Veneto / Venetien

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 cathedral´s façade. The two storied porch is embellished with sculptures, works of the sculptor Nicholaus (Niccolo), who as well worked at San Zeno in Verona, in Ferrara and Piacenza. Nicholaus signed his work, but I did not find the signature.. The porch is flanked by two giant griffins. The structure offers a convenient bench for the tourists.

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. Here is the tympanum. Left to the Madonna is the "Annunciation to the shepherds", to the right is the "Adoration of the Magi". Below are the virtues "Fides", "Caritas" and "Spes".

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. The lintel below the tympanum depicts the virtues. Here is "SPES" = Hope.

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. Seen here are four jamb figures of the portal's right side.

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. Lots of interesting details can be found on the façade, many themed around music and hunting. This one is different. A wolf, dressed as a monk, holding a book. The wolf may be an alumnus of the wolf-schools, that occasionally could be found in medieval times (eg. in Saint-Ursanne and Freiburg).

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”.

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. Lots of interesting details can be found on the façade, many around music and hunting. Here is a combination of both themes. A harp player is in the center, while dogs chase hares around him.

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. Lots of interesting details can be found on the façade, many around music and hunting. Here are dogs, a bear, a boar - and (in the shadow) lurks a manticore.

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. Lots of interesting details can be found on the façade, many around music and hunting. Here is a weathered frieze. From left: a cobbler or a cooper (?), a bearded man picking fruits, a fight between a winged dragon and a warrior, a deer and another animal. But not a kangaroo.

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. Lots of interesting details can be found on the façade, many around music and hunting. Here are three mythical creatures.

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 construction of the campanile, seen in the back, started in medieval times, but the tower was never completed. The cloister is about where the first cathedral of Verona was placed. Some foundations and mosaics of that church can still be seen in the opposite corner of the cloister.

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 cathedral´s cloister is about where the first cathedral of Verona was placed. Some foundations and mosaics of that church can still be seen behind the iron fence to the very right.

A heaven for connoisseurs in Italian food. Vegetarians will probably prefer other places in Verona.

In Roman times, this was the forum of the town. Today the Piazza delle Erbe is a place to take cappuccinos under an umbrella even in early March. The erection of the Torre dei Lamberti (84m!) begun already in 1172. Meanwhile a lift is installed, so that even tired tourists can reach the viewing platform.

This tunnel leads to the most crowded place I have been on in Verona. The walls are covered with graffiti. Many literary scholars agree, that at one time in his life Mr. William Shakespeare has travelled in Italy, but I doubt that he walked through this tunnel. Maybe Mark Knopfler or Bruce Springsteen have been here... Dire Straits www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0dwIFqlLXM Bruce Springsteen: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXSU7FcOiVE

The balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet is a famous scene. It follows the meeting of Romeo, a Montague, and Juliet, a Capulet, at a party in Juliet's home. Romeo sneaks into the party, uninvited, and when he sees Juliet, he is instantly smitten. After the party, Romeo jumps over the Capulet´s garden wall, and searches for Juliet. Romeo hides in the garden and soon observes Juliet walking onto the balcony outside her room. Following the local tradition the patio seen here was Capulet´s garden - and the balcony on the right is, where Juliet stood. Today tourists can stand there - for a little fee.

The relics of Saints Fermo and Rustico, beheaded on the banks of the Adige in 304, were worshipped in this church since the 8th century. Benedictine friars replaced the existing basilica between 1065 and 1143. After the Franciscans took over in 1261 a Gothic "modernisation" and enlarging process was started. Seen here is a bus stop - and the apse of San Fermo Maggiore.

The relics of Saints Fermo and Rustico, beheaded on the banks of the Adige in 304, were worshipped in this church since the 8th century. Benedictine friars replaced the existing basilica between 1065 and 1143. After the Franciscans took over in 1261 a Gothic "modernisation" and enlarging process was started.