Description
A Scrovegni Chapel guided tour takes you into the chapel that Enrico Scrovegni, a wealthy banker, had built in Padua at the start of the 14th century. Giotto's frescoes fill the interior, and a licensed guide helps you read them scene by scene.
The cycle follows the life of the Virgin Mary and of Christ. Look closely and you will notice what set Giotto apart from the Byzantine tradition: figures with real volume, faces that show feeling, gestures and space that feel natural. The guide points out these details and explains why this work is seen as a step towards the Renaissance.
- Cappella degli Scrovegni, the frescoes and their stories
- The historical and cultural background of 14th-century Padua
- Giotto's art and his break with the Byzantine style
The visit lasts about an hour and a half and starts in front of the entrance, in Piazza Eremitani. It is a good fit for families as well as art lovers, and headsets may be provided for large groups.