I'm wondering, for those that have seen the Scrovegni Chapel, how admission works. I think they put you in the climate controlled room prior to entrance of the chapel, and then you can access the chapel. How many minutes are you in the climate controlled room, and how much time do they give you to see the chapel? I also purchased two sets of back-to-back-tickets, thinking (somehow) we could have two visitations, based on something I saw concerning the Sotto Le Stelle option (which is not yet available as of January, 2025, for April. We'd be coming from Venice to Padua one evening to see the chapel, and then back to Venice afterwards. Any help would be appreciated.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
566 posts
I did the back-to-back double ticket this past October. The tickets I bought were the option set up for the evening (after 7pm) double ticket at a slightly reduced price. The instructions said to be sure to tell the ticket takers and guide that you have the double ticket, which I did. I was then allowed/told to stay in the chapel for the 4-5 minutes after the first group exited and the next group entered. The most amazing and unforgettable part of the experience was having the Scrovegni Chapel all to myself for those few minutes, and especially a chance to view the Last Judgement wall without all the couples taking selfies (which seemed to be a thing people do there).
The group of people with tickets for the same time slot are led to the climate controlled room together where there are chairs to sit and watch a short informational video. I don't remember exactly how long that took but I would guess 10-15 minutes. After the previous group has exited the chapel, your group is led in by a guide and is allowed to stay for 15 minutes. As I mentioned above, with the double ticket, you stay for another 20 minutes -- about 5 minutes between groups and then another 15 minutes for your second reserved time slot.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Hi CD: Thanks much for sharing your experience. That's great that you got to spend those 5 minutes alone in the chapel without other visitors. Yeah, the selfies would be pretty annoying, for sure. The "Sotto Le Stelle" tickets, as I understood, can be back-to-back entrances, and that's how I was going to purchase them. I didn't see the "double ticket" option, per se, but will have to look for it if and when then go back on sale for April. I think it's a seasonal option, so it may be that they go back on sale prior to our trip, because they're not now. For now, I bought the 6:30 and 6:45 PM tickets, the last ones of the day, so will (at least) take our chances with having the back-to-back 30 minutes, if it's an option. I'm sure it's well worth a trip to see it!
Posted by
PA
2910 posts
Did this in the Fall. Did not purchase "back-to-back", just two consecutive time slots. Yes, there is a several minute gap between your group out and then next group in, which you are then part of. Just show your second ticket to the guide. We did this in the evening, IIRC, the evening slots are 20 minutes apart, thus already giving you an extra 5 minutes. Arrive early and tour the adjacent interesting museum. BTW, the reason for the video is during that time as much ambient humidity around your person is being removed before entering the chapel.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
566 posts
Yes, I believe what I had was a seasonal night time option but I still had two separate tickets so it shouldn't make much difference. If you show your tickets and ask when you arrive, they will probably let you stay in the chapel between groups. Enjoy!
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Larry, super helpful. Thanks a lot. It sounds like you did what I'm attempting to do, with having just purchased two normal consecutive tickets, without the "Sotto Le Stelle" option at night. I will plan on getting there early to see the museum, as well.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Larry, so each ticket is good for a 15-minute viewing, correct? Plus the extra 5 min. between tickets.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1626 posts
Right, 15 minutes each ticket. We did one regular ticket and then later also did the nighttime back-to-back ticket, so it was 50 minutes total and that was still not enough time for me. I do not know why people are spending their precious time taking photos of themselves or the frescoes --- there are great photos online that are not shot from the floor and so are not distorted.
Posted by
OP
10 posts
Thanks, Nancy. Sounds like you had some good viewing time. The photos I get. The selfies I don't get.
Posted by
PA
2910 posts
Right, those night tickets are not yet available. My recollection is that the night periods are at 20 minute intervals, rather than 15 minute intervals. Which means that you have close to 20 minutes inside the Chapel, rather than 15. Or 40 minutes total when booking consecutive entries (i.e. 7 PM and 7:20PM). My recollection is also that the ticket purchase is a bit clunky. And you are simply buying two sets of tickets, at back-to-back slots. Ignore anything they offer about "cards". Unfortunately, these were booked for us by my s.o. and there are no records of this on my email to look up. I will say it is rather amazing to be standing in there for those scant few minutes with only the inside guide. We were there in late September, and I recall we did not need to do this very far in advance.