Aloha Everyone,
One of the "must see in Padova" is Giotto's frescos in Cappella degli Scrovegni. Considered the turning point in European art, this was the break out from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the Renaissance.
J.J. and I purchased the Padova Pass which allows us to enter most of the museums and exhibits, and free rides on trams. However, as the most popular tourist destination in Padova, you need to get reservations to access the Scrovegni. Arriving early, we were invited to tour the Civic Museum.
A 15 minutes video presentation on Giotto's frescos was followed by 15 minutes of viewing. Then the buzzer went off and our group of 25 were ushered out. The small groups is for humidity and temperature control. It allowed everyone time to enjoy and appreciate this amazing Giotto masterpiece. For me, they were more impressive and dramatic than what I studied in my art history classes.
The rest of the day we took it easy. J.J. and I enjoyed cappuccino at a little café in the town center; stopped at the fruit market to purchase some wonderful locally grown grapes; and buy additional supplies at a supermarket
Most restaurants in Italy open from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm for lunch. They reopen from 7:00 or 7:30 to 11:00 pm for dinner. Tonight we dined at our hotel's restaurant. Our warm appetizer of sardines cooked with onions; J.J.'s sea bream; and my grilled vegetables were excellent examples of sea coast Italian cuisine.
Aloha -- Cathi
