If you’re holidaying anywhere near to Padua city in the region of Veneto then be sure to visit the mesmerising sight of the Scrovegni chapel here.
It was commissioned to be built as a family chapel by a rich man called Enrico Scrovegni. He made his fortune through banking.
In the 14th century, Christianity condemned the act of charging interest on loans and so, many wealthy bankers felt obliged to obtain absolution for their trade by building lavish religious monuments.
What makes the Scrovegni chapel so famous is that it was entirely covered inside with richly detailed paintings depicting biblical scenes. It was painted by master artist, Giotto over a period of 855 days between 1302 and 1305.
It was commissioned to be built as a family chapel by a rich man called Enrico Scrovegni. He made his fortune through banking.
In the 14th century, Christianity condemned the act of charging interest on loans and so, many wealthy bankers felt obliged to obtain absolution for their trade by building lavish religious monuments.
What makes the Scrovegni chapel so famous is that it was entirely covered inside with richly detailed paintings depicting biblical scenes. It was painted by master artist, Giotto over a period of 855 days between 1302 and 1305.
These biblical stories seem to come to life for those who gaze upon them due to the vibrancy and realism of Giotto’s magnificent work. His extensive masterpiece covers an area of 1000 square metres!
The architecture of Scrovegni chapel is quite simple; a rectangular hall with a barrel vault and the theme for Giotto’ paintings on its walls and ceiling mostly depicts the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ.
Scrovegni chapel is open for tourists to visit all year around between the hours of 9am and 7pm. Tickets are advised to be reserved well in advance online, by phone or at least a few days in advance at the ticket office beside the chapel.
The architecture of Scrovegni chapel is quite simple; a rectangular hall with a barrel vault and the theme for Giotto’ paintings on its walls and ceiling mostly depicts the lives of the Virgin Mary and Christ.
Scrovegni chapel is open for tourists to visit all year around between the hours of 9am and 7pm. Tickets are advised to be reserved well in advance online, by phone or at least a few days in advance at the ticket office beside the chapel.
As specialised efforts are made to preserve this masterpiece of work by Giotto, only 25 people are admitted at a time and they can admire this masterpiece for up to thirty minutes before the space must be emptied.
This is because the microclimate inside the Scrovegni chapel must be re-stabilised to protect the lifespan of the artwork for many years to come.
Come and see one of Giotto’s finest works, second only to Michelangelo’s Sistine chapel in Rome. Stay in a pretty villa in Veneto and enjoy a few days of exploring the intricate beauty and culrure of this region's artistic treasures!
This is because the microclimate inside the Scrovegni chapel must be re-stabilised to protect the lifespan of the artwork for many years to come.
Come and see one of Giotto’s finest works, second only to Michelangelo’s Sistine chapel in Rome. Stay in a pretty villa in Veneto and enjoy a few days of exploring the intricate beauty and culrure of this region's artistic treasures!
Photo credits
picture 1: Rotatebot / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 1: Rotatebot / CC BY-SA 3.0;