Saint Mary Cathedral

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The Verona Cathedral, or Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, located in a small and sober square in the medieval area of Verona, within the bend of the Adige River near the Ponte Pietra, is the most beautiful and valuable church in the city, its main place of Catholic worship as well as the episcopal seat of the eponymous diocese.

It stands on the site where the first Christian church in the city was built in the 4th century, probably by the will of Bishop Zeno, and was consecrated in 1187 by Pope Urban III, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

Over the centuries, the building has undergone numerous interventions aimed at enhancing its structures and improving its forms. The original church, which had three naves with an elevated presbytery and also a baptistery, was accompanied in the 5th century by a second, the ecclesia matricularis, larger and equipped with a narthex. These structures, destroyed by the earthquake of 1117, were replaced three years later, in 1120, by the construction of the new cathedral, completed and, as previously mentioned, consecrated in 1187.

The current arrangement of the facade, a unique fusion of Gothic and Romanesque styles, dates back to the 16th century (it was previously lower and lacked the rose window and two large lateral biforae), while the bell tower, built on an earlier Romanesque structure, was raised to about 30 meters by Michele Sanmicheli and brought to its current height in the early 20th century, remaining, however, unfinished, according to an ancient legend, so as not to exceed the height of the Torre dei Lamberti, the tallest building in the city (in reality, it was due to a lack of funds). The splendid portal is carved with images of prophets and animals and is surmounted by a lunette with a polychrome bas-relief depicting the Madonna in throne with the Child, surrounded by the Magi and Shepherds.

The solemn interior space of the cathedral captivates with the depth of the central nave and the majesty of the environments. There are three naves with ribbed vaults and five spans divided by eight elaborate marble columns. There are numerous and beautiful works of art, frescoes, red Veronese marbles, chapels, three pipe organs, and altars. In particular, one cannot fail to mention the wonderful Assumption altarpiece by Titian, the only work of the artist present in Verona, which returned to the city in 1797 after being stolen by the French during the Napoleonic campaigns.

Within the church rest Father Antonio Cesari and Pope Lucius III.

FAQ

What parts make up the Cathedral complex?
The complex consists of the Cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, the Church of San Giovanni in Fonte, the Church of Sant'Elena, and the Cloister of the Canons.

Which famous work can we admire inside the cathedral?
The church houses the painting of the Assumption of the Virgin by Titian (1535).

What can be admired in the center of the Baptistery?
Inside, one can admire a wonderful octagonal baptismal font, carved from a single block of marble.

Is the monument accessible for people with disabilities?
The complex is fully accessible.

Is it possible to access the monument with animals?
It is not possible to access the monument with animals, except for cases of guide dogs with muzzles accompanying guests with disabilities.

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