Church of San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, also known as the Church of San Zeno, is one of the most important and fascinating examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. Located in the San Zeno district of Verona, this church not only represents an artistic masterpiece, but is also a historical and cultural symbol of the city. San Zeno, the eighth bishop of Verona who lived between 362 and 380, is the patron saint of the city. According to tradition, his body was initially buried in a small oratory. Over the centuries, this modest building was expanded and transformed, eventually becoming the majestic basilica we know today. The current church is the result of a series of reconstructions that took place between the 9th and 12th centuries, thanks to the contributions of various monarchs and religious dignitaries, including King Pepin in 804 and Archdeacon Pacifico in the 11th century. The facade of the basilica is a perfect example of Romanesque style. It is characterized by a porch supported by columns that protects the main entrance, and by a central rose window known as the “Wheel of Fortune,” a work by the master Brioloto, dating between 1189 and 1190. The facade is decorated with numerous bas-reliefs depicting biblical scenes and the life of San Zeno, visually narrating the sacred history to believers and visitors. One of the most extraordinary elements of the basilica is the portal, adorned with 24 bronze panels from the 12th and 13th centuries. These panels illustrate episodes from the Old and New Testaments and events from the life of San Zeno, showcasing the craftsmanship of the artisans of the time and offering an important visual lesson in theology to illiterate believers. Inside the basilica, the atmosphere is enhanced by the frescoes decorating the walls, dating back to the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries. These frescoes, depicting biblical scenes and figures of saints, contribute to creating an environment of solemn beauty. The wooden ceiling in the shape of a ship’s hull, added at the end of the 14th century, and the columns supporting the arches of the central nave, accentuate the grandeur and elegance of the interior space. One of the most precious treasures of the Basilica of San Zeno is the Altarpiece of San Zeno, a Renaissance masterpiece painted by Andrea Mantegna in 1457-1459. This triptych, depicting the Madonna with Child and Saints, is considered one of the peaks of Renaissance art and an extraordinary example of Mantegna’s skill in the use of perspective and color. The crypt of the basilica, which houses the relics of San Zeno, is a place of particular devotion. This underground area, supported by columns and characterized by an atmosphere of contemplation, has been the heart of worship for centuries and continues to be a pilgrimage destination for believers. Next to the basilica is the cloister of the Benedictine monastery, another architectural gem dating back to the 13th century. The cloister, with its elegant paired columns in red Verona marble, is a perfect example of Romanesque-Gothic art and offers a place of peace and reflection.