Duomo S. Maria Matricolare

gosusan
gosusan
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Santa Maria Matricolare

  • August 14, 2004
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Tolik from Tampa, Florida
Santa Maria Matricolare

Archeological excavations give evidence of the Christians presence in the area of the cathedral since the 4th century. Three basilicas have been built in turn on the site. Current cathedral was built in the 12th century and consecrated in 1187 although construction and decoration continued long after this date. Its façade is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic forms. I really like the cathedral’s amazing porch, consisting of a double baldachin supported by columns resting on stylized lion figures. The interior of the Cathedral is spacious and impressive. The interior rebuilt in Gothic style in 1444, is divided into three naves, with composite pillars of red marble supporting the arcades. The church contains numerous works of art, among them the splendid tomb of St. Agatha (at the end of the right aisle) dated 1353. The only work painted by Titian in Verona is the Assunta (Assumption), which he did in 1535 – you can find the painting in the first chapel on the left. I strongly recommend a visit to the cathedra’s cloisters , this is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places in Verona. Admission to the cathedral €5; cloisters are free. If you plan to visit more than one sight it would be better to buy the Verona Card for €12, it gives access to all the main monuments, churches and you can get around town on buses.

From journal Delightful Verona

Editor Pick

il Duomo

  • April 4, 2002
  • Rated 3 of 5 by gosusan from San Francisco, California
il Duomo

Every medium-sized city in Italy has one (and only 1) Duomo, serving as the bishop's seat (a.k.a. cathederal.) Verona's present day version was started in 1139 and is a nice example of Romanesque architecture. As with most Romanesque edifices, the stone carvings are lively and worth closer inspection.

While the interior is plain compared with San Zeno or Sant'Anastasia, it has a certain austere charm. Many just come to see Titian's Assumption (not as famous as the one in Venice, but still lovely) and leave. They miss the entrance at the far left to the cloister.

Here one can find the excavations of earlier religious buildings on this site. There was an 8th century church, S. Giovanni in Fonte, which in turn was built with recycled Roman masonry. As one might expect from a church dedicated to St. John the Baptist, there's an impressive early christian baptismal font.

The Duomo does not get many visitors, and you are likely to have the excavations completely to yourself. There is a nominal entrance fee for tourists who are not attending mass.

From journal Verona: La Citta d'Amore

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