surround you, immersing you in the stories of Jesus and his parents and grandparents. Irrespective of your faith, the frescoes are powerful with their realism and raw emotions. A once in a lifetime experience you won't soon forget. The history of the chapel is fascinating, as well. read more

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What a great place to experience. Yeah, the logistics are a little wonky and you get limited time to experience the chapel, but the time you do get is pretty incredible. A little off the beaten path, but I would figure out a way to get here if you like art (I am by no means an art lover but thought the chapel was incredible) and you are in northern Italy. read more

Padova, Italy is an Italian town, west of Venezia where I got to spend some of my summer vacation. When I found out I was going to be in this town, I knew I had to visit the Capella degli Scrovengi to see Giotto's medieval fresco paintings. I was so inspired, I watercolored one of my own.You need to make reservations a day in advance, and is not possible to reserve for the same day. You could try to see if anyone missed their reservation but if you really really want to enter, I would advise you to purchase your ticket in advance. read more

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A favorite. The chapel Is beautiful. We were able to get same day timed admission from the ticket office. It was off season when we toured. read more

Advance planning needed. You have to go online weeks beforehand to buy tickets for a very specific 20-minute time slot . . . but it's very worth it. A real pleasure for fresco lovers. read more

The Scrovegni Chapel is one of Italy's best little-known jewels a must-see for art lovers. Frescos by Giotto cover the interior walls and ceiling of this chapel, dedicated in 1305, funded by the Scrovegni family. The family name translates into English as "Scrooge", as the family was rich beyond measure by usury; in fact, Dante puts the pater familias in the 7th circle of Hell in "The Divine Comedy." Enrico, his son, funded the chapel to save the family's name and make amends to God. The art, recently restored, shows Bible stories in realistic Italian settings, with "real" people rather than idealized figures. The colors of the panels are vibrant and intense. Look for the comet in one of the panels -- the first artistic representation of Haley's Comet ever! This chapel kickstarted the changeover from Byzantine artistic style to the humanism of the Renaissance. Arguably, the chapel with it's Last Judgment covering one end wall presaged Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel version. Make sure you have reservations well in hand. The website www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it is necessary to book a 20 minute viewing window at least 1 day in advance, and show up at least 1 hour before the reservation time. You can book online for several months in advance. No cameras of any kind are allowed inside -- period -- due to the fragility of the artwork. As a sidebar, the chapel was nearly hit by a bomb and destroyed during WWII. See this while it's still open to the public -- it's only a matter of time before preservation will require closure to the general public. Presently, the air is scrubbed between every group of 25 people. Whether you are religious or not, this is an artistic masterpiece beyond measure, preserved now for over 800 years! read more

It was nice - however, as I mentioned in another review, I personally enjoyed the Basilica of Saint Anthony about 15 minutes away (walking) more. On the plus side, if you see it during the off season, me and my friend were one time slot away from seeing it with no other people at 6:15pm! Unfortunately we showed up 20 minutes early and got grouped with another small group of about 8 people. As for the Museum - skip the first floor - it's just minor archaelogical trinkets which you can see in abundance anywhere. I'd go straight for the art on the second floor. read more