The emotion rises as you get closer: impossible not to let yourself be carried away by the exquisitely Romanesque charm of the Basilica of San Zeno in Verona. Entering this unique masterpiece of its kind will be a unique experience to relive a thousand-year history, from the construction of the fourth century to its conclusion in the fourteenth century, until the arrival of the colors and features of the great Italian Renaissance.
A pearl of tuff and marble, with perfect geometries and majestic volumes, where nothing is left to chance and the meanings are to be discovered step by step, stone after stone. The Basilica is dedicated to Zeno, the eighth bishop of Verona, patron saint of the city which is celebrated on May 21st: his figure is associated with numerous miracles and conversions to Christianity on his arrival in Veneto. The area of the Basilica recounts centuries of centrality in Veronese social life, as the remains of the abbey still testify where, between the 9th and 13th centuries, many emperors stayed, giving the monastery a powerful role from a political and economic point of view.
A majestic facade that welcomes the visitor, with two imposing buildings: a tower on the left of the thirteenth century and, on the right, the bell tower of the twelfth century that dominates the scene with its 72 meters high. And then there is "The Wheel of Fortune", that is, the central rose window of the Basilica so called by the Veronese for a characteristic: you will notice the six figures that indicate the various cases of fate. Bishop Zeno welcomes the entrance portal from above, in an image that shows him a blessing after defeating the devil. His is one of the many stories depicted in this artistic wonder: in 48 bronze panels the portal tells the same number of moments taken from the Old and New Testaments to pass them on to the faithful of all eras.
The queen of the Basilica is undoubtedly the altarpiece dedicated to San Zeno, a work by Andrea Mantegna, built between 1456 and 1459 and admired all over the world.
Once inside, let yourself be involved in some colors such as that of red Verona marble, a typical element that makes this building even more special and dear to the inhabitants of the city.
A land to discover:
Food and Wine: From risotto to wines, a city of a thousand flavors and flavors.
History: From the 4th century to today a place at the center of the arts and literature.
Territory: The city whose Arena represents one of the main Italian icons.
