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
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
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.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,251 reviews
Type
Church
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?
Hey there, I am going to visit Padova in 2 weeks. This is on very short notice, so I didn't have time to plan much. I will obviously take the opportunity to go to Venice and since I've been to Venice in the past it will be easy to see interesting stuff there. But I don't know…
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
What People Dislike
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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