The Oratorio di San Michele Arcangelo or the Oratory of Saint Michael Archangel is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site listing under the Padua’s Fourteenth Century Fresco Cycles. I was the first visitor of the inconspicuous oratory and the whole time I was there, I was the only visitor. I would think that the fact that it was also winter also played a factor in there being no visitors. I have been to the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua which also has these fresco cycles, but I think this one is easier to appreciate since I had the entire place to myself.

So I know what a fresco is, but what exactly is a fresco cycle. A fresco cycle is basically a set of frescoes which tell a story. This seems to be common during this time period in particular during the Lombard period. There are parts of the walls of the oratory which have peeled, taking along the frescoes which were originally painted on them. Walking further in, you can see that the frescoes are much better preserved. I don’t know if they have been restored in any way but they seem to be in very good condition. The frescoes depict the story of the Blessed Virgin Mary and also some stories from the Bible. Interestingly the frescoes include scenes which would be typical of Padova at that time making it more relatable. It would even have figures from local Padova society just to make sure. All this was done by Jacopo da Verona who was obviously from nearby Verona.

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