Rebuilt after the 1117 earthquake over an earlier basilica. Features include the bronze doors, a Wheel of Fortune rose window and a Mantegna altarpiece.
The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore stands on Piazza San Zeno, west of the historic centre of Verona in the Veneto region of Italy. It is dedicated to Zeno, the city's patron saint and an early bishop, whose tomb lies in the crypt. The present Romanesque church was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1117 over earlier basilicas, with work continuing through the twelfth century and into the Gothic period. The facade is faced in tufa and white stone, with a large Wheel of Fortune rose window and a porch with a marble portal carved with scenes by the sculptors Nicolo and Guglielmo. The bronze doors, made of panels in a mix of styles from around the eleventh and twelfth centuries, show biblical scenes and episodes from the life of Zeno. Inside, the nave is a tall space with a wooden ship's-keel ceiling, alternating courses of brick and stone, and frescoes from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. The high altar carries the triptych by Andrea Mantegna, painted in the 1450s; the panels are copies of the originals in part because Napoleonic forces removed some in 1797, with the predella panels remaining in French museums. The crypt, with its forest of columns, holds the tomb of San Zeno. The adjacent cloister and the bell tower belong to the former abbey. The church is both a place of worship and a monument, and it is maintained with periodic restoration campaigns to the stonework, roof and frescoes. Visitors move from the porch through the nave to the crypt and cloister in an informal sequence rather than a formal curated tour. Entry is by ticket from the Chiese Verona circuit, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and to avoid visiting during services. The basilica is also a stop for pilgrims, and the surrounding piazza has a market-like atmosphere.
| Admission | Adult EUR 4 (~$4.60) single church; EUR 8 (~$9.20) four-church pass · Child Free for children under 11 |
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| Hours | Summer (1 Mar-31 Oct): Mon-Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun 1PM-6:30PM; winter (1 Nov-28 Feb): Mon-Fri 10AM-5PM, Sat 9:30AM-5:30PM, Sun 1PM-5:30PM |
| Address | Piazza San Zeno 2, 37123 Verona VR |
Why it matters
One of the finest Romanesque churches in northern Italy, containing the tomb of Verona's patron saint, St Zeno.
Location
Piazza San Zeno 2, 37123 Verona VR
45.4425, 10.9792 View on map
Highlights
- Study the Wheel of Fortune rose window and the carved marble portal
- See the bronze doors with biblical scenes and episodes from the life of Zeno
- Admire Mantegna's altarpiece triptych at the high altar
- Descend to the crypt with the tomb of Verona's patron saint
- Walk through the quiet cloister beside the church
Tips for visiting
- Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees
- Consider the four-church pass if visiting the Duomo and other churches
- Avoid visiting during services, when sightseeing may be restricted
- Allow time to study the bronze doors outside before entering
- The basilica is west of the centre, so plan a 20-minute walk or short bus ride
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest. Check hours, as Sunday opening starts in the afternoon.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
A full visit including the crypt and cloister typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Is the basilica English-language friendly?
Information is available in English, and the Chiese Verona website is published in English.
Can children visit?
Yes, children under 11 enter free, but visitors should remain quiet in this active place of worship.