The main feature is the frescoe walls done by Giotto from 1303-05. It depicts the sotires of Mary, Jesus through his life and the Judgment. The paintings are ringing around the chapel and on three levels for each theme. Above the main door is painting of the Last Judgment. Most have been restored to bring out the color of the paintings. This era led the way into the Renaissance period and new revival of art.

The chapel was built by Enrico Scrovegni to try and absolve the sins of his family for usury by his father, Reginaldo, who reportedly was the sinner in religious eyes. The land was a Roman arena and some columns are still out in the grounds. The building was in neglect for years and the portico and facade collapsed, adn the palace of Enrico destroyed.

The Wiegand foundation sponsored restoration and the re-opening was in 2005. Besides the chapel, there is an adjacent and absolutely fabulous museum area with a video show of the chapel and history.

There are also many archeological items and antiques from the Roman era. This was as impressive as the chapel itself.

You need reservations ahead to purchase tickets and time slot allocated. We got reservations and ticket for Padova card on line, easily. You have to be on site 1 hour before entering: everyone needs a 15 minute detox to cleanse before entering.

Giotto’s Cappella degli Scrovegni (Scrovegni’s Chapel) is an expression of Italian renaissance painting that you can absolutely not to miss in your journey to Padova. For art lover’s a visit to this Chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary is worth by itself of a visit to Padova. Henry, of the Scrovegni’s Italian family, commissioned to Giotto the interior decoration of this chapel, which the painter took out probably between 1303 and 1305.

The style of Giotto is absolutely amazing and this decoration is so important in western art history because it marked a full break with the past. The frescoes are full of meaning and completely cover the walls of the building telling the most important episodes in the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary.

The result is an entity where you can see improvements in the painter's style, with solid figures and bulky and color variations that enhance the tones. On the walls there are magnificent series of paintings, including the Stories of the Virgin Mary, the stories of Jesus infancy and life, the death, passion and resurrection of Christ.

The tomb of Henry Scrovegni is where is located the painting of the Last Judgement, a sort of symbolism in a metaphot of life and death.