Saint James chapel, Gothic chapel in Basilica of Saint Anthony, Padua, Italy.
Saint James Chapel is an International Gothic chapel located within the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua. Its walls are covered with frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio depicting scenes from the life of Saint James and the Crucifixion.
The chapel was commissioned in 1372 by Bonifacio Lupi with architect Andriolo de Santi overseeing its design. It emerged during a period when Gothic architecture was evolving and reshaping the artistic landscape of northern Italy.
The dedication to Saint James puzzled scholars: he was not the donor's namesake. The only clear link to Bonifacio Lupi is Queen Lupa, considered an ancestor of his family. A powerful confraternity of the Order of the Militia of Saint James may explain the choice, as a 1343 indulgence from Bishop Ildebrandino Conti supported its Paduan members.
You can enter the chapel through the main entrance of the Basilica, which is open to visitors year-round. Since it is located inside, weather does not affect your visit and you can view the frescoes at your own pace.
The chapel was originally dedicated to Saint James, but in 1503 the relics of Pope Felix II were moved here and it took his name too. A 1379 payment record names Altichiero as receiving 792 ducats, the largest sum for the frescoes, suggesting he led the work.
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