Attraction Guide: Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy

Scrovegni Chapel Guide

Scrovegni Chapel: Giotto's Masterpiece in Padua Guide

The Scrovegni Chapel, also known as the Arena Chapel, is a small church in Padua that houses one of the most important fresco cycles in Western art, created by the master painter Giotto di Bondone in the early 14th century. This chapel is a must-see for art lovers and anyone interested in the history of the Renaissance. The vibrant colors and emotional depth of Giotto's frescoes are truly breathtaking. The chapel was commissioned by Enrico Scrovegni, a wealthy Paduan banker, as a private family chapel and as an act of atonement for his family's sin of usury. Giotto began work on the frescoes around 1303 and completed them in 1305. The frescoes depict scenes from the lives of Mary and Jesus, as well as allegorical representations of virtues and vices. Giotto's innovative use of perspective and his realistic portrayal of human emotions revolutionized painting and paved the way for the Renaissance. Visiting the Scrovegni Chapel requires advance booking due to the limited number of visitors allowed inside at any one time. This is to protect the delicate frescoes from damage. Before entering the chapel, visitors spend a short time in a climate-controlled waiting room to acclimatize to the chapel's environment. Once inside, you can admire Giotto's masterpiece and learn about the history of the chapel and the artist. Photography is not allowed inside the chapel.