Scrovegni Chapel

The Cappella degli Scrovegni is a must-see sight when you're in Padova. The miniscule church was commissioned in 1303 by Enrico Scrovegni to buy grace for his father's life of usury, a dreadful sin according to Dante's book which was creating a new contemporary view of hell at the time. The chapel was attached to the Scrovegni Palace, partially set in the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater. The park is still called the Garden of Arena for its former use.

The chapel is a breathtaking sight when you enter - it is completely covered in vibrant frescoes by Giotto. Considered the most complete series of paintings by the famed artist, these frescoes influenced European art for centuries to come. They are a visual blending of nature, history, humanity and faith, a pre-Renaissance spectacle of narrative space and naturalism, while retelling Biblical stories. Giotto executed scenes of the life of Jesus with incredible insight, using detail and depth that the Byzantine art world hadn't previously seen. The lower parts of the walls contain allegorical images of the Vices and Virtues. Above the door is Scrovegni himself presenting the chapel; his tomb lies at the far end behind the altar, adorned with statues by Giovanni Pisano.

Because of its small size and popularity, reservations are mandatory to see this beautiful sight. When you arrive, there is a 15 minute narrative on the history and art of the chapel, and then there is a 15 minute limit on the visit to the chapel itself. The Cappella degli Scrovegni is open from 9:00 AM til 7:00 PM. Reservations can be booked online at www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it