Piazza Eremitani Padua - Image 1
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Piazza Eremitani Padua

4.5
·89 reviews·Padova, Italy

A historic heart of Padua, featuring the Eremitani Church and the world-famous Scrovegni Chapel, buzzing with local life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Piazza Eremitani Padua - Image 1

Piazza Eremitani Padua

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic heart of Padua, featuring the Eremitani Church and the world-famous Scrovegni Chapel, buzzing with local life.

4.5
(89 reviews)

"Anyone who goes to Padua must absolutely visit this splendid Church and the adjacent Scrovegni Chapel."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Scrovegni Chapel Early

:ticket: Essential for timed entry! Don't miss out on Giotto's masterpieces.

Enjoy a Coffee Break

:coffee: Grab a cappuccino in the piazza and soak in the atmosphere.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scrovegni Chapel

Scrovegni Chapel

Adjacent to Piazza Eremitani

Marvel at Giotto's breathtaking frescoes, a masterpiece of Western art. Book tickets well in advance!

Musei Civici agli Eremitani

Musei Civici agli Eremitani

Piazza Eremitani

Explore a rich collection of art and archaeology, including Roman artifacts and Venetian paintings.

Church of the Eremitani

Church of the Eremitani

Piazza Eremitani

Admire the Romanesque architecture and historical significance of this beautiful church.

Hercules Statue

Hercules Statue

Hidden courtyard in Piazza Eremitani

Discover the impressive 9-meter tall Renaissance statue of Hercules, a hidden gem.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

To avoid crowds and fully appreciate the Eremitani Church and Scrovegni Chapel, plan your visit during weekdays, especially in the morning. Booking tickets for the Scrovegni Chapel in advance is highly recommended, as entry is timed and limited.

Embrace the Local Vibe

Piazza Eremitani is a lively hub. Enjoy a coffee at a local cafe, and if visiting during the Christmas season, expect festive markets and carousels. Be aware that rubbish bins can detract from the view, a point noted by some visitors.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Christmas season
Why
Festive atmosphere & markets
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ti ho convinto? 🤤🤤 Lob’s si trova a Padova, Milano e Monselice (PD) 🦞 #lobsrestaurant #cibo
@mattia.malengo
24.5K likes • 355.9K views

Book Scrovegni Chapel Early

:ticket: Essential for timed entry! Don't miss out on Giotto's masterpieces. Reddit

Enjoy a Coffee Break

:coffee: Grab a cappuccino in the piazza and soak in the atmosphere. Instagram

Your guide to Padova in 20 sights: 1. Scrovegni Chapel 2. Musei Civici agli Eremitani 3. Piazza della Frutta and Piazza dell’Erbe 4. Palazzo della Ragione 5. Torre Dell’Orologio 6. Piazza dei Signori 7. Caffe Pedrocchi 8. Padua’s University Botanical Gardens 9. Saint Anthony of Padua Church 10. Padua Cathedral 11. Baptistery 12. Diocesan Museum 13. Equestrian Statue of Gattamelata and house of...
purpurpurpur
0 likes • 18.6K views
📍Padua, Italy things to see/visit: 🔸Prato della Vale 🔸Piazza dei Signori 🔸Padua Cathedral 🔸Scrovegni Chapel 🔸Musei Civici Eremitani p.s: try the padovano coffee #italy #italia #padua #padova #visititaly #travelgram #visitpadova #traveltips #travelguide #aesthetic #travelinspo #lemondedelisa
elisapodaru
0 likes • 2.6K views

Explore Hidden Gems

:mag: Seek out the giant Hercules statue tucked away in a courtyard. Instagram

Consider the Museums

:art: The Civic Museums offer a great complement to the chapel. Instagram

A ☕ cappuccino can change your day. Have you ever tried it in the enchanting 📍Piazza degli Eremitani in Padua? . . . . #italytraveller #italyinsider #iloveitaly #viaggioitaliano #breakfast #cappuccino #cappuccinolover #coffee #tuesday #martedi #whatitalyis #jeunefille #labeaitalia #viaggiaresempre #viaggiare #travel #oh_italia #italianmood #madeinitaly #morning #morningvibes #morningmotivation #a...
la.beaitalia
60 likes • 3.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Scrovegni Chapel Early

:ticket: Essential for timed entry! Don't miss out on Giotto's masterpieces. Reddit

Enjoy a Coffee Break

:coffee: Grab a cappuccino in the piazza and soak in the atmosphere. Instagram

Explore Hidden Gems

:mag: Seek out the giant Hercules statue tucked away in a courtyard. Instagram

Consider the Museums

:art: The Civic Museums offer a great complement to the chapel. Instagram

Watch for Bins

:eyes: Some visitors note rubbish bins can detract from the square's beauty. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(89 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Piazza Eremitani is lauded for its central location and the presence of two major attractions: the magnificent Church of the Eremitani and the world-renowned Scrovegni Chapel. Visitors appreciate the pedestrianized nature of the square and its role as a lively meeting point, especially during festive periods. However, some find the number of rubbish bins detracts from the otherwise beautiful urban space.

"I visited this splendid Church and I was speechless. What splendor, what a marvel. Anyone who goes to Padua must absolutely visit. It is located right next to the Scrovegni Chapel. It has an opening and closing time. It is completely free."

Marina Modonutto

"Beautiful square, entirely pedestrianized for a few years. Surrounded by restored buildings and next to the magnificent Basilica of the same name...

Update 10 May 2022: the urban space is beautiful and representative of old Padua with two precious monuments on the side, the magnificent Church of the Eremitani and the Roman arena with the famous Scrovegni Chapel; unfortunately, alas, there are several rubbish bins on two sides of the square which, provided they are masked by iron structures and well maintained, irremediably devalue the view. It is sad to hear negative comments about it from several foreign tourists. I think it is better to remove all the bins, like in the central squares of Padua..."

Antonio Pistore

"For the Christmas period, two children's carousels and a series of stalls have been installed in the square. You can buy super warm socks, eat a pancake and drink mulled wine"

Ilona Shevchuk

What People Like

Proximity to Scrovegni Chapel
Beautiful historic square
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Rubbish bins detracting view

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Piazza Eremitani is centrally located in Padua, making it easily accessible on foot from most parts of the historic center. If arriving by train, it's about a 15-20 minute walk from the Padua train station. Buses also serve the area, with stops near the piazza. Instagram

Parking in the immediate vicinity of Piazza Eremitani can be challenging due to its central location. It's best to use public parking garages like the one at the train station or those closer to the historic center and walk. Reddit

Yes, several bus lines stop near Piazza Eremitani, making it convenient to reach via Padua's public transport system. Check local bus routes for the most direct options. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Piazza Eremitani is a public square and is free to enter and explore. However, attractions within or adjacent to the piazza, like the Scrovegni Chapel and the Civic Museums, require separate tickets. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book Scrovegni Chapel tickets online in advance, as entry is timed and capacity is limited. You can purchase them through the official website or authorized ticket vendors. Reddit

The Church of the Eremitani is generally open to visitors, but hours can vary. It's advisable to check the official Padua tourism website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date opening times. Reddit

Yes, there is an admission fee for the Musei Civici Eremitani. Ticket prices and any potential discounts can be found on their official website or at the museum's ticket office. Instagram

The Hercules statue is located in a courtyard, and access to view it may depend on the courtyard's accessibility. It's often visible from public areas or courtyards associated with nearby buildings. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in Piazza Eremitani itself. However, strict rules apply inside the Scrovegni Chapel, where photography is usually prohibited to protect the frescoes. Reddit

Capture the grandeur of the Eremitani Church and the Scrovegni Chapel from various angles in the piazza. The Hercules statue in its courtyard also makes for a unique shot. Instagram

Photography policies can vary within museums. Check the signage at the Musei Civici Eremitani or ask staff about their specific rules regarding cameras and flash usage. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

Yes, Piazza Eremitani and its surrounding streets offer several cafes and restaurants. You can enjoy a coffee, a light snack, or a full meal with local specialties. TikTokInstagram

The 'Padovano coffee' is a local specialty, often referring to a coffee drink with a unique preparation or local twist. It's worth asking for recommendations at cafes in the area. Instagram

During the Christmas period, you can often find stalls in Piazza Eremitani selling mulled wine and pancakes, adding to the festive atmosphere. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Piazza Eremitani offers a mix of historical and engaging elements for families. The Scrovegni Chapel, while requiring quiet reverence, can be a fascinating visual story for older children who can appreciate the narrative of the frescoes. The Musei Civici Eremitani often have exhibits that can capture a child's imagination, particularly the archaeological sections. Instagram

During the Christmas season, the children's carousels in the piazza are a definite hit. For a fun discovery, encourage kids to find the impressive Hercules statue hidden in a courtyard. Instagram Consider a treat from one of the local cafes to make the outing even more enjoyable. Remember to book Scrovegni Chapel tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.

🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts

For those passionate about art and history, Piazza Eremitani is a treasure trove. The Scrovegni Chapel is paramount, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness Giotto's revolutionary frescoes, a cornerstone of Renaissance art. Reddit Allocate ample time to study the details and narrative flow. Complement this with a visit to the Musei Civici Eremitani to delve deeper into Padua's rich artistic and archaeological past, from Roman times to the Venetian period. Instagram

Don't overlook the Church of the Eremitani itself for its architectural significance and historical context. The presence of the imposing Hercules statue adds another layer of Renaissance artistry to explore. Engaging with these sites provides a comprehensive understanding of Padua's cultural heritage.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistic Marvel of the Scrovegni Chapel

The Scrovegni Chapel, also known as the Arena Chapel, is an absolute must-visit when in Padua. Its fame rests on the stunning fresco cycle by Giotto, painted between 1303 and 1305. This work is considered a pivotal moment in the development of Western art, marking a shift towards more naturalistic and emotionally resonant depictions. The chapel's interior is entirely covered in these vibrant frescoes, narrating the lives of Joachim and Anna, the Virgin Mary, and Christ. Visitors are typically allowed a limited time inside (around 15-20 minutes) to fully absorb the visual narrative, and photography is strictly prohibited to preserve the delicate artwork. Reddit

Due to its immense artistic value and popularity, booking tickets for the Scrovegni Chapel well in advance is crucial. Entry is managed in timed slots to control visitor numbers and ensure the preservation of the frescoes. Many visitors describe the experience as deeply moving and awe-inspiring, a true highlight of any trip to Padua. Reddit

Adjacent to the chapel are the Musei Civici Eremitani, which house a significant collection of art and archaeological finds. This museum provides further context to the region's history and artistic heritage, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in a deeper dive into Padua's cultural treasures. Instagram

Piazza Eremitani: A Historic Heart

Piazza Eremitani is more than just a square; it's a vibrant historical center in Padua, home to two significant monuments: the Church of the Eremitani and the Scrovegni Chapel. The church itself, with its Romanesque architecture, has a long history, though parts were damaged during World War II and subsequently restored. Its presence adds to the solemn and historical ambiance of the piazza. Reddit

The square has undergone pedestrianization, creating a more pleasant and accessible space for visitors and locals alike. It serves as a popular meeting point and a venue for various events, especially during festive seasons like Christmas, when it hosts markets and carousels. Reddit The presence of cafes and shops surrounding the piazza further enhances its lively atmosphere, making it an ideal spot to relax and people-watch. Instagram

While the piazza is generally beautiful, some visitors have noted that the placement and maintenance of rubbish bins can detract from the overall aesthetic. However, this minor point does little to diminish the square's charm and its importance as a gateway to Padua's most celebrated artistic and historical sites. Reddit

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