La Basilica del Duomo e Battistero
The Basilica del Duomo of Padua is famous for its Baptistery, which contains one of the most spectacular and best-preserved fresco cycles of the 14th century.
The Basilica del Duomo of Padua, dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, was built in its present form by Andrea da Valle to a design by Michelangelo dating from 1551, replacing the Cathedral damaged by the terrible earthquake of 1117.
The works dragged on for more than two centuries and ended in 1754, leaving the façade unfinished. What still astonishes visitors today, however, is the Baptistery, frescoed by the Florentine painter Giusto de' Menabuoi, who created one of the most spectacular and best-preserved fresco cycles of the 14th century.
The interior of the Duomo of Padua, spacious and bright, has a tripartite Latin-cross plan, with three naves divided by large pillars. In 1997 the new Presbytery was inaugurated, embellished by the statues of the Tuscan artist Giuliano Vangi.
The Canons' Sacristy holds precious works of art, including a Madonna and Child by Giusto de' Menabuoi, two canvases by Giandomenico Tiepolo depicting San Filippo Neri and San Girolamo Emiliani, and a Deposition by Jacopo da Montagnana.
In the left nave is buried San Gregorio Barbarigo, bishop of Padua from 1664 to 1697, whose body is displayed, with the face covered by a mask, inside a crystal urn beneath the altar. In the crypt one can admire the altar of San Daniele adorned with the bas-reliefs of Tiziano Aspetti.
The Baptistery
The Baptistery of the Duomo, dedicated to San Giovanni Battista, was built in the Romanesque style in the twelfth century.
It has a square plan surmounted by a wide circular drum covered by a large dome. The apse projects from the east side, topped by a smaller dome.
The baptismal font in the centre of the Baptistery is the work of the sculptor Giovanni da Firenze and replaced the tomb of Francesco I da Carrara, which was destroyed after the fall of the seigniory and the advent of the Serenissima in 1405.
Here the Florentine artist created his masterpiece, which today remains one of the most spectacular and best-preserved fresco cycles of the 14th century.
In the great dome of the Baptistery Paradise is depicted, at the centre of which stands Christ Pantocrator holding the book of the Holy Scriptures. All around are the great figure of the Madonna and, arranged in concentric circles, the hosts of angels and saints.
Along the drum 33 episodes taken from the book of Genesis are depicted, while on the walls are illustrated the Stories of San Giovanni Battista, of Mary and of Christ, drawn from the Gospels.
On the pendentives the Evangelists find their place, flanked by the Prophets.
The high altar is surrounded by 43 panels depicting scenes from the Apocalypse of San Giovanni, while the dome of the apse depicts Pentecost.
On the altar stands a tempera polyptych on panel, again by Menabuoi: at the centre is depicted the Madonna and Child, while on the sides are set the Stories of the Baptist and various figures of Saints.
The Baptistery of the Duomo can be visited every day from 10.00 to 18.00, except at Christmas, New Year and Easter. The entrance ticket costs €3.00. Admission is free with the PadovaCard. A reduced ticket at the price of €2.00 is available for schools and parish groups.
For large groups booking is recommended.
