Scrovegni+Chapel

At the beginning of the 14th century, a well-known family of usurer, the Scrovegni, decided to build a votive chapel next to their palace, in order to redeem their souls. Scrovegni dedicated the chapel to the Virgin, to beg pardon of their sins. Since it was a family chapel, it was very small; indeed, it had a single nave covered by a barrel vault and only three windows on the west wall. The internal part is worth a visit because it is entirely frescoed by Giotto, with the stories of the Virgin and Christ. On the main wall there is the amazing Universal Judgement in which is depicted Enrico Scrovegni while he is donating the chapel to the Virgin.

CURIOSITY

 * For the first time in western history, Giotto used the prospective technique in his frescoes.
 * During the 16th century, plenary indulgence was granted to everybody who visited the chapel.



To see Giotto's frescos: [|www.giottoagliscrovegni.it]

For further information on the Scrovegni Chapel: [|www.cappelladegliscrovegni.it]

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