PADUA: HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE

Padua is a delightful ancient city rich in culture, art, and history, making it a nice destination for travelers especially after the hordes of tourists in Venice.. Among the numerous attractions this fascinating city offers, two key highlights stand out, drawing visitors worldwide: the Scrovegni Chapel, famous for its stunning frescoes by the renowned artist Giotto, and the carefully maintained Botanical Gardens, cherished by nature lovers and scholars alike.

The first stop, however, is the Basilica del Santo, also known as the Basilica of St Anthony, constructed between 1232 and the mid-1300s to house the tomb of Saint Anthony of Padua.

Saint Anthony of Padua is celebrated as the patron saint of lost items, noted for his powerful preaching, dedication to the poor, and as a remarkable miracle worker. He is also acknowledged for his deep theological insight. Anthony was canonized by Pope Gregory IX just a year after his death, prompting the citizens of Padua to construct a basilica to accommodate the increasing number of pilgrims visiting his tomb.

Today, the Basilica of the Saint is one of the most renowned and frequented shrines globally, attracting approximately 6.5 million visitors each year. Brother Anthony is known and revered worldwide as Saint Anthony of Padua.

The Basilica features a harmonious blend of various elements and styles: the façade is Romanesque, with exposed brick walls, while the rose window, arches, and buttresses are Gothic; the roof consists of eight Byzantine domes covered in lead and two slender bell towers that resemble Islamic minarets.

From Saint Anthony's we walked over to Prato della Valle, a large park in the center of the city.

As you likely know, Italy is abundant with churches, renowned for their historical significance and architectural splendor that attract visitors worldwide. In Padua, a notable example is the Giustine Monastery, also referred to as the Abbey of Santa Giustina. This Benedictine abbey complex, dating back to the 10th century, is situated across from the Prato della Valle in the heart of Padua. The abbey is both an important religious landmark and an architectural masterpiece, showcasing the historical progression of monastic life in the area.

The Abbey of Santa Giustina was founded in the early 10th century, and it has played a pivotal role in the religious and cultural landscape of Padua. Its establishment is attributed to the Benedictine order, which emphasized a monastic lifestyle centered around prayer, work, and community.

Adjacent to the former monastery is the Basilica Church of Santa Giustina, which boasts a fascinating history of its own. Initially constructed in the 6th century, this basilica has seen numerous renovations and restorations, with its current form primarily resulting from a significant reconstruction that took place in the 17th century. The architectural style of the basilica is a blend of Renaissance and Baroque elements, characterized by its grand facade, intricate frescoes, and impressive dome that dominates the skyline.

The Abbey of Santa Giustina is not merely a religious structure; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of monastic life in Italy. Its historical importance, architectural beauty, and cultural contributions make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Italy's religious and artistic heritage. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply seeking a moment of tranquility, the Abbey of Santa Giustina promises an enriching experience.

The Scrovegni Chapel, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is not just a religious site but a treasure trove of artistic brilliance. Giotto’s frescoes, painted in the early 14th century, are celebrated for their vivid colors, emotional depth, and innovative use of space, which marked a significant departure from the Byzantine style that preceded it. The chapel's interior is adorned with an extensive cycle of frescoes that narrate the life of Christ, from the Annunciation to the Last Judgment. Each scene is meticulously crafted, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the story and experience the profound spiritual messages conveyed through Giotto's artistry. The chapel itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visiting it is akin to stepping into a vibrant canvas that has withstood the test of time. I will share more about the chapel in a separate post.

After our visit to the basilica, we stopped by the Erementani Church. The church, partially destroyed in 1944, preserves the remains of the splendid frescoes painted by Guariento and Andrea Mantegna.

The Botanical Gardens of Padua, founded in 1545, are the oldest botanical garden in the world still in its original location. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a sanctuary of biodiversity, showcasing a vast array of plant species from various climates and regions. The gardens are not only a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking solace among nature but also a vital center for scientific research and education. The gardens reportedly serve as a living laboratory for botany, and they play a crucial role in the study of plant species and conservation efforts.

However, my visit to Padua was not without its hiccups. As organized as I strive to be, I overlooked one crucial detail: the gardens and all the museums in Padua are closed on Mondays. Ironically, this oversight occurred on the very day we found ourselves exploring the city. Despite this setback, we were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit the Scrovegni Chapel, which was a highlight of our trip.

Our guide, Ruben A, who was associated with ToursByLocals, provided us with an enriching experience as he led us on a walking tour of Padua. His extensive knowledge of the city's history, architecture, and culture transformed our exploration into an engaging narrative filled with fascinating anecdotes and insights.

ROMAN ARENA

Ruben’s passion for Padua was infectious, as he pointed out hidden gems and shared stories that brought the city to life. His enthusiasm made the tour not just informative but also a delightful adventure. We wandered through picturesque piazzas, admired the intricate details of historic buildings, and even caught glimpses of local life as we ventured off the beaten path.

The astronomical clock of Padua was built in the fourteenth century. The first clock designed by Jacopo Dondi was installed in the tower in 1344, an astronomical clock indicating hours, months, moon phases and the course of the sun through the signs of the zodiac. It was destroyed in 1390 when the Milanese and Venetian armies stormed the palace, in an effort to stop the rapid expansion of Padua by sending the da Cararra family into exile. The outer band shows a 24-hour numbering scheme in Roman numerals, a widely used system in Italy’s 14th and 15th centuries. The second band has decorative coppery stars in lead plates, while the third band contains the zodiac symbols, finished with a pure gold leaf. The following bands indicate the days and months, the phases of the moon, and the motion of the planets. At the centre is the Earth, following the Ptolemaic astronomical theory of a geocentric system that placed the Earth at the centre of the Universe. Among the signs of the Zodiac on the dial, the sign of Libra is missing. This lack is due to the fact that in the Ptolemaic zodiacal system, the constellations of Scorpio and Libra are united. The symbol of Libra was subsequently placed in the marble base that holds the flagpole. But there is a popular legend telling that the Libra symbol is missing because the builder deliberately didn’t include it in the cycle in an instance of spite against the client, who wanted to pay a lower price than the agreed amount.

One quick stop was an old coffeehouse, Caffe Pedrocchi, which has been a hangout for students at the Universty of Padua since the early 1800's. On February 8, 1848, Austro-Hungarian soldiers fired a bullet against students in revolt against their rule. There is still the bullet hole on the wall.

The combination of the Scrovegni Chapel’s artistic splendor and Ruben’s engaging storytelling made our visit to Padua an unforgettable experience, one that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of this remarkable city.