We enjoyed our stay in Padua, or Padova as Italians call it. The town has a rich cultural heritage. How enriching to see architectural traces that likely date to the 1200s!
Basilica of Saint Anthony
St. Anthony of Padua is revered in Italy as a patron saint who championed marginalized groups. The basilica was built first as his chapel. Over the centuries, they added more chapels. The basilica is in the heart of the city, and our hotel was right next to it. After we checked in, we went straight to it. Words can’t do justice to the basilica’s vast scale and the chapels’ luminous beauty. The experience felt majestic, reverent, and filled with divine energy.
Scrovegni Chapel
The Scrovegni Chapel features fresco murals by Giotto di Bondone, painted in the early thirteenth century. Frescoes are art – with incredible depth and detail – and are also a depiction or narration. The frescoes chronologically narrate the story of Mother Mary’s parents and her early life, the incarnation and early life of Christ, and the passion and resurrection. Giotto used the fresco technique—painting with watercolors on wet lime cement—and as the cement dried, the colors stayed vivid and refreshing even after 700+ years. The shop at the museum right next to the Chapel has books that describe the story and backdrop of each painting. The Chapel premises show a documentary that weaves in context from the times and moments leading up to the mind-blowing art. The artist and the art seem one and divine – just as what they represent.
The chapel’s walls and ceiling look towering and majestic. What an incredible expression of art, with vibrant colors, larger-than-life murals that cover every surface inside, and depth & details in each painting that bring the narrative home and to life! The artist and the art feel like one, and divine.
As soon as I entered the chapel, it reminded me of the Basilica of St Francis of Assisi that we visited years ago. We had seen a similar style of painting there, and now I realize they were also frescoes. That was one thing from that trip that still has a vivid imprint. So happy to have the chance to see the Scrovegni Chapel and refresh moments and vibes from another basilica from years past.
Padua Old City
The streets in the historical parts of town are paved with stone. Their eclectic facades give the buildings an immersive, layered feel.
Prato della Valle
Prato della Valle is supposedly Italy’s largest elliptical “square”. A canal surrounds it, with a green island and a water fountain in the center. Two rings of historical statues line the canal.
We have been to Florence, historical towns in Tuscany, Milan, Rome, and Venice. The country has so much history, art, and heritage. Thinking about it all, Padua captures that quintessential Italian spirit and way of life with genuine spirit, without that touristy feel- a genuine small-town feel with history and culture and humming vibes.