Padova and Bologna Attractions -- Help Prioritizing
Jul 28th, 2005, 11:23 AM
#22
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Thanks, KT, re the gelato rec.
This is making me very curious about the Mantegna frescoes:
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:...tion&hl=en
Unfortunately, the article says that only about 10% of the fresco can be reconstructed. Have people seen the reconstructions the page say are on exhibit?
It sounds pretty intriguing, but I guess it will be disappointing if/when I see it. I understand that there're parts which were not destroyed also.
This is making me very curious about the Mantegna frescoes:
http://72.14.207.104/search?q=cache:...tion&hl=en
Unfortunately, the article says that only about 10% of the fresco can be reconstructed. Have people seen the reconstructions the page say are on exhibit?
It sounds pretty intriguing, but I guess it will be disappointing if/when I see it. I understand that there're parts which were not destroyed also.
Jul 28th, 2005, 11:25 AM
#23
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Sorry, Fodor's converts some : etc. into smileys.
Might be easier to type "Mantegna frescoes reconstruction" into Google, and then look for a link from "artsjournal.com" (click "Cached" to read the cached article).
Might be easier to type "Mantegna frescoes reconstruction" into Google, and then look for a link from "artsjournal.com" (click "Cached" to read the cached article).
Jul 28th, 2005, 11:33 AM
#24
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There's a website.
http://www.pd.infn.it/~labmante/Sottopagine/First.htm
Sad that they can't seem to get more of the stuff reconstructed.
http://www.pd.infn.it/~labmante/Sottopagine/First.htm
Sad that they can't seem to get more of the stuff reconstructed.
Jul 28th, 2005, 11:33 AM
#25
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Your link didn't work for me, but on one Web page there was a black-and-white image, about which the comments said that the reconstruction is, in fact, in black and white. I have no way of knowing -- without spending a lot of time on it --whether this is so or not.
When I saw them, many years ago, there was no reconstruction at all, only small bits of the original frescoes in color.
When I saw them, many years ago, there was no reconstruction at all, only small bits of the original frescoes in color.
Jul 28th, 2005, 11:37 AM
#26
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Just went to the new and improved link.
The reconstruction is obviously in black and white. But you can see how little has been preserved. As far as I can recall, there was a single fresco that still had remnants of one or two recognizable figures in it.
The reconstruction is obviously in black and white. But you can see how little has been preserved. As far as I can recall, there was a single fresco that still had remnants of one or two recognizable figures in it.
Jul 28th, 2005, 11:42 AM
#27
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If you look on the website of the laboratory (the most recent link), click on "Virtual Tour" and follow the rotating arrow on the bottom right.
You'll see the small colored pieces on a B&W image.
It's sad looking at it, I must say.
Of course, I'm not an expert. My understanding is that the only images they have on the frescoes are photos dating to c. 1920. So the computer technology allows them to place certain pieces. (The B & W is not a reconstruction -- it's a photo, I think.)
I find the intersection of art and science fascinating, but even this might be too much trouble for me. I get the feeling that it's basically an impossible problem, and it looks like the website hasn't been updated in a while. I also can't seem to find too much info through Google, which I think is ominous.
You'll see the small colored pieces on a B&W image.
It's sad looking at it, I must say.
Of course, I'm not an expert. My understanding is that the only images they have on the frescoes are photos dating to c. 1920. So the computer technology allows them to place certain pieces. (The B & W is not a reconstruction -- it's a photo, I think.)
I find the intersection of art and science fascinating, but even this might be too much trouble for me. I get the feeling that it's basically an impossible problem, and it looks like the website hasn't been updated in a while. I also can't seem to find too much info through Google, which I think is ominous.
Jul 28th, 2005, 11:44 AM
#28
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Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought the Mantgna project was still at the "virtual reconstruction" phase -- using computer programs to manipulate images of the thousands and thousands of fragments of the frescoes that have been in storage since the bombing. Actually piecing them back together again would be done in the future following the computer modelling.
Jul 28th, 2005, 11:53 AM
#29
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The website talks about some exhibits at the church -- but I suspect that the reconstruction will be impossible.
Were there complete sections that were not destroyed? I suppose so.
Were there complete sections that were not destroyed? I suppose so.
Jul 28th, 2005, 12:12 PM
#30
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I've visited the frescoes twice. Found in a side chapel, I recall only one wall with any fresco remnants, comprising less than one quarter of the fresco shown in the pre-bombing photo on display beside it.
Really sad
Really sad
Jul 28th, 2005, 12:41 PM
#32
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Hi, I've been to Bologna (but not to any of the museums). Here are some thoughts.
It seems inefficient to split up both your travel days with visits to Padova. How about spending all your time in Padova on the way to Venice from B, and then zipping past Padova on the return, and having more time to spend in Bologna.
Bologna has great food. Make it a point to get some resturant recommendations.
Jul 28th, 2005, 12:51 PM
#33
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Yes, I agree with you cap. The only reason for the split would be if I want to see the Pinacoteca (it's closed on Monday). I could see the Giotto frescoes on Monday, but I'm fearing that I'd cut it too close for my return flight. Even though it leaves at 3, the trains to Bologna from Padova don't run so frequently.
I'll think more about it.
I've not really checked restaurants yet.
I'll think more about it.
I've not really checked restaurants yet.
Jul 29th, 2005, 02:21 PM
#34
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Please, please slow down! I think you should only visit Padua once, take your time in any place you visit to look at people and observe the lovely pace of life in Italy. You will have plenty of opportunities to see wonderful art, and if experience serves me correct, you will be headed back to Italy again to see whatever you have missed.
Jul 29th, 2005, 02:32 PM
#35
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Thanks, uhoh. I'm just a fast-paced guy. But don't worry -- I know I'll be back and will slow down eventually (and especially when I've more time).
Everyone has his/her style. My style just happens to be fast (partly out of necessity because my trips are short), and I'm comfortable with it.
I posted this article on Fodor's yesterday because it really made me laugh. At least I'm not visiting Florence in four hours.
http://travel2.nytimes.com/mem/trave...aly%2fFlorence
Everyone has his/her style. My style just happens to be fast (partly out of necessity because my trips are short), and I'm comfortable with it.
I posted this article on Fodor's yesterday because it really made me laugh. At least I'm not visiting Florence in four hours.
http://travel2.nytimes.com/mem/trave...aly%2fFlorence
Jul 29th, 2005, 03:46 PM
#36
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Hi-I spent a week in Padova two years ago and returned last summer for a day trip. I have also traveled extensively in Italy. Check the LetsGo for the most accurate info on both places. I have been to Bologna as a day trip. Visually, it is very different than Padova primarily because of the arcades.
The best thing about both cities is the University-Padova and Bologna. There are tours of both universities, but with limited hours and days. Call ahead (phone numbers in LetsGo). You can see Galileo's lecture podium in Padova and Bologna is the 3rd oldest university in the world. The first university degree awarded to a woman in the world in the late 1600s was in Padova. There is also a fascinating dissection theatre. These are actually more interesting sights than anything else in either town. You can't see anything like this any other place in the world. The Scrovegni chapel is nice, but not worth a lengthy wait if you can't get a reservation. Similarly, we didn't think that the Eremitani was worth it.
Someone asked about the walk from the chapel to the basilica-it is rather far, and way too far in the heat. Lots of busses go along that route. Buy your bus ticket at a tabac.
There is another church new the old Jewish section in Padova-a round chapel, but I have forgotten the name. I actually thought that it was just as impressive as the Scrovegni, somewhat like the baptistry in Florence.
Most people don't even know that the University of Padova is there. It is right in the main square. We were there twice when graduate students were taking their oral exams. It was quite festive with the families gathering around. Both times that I have done the tour in Padova, there have been other Europeans, but no Americans. Many of the Europeans have made a specific trip to Padova to see the University.
The best thing about both cities is the University-Padova and Bologna. There are tours of both universities, but with limited hours and days. Call ahead (phone numbers in LetsGo). You can see Galileo's lecture podium in Padova and Bologna is the 3rd oldest university in the world. The first university degree awarded to a woman in the world in the late 1600s was in Padova. There is also a fascinating dissection theatre. These are actually more interesting sights than anything else in either town. You can't see anything like this any other place in the world. The Scrovegni chapel is nice, but not worth a lengthy wait if you can't get a reservation. Similarly, we didn't think that the Eremitani was worth it.
Someone asked about the walk from the chapel to the basilica-it is rather far, and way too far in the heat. Lots of busses go along that route. Buy your bus ticket at a tabac.
There is another church new the old Jewish section in Padova-a round chapel, but I have forgotten the name. I actually thought that it was just as impressive as the Scrovegni, somewhat like the baptistry in Florence.
Most people don't even know that the University of Padova is there. It is right in the main square. We were there twice when graduate students were taking their oral exams. It was quite festive with the families gathering around. Both times that I have done the tour in Padova, there have been other Europeans, but no Americans. Many of the Europeans have made a specific trip to Padova to see the University.
Jul 29th, 2005, 06:54 PM
#37
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I visited the Scrovegni Chapel about 5 years ago and it was one of the most spiritual art experiences of my life (and I've seen a lot of frescoes 
They move you pretty fast in and out of the chapel (at that time you were allowed 15 or 20 minutes) and I swore if I ever went back again I'd make two reservations to get a longer look.
Actually this was kind of a funny story: we showed up at the Scrovegni without reservations. They told us that we'd have to come back the next day and gave us tickets accordingly. We hung around Padua for a while fairly nonplussed. Went back to Venice. Only when we were back in Venice and looked at the tickets did we realize that they were actually for the SAME day and that we had missed our slot. So the next day we had the concierge make a reservation in advance, again schlepped to Padua and again wandered around the town. It was an interesting city but aside from the Giottos there are better choices.
They move you pretty fast in and out of the chapel (at that time you were allowed 15 or 20 minutes) and I swore if I ever went back again I'd make two reservations to get a longer look.
Actually this was kind of a funny story: we showed up at the Scrovegni without reservations. They told us that we'd have to come back the next day and gave us tickets accordingly. We hung around Padua for a while fairly nonplussed. Went back to Venice. Only when we were back in Venice and looked at the tickets did we realize that they were actually for the SAME day and that we had missed our slot. So the next day we had the concierge make a reservation in advance, again schlepped to Padua and again wandered around the town. It was an interesting city but aside from the Giottos there are better choices.
Jul 31st, 2005, 03:18 PM
#38
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111op,
In another thread, a poster gave this link --- http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/07/3...l/31going.html -- it's a feature article about Bologna in today's NY Times.
In another thread, a poster gave this link --- http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/07/3...l/31going.html -- it's a feature article about Bologna in today's NY Times.
Jul 31st, 2005, 04:26 PM
#39
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If I only had 2-3 hours to spend in Bologna, I'd use the time to walk around and soak in the central area of the city. We found Piazza Maggiore to be one of Italy's finest squares. The adjacent basilica (which has a fascinating history) is certainly worth a visit, as is the Etruscan museum also in the central area.
Aug 1st, 2005, 04:28 AM
#40
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Thanks for all the suggestions so far.
I subscribe to the NYT during the weekends, so I read the article on Bologna. Thought it was interesting.
It's making me think that I should spend more time there. The article also mentions a few bike tours that look interesting, and there's apparently a promotion to get people to spend a night in Bologna (some sort of train/hotel combo).
I subscribe to the NYT during the weekends, so I read the article on Bologna. Thought it was interesting.
It's making me think that I should spend more time there. The article also mentions a few bike tours that look interesting, and there's apparently a promotion to get people to spend a night in Bologna (some sort of train/hotel combo).
