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.

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).