Chiesa di San Zeno

This is one of the masterpieces of Italian Romanesque art. The primitive construction rose on the tomb of St. Zeno, one of the first bishops of Verona, and dates back to the 5th century. In the 9th century a new temple was erected, which was in its turn enlarged and covered by the basilica erected between 1120 and 1138. In the 14th century a polygonal apse was added

FACADE
The facade harmonious and elegant, it has a fine rose window and small double lancet windows. There is a magnificent portal (thirteenth century work by Niccolò and assistants) with-in a porch resting on two lions and decorated with bas-reliefs depicting the Evangelists and St. Zeno. The feature of greatest interest is a set of 48 bronze tiles narrate Episodes of the Bible and of the life of St. Zeno.
INTERIOR
The central nave is preceded by a staircase; the side naves are divided by pillars alternating with monolithic columns; at the far end is the presbytery raised above the crypt. wooden lacunar ceiling(il soffitto è ligneo a cassettoni). Among the works: the cycle of frescoes of the 13th and 14th century (Saint Christopher, the Madonna and Child, the Crucifixion and Saint Stephen).At the back of the presbytery, a wooden choir dating to the mid-15th century. Among the sculptures: the statue of St. Zeno ("St Zeno laughing"), executed in the 14th century in polycrome marble. The basilica's most precious jewel is without doubt the magnificent altar piece by Andrea Mantegna. Into the crypt it houses the urn conteining the relics of St. Zeno.