Verona Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare, or simply Duomo di Verona) is one of Romeo and Juliet's most popular tourist attractions.
Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Verona Cathedral is not only a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture, but also the main church of the city, since it is here that the bishop's residence is located.
The cathedral itself is one of the constituent parts of a larger architectural complex, which in addition to it also includes the Church of St. Helena, the Baptistery of St. Giovanni in Fonte, the Capitul library, as well as the bishop’s chair.
Historical information
Before appearing in front of residents and tourists in their modern form, this architectural complex has survived a long and interesting history. It all started with a small church, which was located exactly on the spot that is now occupied by the church of St. Helena. This church was built in the 4th century and consecrated by the Holy Zeno - Bishop of Verona in 362-380. ad. After several years, it became apparent that the church was too small for worship, which served as the reason for the construction of a larger and more spacious basilica in its place. In the 7th century, the new cathedral was destroyed during a fire or earthquake. The architecture of the cathedral in its modern form from these two original churches preserved beautiful mosaic floors.
A new cathedral on the site of the destroyed was built a long time later - only between the 8th and 9th centuries. However, the newly erected cathedral repeated the fate of its predecessor - the next earthquake in 1117 seriously damaged it, as well as many other Verona buildings. Repair and restoration of the building took more than 20 years.
The subsequent fate of the cathedral was less tragic, however, it was remade several times, and also supplemented with new elements before it acquired its present form.
Why is it worth a visit?
Verona Cathedral is traditionally interesting for tourists, due to its unusual beauty of the facade made of marble, as well as unusual architectural elements of external design. At the same time, the interior decoration of the church with elements of medieval carvings and unique works of art deserves no less attention.
Appearance
Verona Cathedral, in terms of architecture, is a unique combination of elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles.
The facade of the cathedral consists of three parts, which are marked with a triangular buttresses. The central portico is one of the few surviving elements of the original appearance of the cathedral. It was created in 1139 by one of the most famous Italian masters of the time by Nikolaus. The list of works of the latter also includes the entrance portal of the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore in Verona, as well as the Cathedral of Ferrara (Basilica Cattedrale di San Giorgio Martire). The portico of the cathedral is formed by twisted columns made of white and red marble and resting on winged griffins. These columns, in turn, support a semicircular arch shape. If you look closely, on this massive arch you can see numerous relief decorations. The upper part of the portico is also represented by an arch with a tympanum, which is supported by eight columns located on both sides.
The slopes of the entrance portal are decorated with figures of prophets and animals. The lunette of the cathedral depicts the Virgin Mary with a baby in her arms (high relief). On both sides of the Virgin Mary are two biblical scenes made in low relief, “Annunciation to the shepherds” (left) and “Adoration of the Magi” (right). On the cathedral’s architrave there are three medallions with allegorical images of three virtues - faith, hope and love. On the walls and vault of the portico you can find elements of frescoes dating back to the 13th century.
Large, Gothic-style windows of the facade of the cathedral are the result of reconstruction work that took place in the 14th century. In the 17th century, the architecture of the cathedral was complemented by decoration at the top of the facade. On the south side of the cathedral is the second entrance portal.
Interior decoration
The interior design of this architectural monument is represented by three naves, as well as numerous chapels. Two symmetrically mounted organs are placed in the side naves of the cathedral.
The organ located in the left nave of the cathedral deserves special attention. It is decorated with beautiful paintings on which you can see the biblical scene - the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, as well as images of the four bishops of the city. This unique painting was done in the 16th century.
Decorated with carvings and stucco molding of the chapel of the cathedral, they also contain numerous works of art relating mainly to the Baroque and Renaissance periods. The bulk of these works of art are made by craftsmen who lived and worked in Verona. Among the most famous and famous of them are “The Transfiguration of Christ” by the master Giambettino Cignaroli, “Our Lady with Saints Peter, Paul and Anthony of Padua”, performed by Antonio Balestra, as well as “Adoration of the Magi” by the author Liberal da Verona other.
The Verona Cathedral also contains a few Romanesque murals, which are of great value, since only a few works of monumental painting of this era have survived to this day. One of these frescoes depicts a crucified Christ, supported by two angels, next to the Mother of God mourning him. Another such mural shows the scene of the Annunciation. This work of art was created in the 12th century.
The central nave of the cathedral ends with the altar. The author of the altar, created in the 16th century, is the architect Michele Sanmikeli. The central nave of the cathedral is decorated with frescoes depicting various biblical subjects, including “Christmas”, “Presentation in the temple”, “Annunciation”, as well as “Ascension of Our Lady with the Apostles”.
One of the chapels of the cathedral contains the sarcophagus of St. Agatha, which dates back to 1353. The sarcophagus is decorated with compositions showing the scene of the awakening of St. Agatha by the four angels, as well as the scene of the saint's martyrdom.
Opening hours and address
The Verona Cathedral operates according to the following schedule:
- Monday-saturday: 10: 00-17: 30
- Sunday: 13: 00-17: 30
- Address: Piazza Duomo, 21 - 37121 Verona
- Phone: +39 045 592813
- Email: [email protected]
- Official website: cattedralediverona.it
