Padua’s fourteenth-century fresco cycles by Dennis Nicklaus
I was really dazzled by the frescoes of Padua. And I went on a Monday. Don't go on a Monday if you can avoid it -- several attractions are closed. But it was the only day that fit into our schedule. Still, we got to go in the Scrovegni Chapel, Saint Anthony, and the Baptistry. Around town, we were able to enjoy the small market at the Prato, peek through the gates of the closed botanical garden, and eat lunch in the shadow of the Palazzo della Ragione. The highlight was certainly the magnificent Scrovegni. I really appreciated the introduction provided by the video you watch just prior to your turn entering the chapel itself. The Scrovegni frescoes are probably only surpassed by the Sistine Chapel and while at the Scrovegni, I liked to imagine Michaelangelo being inspired by this art. Of course the Baptistry was also very impressive -- the details of the biblical scenes coating its walls and ceiling were amazing and the audio commentary describes it all nicely.
We visited as a day trip by train from Verona, and this worked out very well. We even stopped off for a quick walk through Vicenza on the way back to Verona. We had bought our Urbs Picta pass online, and we made use of the fact that it included a tram pass to get across the city. All-in-all, it was a very delightful day and we were extremely pleased that we chose to visit. I wouldn't have known of Padua at all if it weren't for this WHS hobby.