Visit this bright and airy 13th-century church to discover medieval treasures that were spared from bombardment during World War II.
The imposing brick façade of the Church of the Eremitani sets the historic structure apart in the Padova streetscape. Originally dedicated to St. Philip and St. James in the 14th century, the church became better known as Chiesa degli Eremitani (Church of the Hermits) for the old monastery that formerly adjoined the structure. Look inside this striking church to experience its light-filled interior, which contains a collection of artworks and relics that withstood Allied bombing in 1944.
Stand back from the church’s façade. It incorporates a simple yet striking design with five arches and a central rose window. Walk around the church’s perimeter to appreciate its beautiful brickwork and tall bell tower.
Make your way into the church to discover the bright nave and three apses within. The nave’s vaulted wooden ceiling and lack of structural aisles gives the room a bright and uncluttered atmosphere. Natural sunlight floods in through the tall, narrow windows that flank both sides, illuminating the brickwork throughout. Spend some time admiring the collection of treasures mounted on the walls in this light-filled gallery. Note the preserved 14th-century frescoes depicting the lives of St. Philip and St. Augustine.
The artworks you see today represent a fraction of the collection the church once had. Allied bombing in 1944 largely destroyed the presbytery area and the Chapel of St. James and St. Christopher, also known as the Ovetari Chapel. The chapel was meticulously rebuilt and its original frescoes were returned after a period of safekeeping during the war. See two superb frescoes by Mantegna: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary and St. Christopher’s Martyrdom.
The Church of the Eremitani is located on Piazza Eremitani in Padova’s historic center and can be reached by light rail. It is open to visitors from early in the morning to the evening, but has a 3-hour closure after midday. Explore the church at your own pace or attend a service. The church is next to the Eremitani Civic Museums and the Giardini dell’Arena gardens.
