Duomo di Verona

Duomo di Verona is a complex of buildings consisting of the Cathedral, the Piazza del Vescovado, the Capitulary library, the cloister of the Canonicals, Saint Elena, San Giovanni in Fonte and the Bishopric.

This sight – which is also called Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare - was built on top of a pre-existing medieval church in the 12th century. Duomo was originally built in a Romanesque style but later remodelled. The present interior of the cathedral dates back to the 15th century.

The central nave as well as the vaulted arches was also built in the 15th century in Gothic style. Duomo mostly hosts Renaissance artworks by Veronese artists but there is also the Assumption by Titian.

Next to the cathedral a bell tower rises. It was designed in the 16th century by a Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli, but was left unfinished. There are traces of the 14th century frescoes as well.

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is a lively, large square in the centre of the “ancient town”. A former Forum Romanum nowadays serves as a fruit and vegetable market. Through the centuries the square has been the centre of the city’s political and commercial life.

It is said to be one of the most picturesque squares in Italy; perhaps because it is surrounded by magnificent buildings and monuments. The most famous of them is the fountain, with its statue called ‘Madonna Verona’, a work of Cansignorio (1368). The sculpture on the top of it is much older; it was a Roman sculpture that the author of the fountain converted into a Catholic Madonna.

The Verona Arena (Arena di Verona)

This Roman amphitheatre is famous especially for the opera performances taking place there. It is one of the best preserved structures of its kind. The building was probably built in 30 A.D. on a site which was then outside of the city walls. The amphitheatre occupied more than 30,000 spectators and it, until present, preserved its ancient allure which even now has a wonderful acoustics.

The round façade was originally built of the famous Valpolicellan white limestone, but after an earthquake in 1117, which severely damaged the outer ring, except the so-called "Ala", the Arena was used as a “quarry” for other buildings. The first interventions to recover its functionality as a theatre appeared during the Renaissance period in 14th century. Thanks to its spectacular acoustics, the building now hosts various musical performances.

Today many theatre, opera, ballet and concert performances take place here.

The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica is among the greatest achievements of Romanesque architecture. The present structure was being built during the years of 1123-1135 in honour of the Verona's patron saint; St. Zeno (died 380). The tremendous façade dominates the large square, being surrounded by a wonderful bell tower, mentioned even by Dante in Canto 18 of Purgatory in the Divine Comedy.

Santa Maria Antiqua

Santa Maria represents a vast Romanesque church founded in the 7th century. The structure is of alternating bands of brick and stone. Its belfry with spectacular Gothic windows provides visitors with an overwhelming glimpse back to the past.

When the Scaligeri family – owners of the property - chose this to be their funerary chapel, the only place for their massive tombs was outside. The Tomb of Cangrande I is situated right by the entrance. Above, one can spot a spectacular pyramid-shape roofed canopy which dates back to the Gothic period.

Santa Anastasia

Santa Anastasia - located in the most ancient part of the city, near the Ponte Pietra - was built in Gothic style. The current shape of the church dates back to 1400 when it was designed by the Dominican monks Fra' Benvenuto da Imola and Fra' Nicola da Imola. The interior is divided into the main nave and two aisles. The magnificent cross vaults of white or red Verona marble stun visitors immediately after entering. The four columns above the high altar denote the coat of arms of the Castelbarco of Trento, a well-to-do family who to a great extent donated to the church's construction. Outside the entrance one may see the Tomb of Guglielmo di Castelbarco; very similar to the famous Scaliger Tombs.