Scrovegni Chapel

Chapel · Padua

Scrovegni Chapel

Chapel · Padua

2

Piazza Eremitani, 8, 35121 Padova PD, Italy

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Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by Getty
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null
Scrovegni Chapel by null

Highlights

This intimate chapel in Padua, adorned with Giotto's vibrant early-14th century frescoes, offers a captivating glimpse into art history—just be sure to book ahead!  

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Piazza Eremitani, 8, 35121 Padova PD, Italy Get directions

cappelladegliscrovegni.it

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Piazza Eremitani, 8, 35121 Padova PD, Italy Get directions

+39 049 201 0020
cappelladegliscrovegni.it

Features

wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Jul 10, 2025

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@afar

"Giotto's Hidden Art Gem in Padua Built in 1307, Giotto's Arena Chapel, aka Scorvegni Chapel, should not be missed when visiting the Veneto. In Padua, it is often overlooked, which can mean smaller crowds during certain times and seasons. After a video in English and Italian explaining the history of the small unassuming chapel, you march through a vacuum that removes impurities on your clothes, which helps preserve the interior and colours of Giotto's masterpiece. Then you may enter 10 or so at a time to observe each detailed panel. Some represent the miracles Jesus performed, but what you should notice is the intensity of the figures depicted upon the wall and a striking representation of Mary's parents in love and kissing. Another image to notice is the kiss of Judas—where he kisses Jesus before he is to betray him—and Mary Magdalene's face of agony as Jesus hangs from the cross. Also pay attention to the entire wall that depicts The Last Judgement where Jesus is surrounded by apostles and below him are those who are chosen to be escorted to heaven, while to the left of the image are those being tortured in hell by blue monsters. The man who commissioned the Chapel, Enrico Scorvegni, is depicted next to the cross presenting Giotto's Chapel, within his hands, to the Virgin Mary. Photos are not allowed within the Chapel and this rule is enforced. (this image is credited to http://padovacultura.padovanet.it/homepage-6.0/2010/12/scrovegni_chapel.html)"

Relaxing into a Week in Venice
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@cntraveler

3 Best Day Trips from Venice | Condé Nast Traveler

"Scrovegni Chapel, which is completely covered in vivid, emotive frescoes by Giotto—including a deep-blue starry sky on the vaulted ceiling—is a true jewel box. Even if you never cared about Renaissance art before, the haunting biblical scenes and stunning use of color will blow you away. Because the space is so small, and because the art is so sensitive to environmental damage, you can only see it with a timed ticket that must be booked at least 24 hours in advance; we recommend reserving at least four days in advance." - Andrea Whittle

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-day-trips-from-venice
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AussieIslander

Google
Stunning chapel and the experience and historic significance are possibly greater than Leonardo's Last Supper Museum in Milan. Very well organised experience. You must buy your ticket before arrival and turn up on time. Easy.

Patty Ellis

Google
What an amazing little Chapel. This was one of the many highlights of our visit to Padova. Purchase your tickets online before you go. We enjoyed the introductory video as we didn't know much about Giotto. Staff is very friendly and helpful. The museum and displays on the grounds are also very interesting. But the Chapel is the star of the show. It is simply amazing that this was done in the early 1300s and is still so vibrant. I am so happy that they have a system to keep it beautiful as well.

I. Morgan

Google
Scrovegni Chapel – A Masterpiece of Renaissance Art The Scrovegni Chapel in Padua is one of the greatest artistic treasures in Italy and an absolute must-visit. This small but breathtaking chapel is home to Giotto’s frescoes, painted between 1303 and 1305, which revolutionized Renaissance art with their realism, depth, and emotional storytelling. Opening Times & Tickets • Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry at 6:20 PM). • Tickets cost 14€ for adults, 5€ for children (under 6 free), and include entry to the Eremitani Museum next door. • Advance booking is essential as entry is limited to small groups to preserve the frescoes. Why You Should Visit The chapel’s fresco cycle depicts scenes from the Life of the Virgin Mary and Christ, culminating in the dramatic Last Judgment. Giotto’s mastery of light, perspective, and human expression brings the stories to life in a way that was groundbreaking for the time. One of the most famous scenes, The Lamentation, captures raw human emotion with stunning detail. Before entering, visitors watch a short film about the chapel’s history in a climate-controlled waiting area, designed to protect the fragile frescoes. The visit itself lasts 15 minutes, but every second inside this masterpiece is unforgettable. Located in the heart of Padua, the Scrovegni Chapel is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for art lovers and history enthusiasts alike. A true gem of the Italian Renaissance – 5/5!

Anthea Abela

Google
Beautiful experience, especially as art and art history students who have been studying this chapel for years! Honestly a surreal experience. Students definitely should get their student card because it was a lot cheaper for us to go in! That said, it is definitely better to book the tickets beforehand to avoid the wait. But if you do buy the tickets there, you can go around the archeological museum there to make the time go by faster~ The staff was also very friendly and super helpful!! An overall wonderful experience even if we only spent 15 minutes inside the chapel.

Juan Camilo Vargas

Google
amazing chapel! it is a must while visiting Padua. Reservations are a must especially in high season.

Evil Edna

Google
I felt so privileged to visit this site. Absolutely beautiful. If you go first thing the group tends to be not as big as later. It is worth it. YOU NEED TO BOOK! I saw a couple of people turned away and disappointed because they turned up.

Kate Gresko

Google
Such an amazing Chapel! Everything is really done to preserve it. The video introduction gave such a great insight to what to look on in the chapel, and being an artist myself - a perspective of unique work of Giotto. Recommend to visit!

Charles Wong

Google
It's wise to book ahead. Before entering the small chapel we were shown a short video introducing the artist Giotto and his painting style. Each time about 30 visitors are allowed to spend 15 mins to admire the famous mural above their heads. It's quite rushed but definitely worthwhile.
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Jeremy R.

Yelp
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!
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Lauren F.

Yelp
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.
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Robbie C.

Yelp
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.
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Joy D.

Yelp
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.
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Daniel K.

Yelp
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.
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Grasiela R.

Yelp
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.
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Gail W.

Yelp
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.

Robb H.

Yelp
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.

Sarah S.

Yelp
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.
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Jerry S.

Yelp
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!