Verona - Duomo di Verona

The first cathedral here was consecrated by St. Zeno around 380 AD. This was replaced by a larger building already two centuries later. An earthquake and/or fire destroyed that structure. The basilica that got rebuilt was destroyed by the earthquake in 1117, that wrecked so many buildings in Veneto and Lombardy.

The present "Cattedrale Santa Maria Matricolare" was built in 1117-38, but many renovations were made later.

The two storied porch, of the cathedral´s façade, is embellished with sculptures, works of the sculptor Nicholaus (Niccolo), who as well worked at San Zeno in Verona, in Ferrara and Piacenza.

I knew, that Master Nicolo had signed this work, but for a long time, I could not find the signature. I found it - finally, but it is very difficult to read, so I glued some parts together. The inscription is on a very prominent place - and pretty proud. His name is just behind the lamb.

“Artificem gnarum qui sculpserit hec Nicolaum hunc concurrentes laudant per secula gentes”.