Cathedral of Verona

Verona Cathedral is dedicated to Saint S. Maria Assunta under the name Santa Maria Matricolare. It is the sacred place of the Diocese of Verona. It was erected after two Palaeo-Christian churches on the same site were destroyed by an earthquake in the early years of the 12th century.

Built in Romanesque architecture, the church was consecrated in 1187. The structure was subsequently improved by several renovations, although the main architecture remained the same. Since the 12th century, the church has been embellished with the finest Roman carvings, original unique Christian artefacts and lovely wall paintings. The church is the main structure of a complex of architectural buildings that includes the convent of Canons, S. Giovanni in Fonte, the Capitular library, S. Elena, the bishop's residence and the square in front of the church.

Upon entering the Cathedral, one catches the eye is the statue of the holy guardians, giant polylobate columns of pink marble, marble piercing through diagonal vaults and reflected in the subtle colors of the floor. . The decoration of the walls is the same thanks to the paintings of many early Veronese Renaissance painters. Look up at the high, curved ceiling to admire the Renaissance details of the roof. Gothic windows beautify the front view of the church, and rose-colored columns appear between the three aisles.

Go down the first of the three aisles that run down the center to a small chapel to the left of the church, the Cappella Nichesola. As you enter, admire the huge renaissance mural of the Virgin Mary. Continue past the church to reach other chapels, including Capella Mazzanti, home to St Agatha's sarcophagus. Explore the baptistery of San Giovanni and notice the octagonal font, carved from a single block of marble. Next to the baptistery is the small chapel of St. Helen, where mosaics on the Roman floor adorn the floor.

Admire the many altarpieces adorning the chapels, such as the Assunta di Tiziano, which is the only work of the master preserved in Verona. In the right nave, in Calcasoli's chapel, in the center of a special ensemble made later, there is one of the more representative works from the production of Liberale da Verona, a local miniaturist. found his fortune in Florence.

The wandering gaze of the more distracted visitor will be immediately drawn to the elegance and harmony of the constituency, where the subtle multicolor of local marbles is used in the pavilion. Michele Sanmicheli's choir is delicately blended with the soothing tones of the murals.

A visit to the cathedral will leave you refreshed and inspired. The cathedral is open daily and services are held throughout the week. A small admission fee may apply to enter, and the church is accessible on foot or by bus. Several metered parking lots can also be found in the area.

business hours:

From March to October:

Daily: 10:00am – 5:30pm

Sundays and Catholic Holidays: 1:30pm – 5:30pm

From November to February:

Daily: 10:00am – 5:00pm

Sundays and Catholic Holidays: 1:30pm – 5:00pm

Fare:

Economy: €3.00

Group travel (minimum 20 people) € 2.00

School discount €1.00