Duomo di Verona (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare)

The Duomo di Verona, formally the Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare, stands on Piazza Duomo in the northern part of Verona's historic centre, in Italy's Veneto region. The Romanesque cathedral was consecrated in 1187 and later modified with Gothic and Renaissance elements, so that its architecture reflects several centuries of building. The facade is notable for its carved marble portal, attributed to the sculptor Nicolo, with figures of the paladins Roland and Oliver on either side and scenes from the life of the Virgin above. Inside, the nave is lined with red-and-white marble and rises toward a series of side chapels. The most famous work is Titian's Assumption of the Virgin, in the first chapel on the left, while other works include frescoes by Falconetto, a marble choir screen designed by Michele Sanmicheli, and the tomb of Pope Lucius III. The attached cloister and the Biblioteca Capitolare, one of the oldest libraries in the world, add to the interest. A visit takes 30 to 45 minutes. Best vantage points are the portal from the square, the nave looking toward the apse, and the view of the unfinished bell tower from the surrounding streets. The cathedral is quiet most of the year, with the busiest times at midday when tour groups pass through; visitors should avoid times when services are under way, as the church closes to sightseers during worship. Entry is part of the Chiese Vive ticket, which costs EUR 4 for a single church or EUR 8 for four churches, and children under 11 enter free. The cathedral lies about ten minutes' walk north of Piazza delle Erbe along Via Duomo, close to the Adige, and it fits well with a walk to Ponte Pietra. Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and keep voices low.