Church of the Eremitani Padua
A 13th-century church housing the poignant remnants of Mantegna's masterpiece frescoes, destroyed in WWII and now a testament to art's resilience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Church of the Eremitani Padua
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 13th-century church housing the poignant remnants of Mantegna's masterpiece frescoes, destroyed in WWII and now a testament to art's resilience.
"The remains of the frescos are absolutely, absolutely stunning! Truly worth the visit."
Free Entry! 🎉
Enjoy the art and history without an admission fee. A great budget-friendly stop in Padua.
Check Hours Before You Go ⏰
It's a church, so it has 'dead hours' midday. Verify opening times to ensure access.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mantegna's Ovetari Chapel Frescoes
Ovetari Chapel
Witness the surviving fragments of Andrea Mantegna's masterpiece, a powerful reminder of artistic genius and wartime destruction.
Gothic Funeral Monuments
Main Nave
Admire the imposing Gothic tombs of Carrara nobles, showcasing impressive medieval artistry and local history.
Restoration Graphics
Ovetari Chapel
See how modern restoration techniques highlight missing sections and preserved pieces, offering a unique perspective on the art's journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the History
Plan Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry! 🎉
Enjoy the art and history without an admission fee. A great budget-friendly stop in Padua.
Check Hours Before You Go ⏰
It's a church, so it has 'dead hours' midday. Verify opening times to ensure access.
Appreciate the Restoration 🎨
The graphics showing missing parts are as fascinating as the surviving frescoes.
Combine with Scrovegni Chapel 🖼️
These are near each other; plan to visit both for a full art experience.
What to see/what to do in Padova?
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry! 🎉
Enjoy the art and history without an admission fee. A great budget-friendly stop in Padua.
Check Hours Before You Go ⏰
It's a church, so it has 'dead hours' midday. Verify opening times to ensure access.
Appreciate the Restoration 🎨
The graphics showing missing parts are as fascinating as the surviving frescoes.
Combine with Scrovegni Chapel 🖼️
These are near each other; plan to visit both for a full art experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Church of the Eremitani a deeply moving and historically significant site, particularly for its surviving Mantegna frescoes and the poignant restoration graphics. While the damage from WWII is evident, the artistic remnants and the thoughtful preservation efforts are highly praised, making it a worthwhile stop for art and history lovers. Some note that it's an active church with potential midday closures.
"One of the most interesting churches in Padova. There are two wonderful Gothic funeral monuments of Carrara nobles (local rulers). But the most glorious jewel of the church - frescoes of young Mantegna in Ovetari chapel - were destroyed by Anglo-American bombardment, there are only some fragments of "real Mantegna" now to be seen. Another interesting part are frescoes of Gualtiero in Maggiore chapel
Highly recommended. But you must understand: it's not museum but church, so there are some "dead hours" in the midday."
sibeaster
"The remains of the frescos are absolutely, absolutely stunning! Truly worth the visit to marvel at them for an hour. Too bad the front part of the church isn't in a similar style, but it's still one of the most jaw dropping sight in Padova. Free entry."
Kristýna Vacardová
"Such a beautiful architecture!! Loved the freschi inside of the church, also a few sculpture as well. Unfortunately, this church has a bitter history; it was bombarded in 1944, and some part of it was damaged. Thankfully, many of wall paintings are still presented and renovated"
Ekin
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church of the Eremitani is centrally located in Padua, making it easily accessible. If you're arriving by train, it's about a 15-20 minute walk from the Padua train station. Many bus lines also stop nearby. If you're driving, be aware that parking in the city center can be challenging and often requires payment.
Yes, it's very close to the Scrovegni Chapel, which is a must-see for art lovers. It's also within walking distance of other Paduan landmarks like Piazza Eremitani and the Civic Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Church of the Eremitani itself is generally free. However, access to specific chapels or exhibitions might require a separate ticket or be part of a combined ticket with nearby attractions like the Scrovegni Chapel.
Opening hours can vary, and the church may have 'dead hours' around midday due to its function as a place of worship. It's highly recommended to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, the Ovetari Chapel is a key part of the church and houses the surviving frescoes by Mantegna. Access is usually included with entry to the church, but it's always good to confirm on-site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find the remnants of Andrea Mantegna's frescoes in the Ovetari Chapel, Gothic funeral monuments of the Carrara family, and other historical artworks. The restoration graphics are also a significant feature. +1
Most visitors spend about an hour to an hour and a half here, focusing on the Ovetari Chapel and the tombs. It's a place to appreciate art and history at a contemplative pace.
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is often permitted, but it's best to look for signage or ask a church attendant to be sure.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Piazza Eremitani and the surrounding streets in Padua's city center offer numerous cafes, trattorias, and restaurants. You can find everything from quick bites to more formal dining experiences.
No, eating and drinking are generally not permitted inside churches to preserve the artwork and maintain a respectful atmosphere. There are plenty of options just outside.
📸 📸 Photography
The surviving frescoes in the Ovetari Chapel, especially with the restoration graphics, offer unique photographic opportunities. The Gothic tombs also make for striking shots. Consider the architectural details of the church itself.
Absolutely. Even with the damage from WWII, the surviving Mantegna frescoes and the context of their restoration make it a significant site for anyone interested in Renaissance art and the impact of historical events.
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Mantegna's Frescoes
The vibrant colors and lifelike figures captivated viewers and influenced generations of artists.Tragically, the chapel and its masterpieces suffered devastating damage during the Anglo-American aerial bombardments of World War II in 1944. The church was hit directly, and much of the Ovetari Chapel was reduced to rubble. What remains today are fragmented sections and ghost-like outlines, a stark and poignant reminder of the destructive power of war.
Despite the immense loss, a remarkable restoration effort has been undertaken. Modern techniques have preserved what little survived and have also created graphic representations that show the original outlines of the missing frescoes. This allows visitors to not only see the preserved fragments but also to imagine the grandeur of the original work, offering a unique and moving experience that blends art history with a somber reflection on the past.
Architectural Significance and Restoration
The church's history is marked by periods of construction, damage, and extensive restoration. The most significant event was the WWII bombing, which not only destroyed the Ovetari frescoes but also caused considerable structural damage to the building. The subsequent restoration was a monumental task, aiming to preserve the historical integrity of the church while making it safe and accessible again.
The restoration work is particularly noteworthy for its sensitive approach to the damaged frescoes. Instead of attempting to repaint what was lost, the restorers chose to highlight the surviving pieces and use graphic overlays to indicate the original compositions. This approach respects the historical narrative of destruction and preservation, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the site's complex past.
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