"padova (padua)" a Padova Travel Page by doug48

padova is a small medieval city about 30 miles west of venice. when visiting venice padova is worth a side trip. the main site of the city is the scrovegni chapel. it is located a block from the train station. enrico scrovegni bought the land around the ruins of an ancient roman arena and built a home and chapel. this chapel was originally called the "chapel of the arena". in 1305 scrovegni commissioned giotto to paint frescos on the walls and ceiling of the chapel. giotto, born in 1267 was considered the father of western art and the most famous artist of his day. he was also commissioned by several popes to paint st. peters and san giovanni in rome. his works can be seen all over italy but the scrovegni chapel is probably giotto's best collection. the chapel has a beautiful bright blue ceiling and the walls are covered with biblical stories. the best examples are the "arrest of Christ", "Christ mocked","the ascent to calvary" and the "crucifixion". this chapel is a must see for the student of medieval art. to enter the chapel you must buy a ticket in advance because of environmental concerns only a few people are allowed in the chapel at one time.
some other interesting sites in padova are the palazzo del capitanio built in 1599. the astronomical clock on the palazzo dates back to 1344. the domo of padova is also interesting. besure to see the 12th century frescos by giusto de menaboui. also worth seeing is the byzantine architecture of the basilica di sant' antonio built in 1232.