Padua to see the Giottos

I had always wanted to see the Giotto frescos in the tiny Scrovegni Chapel in Padua. His work represents the turning point in art history from the flat symbolic expression of the Gothic era to the more reality based art of the renaissance. 

Cameras were strictly forbidden. So the above was from the book I bought. 

We had to make reservations on line the day before for a 15 minute slot. 

It took Giotto 200 working days over two years to complete the whole chapel interior. Although small, there is so much tiny archictectural detail that he painted that I am amazed it did not take longer!

They only allow 25 people into the chapel at a time. They are very concerned with keeping the air pure to protect the art. 

On our way to the chapel

While we waited for our time slot we visited the famous fruit market where we snacked on sheep cheese and delicious figs which Dave washed in a fountain. 

After the Giottos we walked to the other end of town and toured the Basillica of St Anthony.

Dave snuck a photo of the really gaudy interior of the basillica. 

Had some aperitif and snacks at a side walk Cafe then caught the train back to Verona. Another VBT couple: David and Barbara from MA. 

Saw some amazing mushrooms growing on a post in the river. 

Light dinner on the Piazza Bra people watching. That's the arena in the background.