Basilica of San Zeno
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
A masterpiece of Romanesque architecture in northern Italy. Its bronze doors, the 'Wheel of Fortune' rose window and Mantegna's altarpiece are the three highlights.
The Basilica of San Zeno is dedicated to San Zeno, the patron saint of Verona. The present building was largely constructed in the 12th century and is one of the most important Romanesque churches in northern Italy. The façade is simple and dignified. Beneath the huge 'Wheel of Fortune' rose window stand bronze doors made of 48 relief panels depicting biblical stories and the life of San Zeno, dating back about 900 years. Inside are a boat-hull wooden ceiling, medieval frescoes, a crypt where San Zeno's remains rest, and a peaceful cloister. Above the high altar is Andrea Mantegna's San Zeno Altarpiece, a triptych by the Renaissance master. Tradition holds that Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet were married in the church's crypt. Admission is a few euros (check on site), or you can buy the Verona churches combined ticket, which includes the Cathedral, Sant'Anastasia and others. It is about a 10-minute walk from the castle, and with few visitors it is good for a quiet visit.
Opening hours
Approx. Mon–Sat 09:30–18:00, Sun 12:30–18:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Castelvecchio & Scaliger Bridge
- Porta Borsari & Corso Porta Borsari
- Arena di Verona
- Via Mazzini
- San Giorgio in Braida
- Piazza delle Erbe
- Verona Cathedral (Duomo)
- Torre dei Lamberti & Piazza dei Signori