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 cathedral´s side portal still has some frescoes.

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. Here is the left side of the cathedral´s side portal. A very sportive atlas holds the weight of the portico. Dragons fight on the left 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. Here is the left side of the cathedral´s side portal. The same slab as just seen (previous upload), but now from the opposite side. A winged dragon devours a poor soul. Below 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. Here is the right side of the cathedral´s side portal. A pretty humorous scene. Now that the lion cannot move under the weight of the pillar the dog gets very brave - and bites the lion into his backside.

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 capital of the left pillar, flanking the cathedral´s side portal has this "hidden detail". The "Two birds drinking from a chalice"-icon with a difference. The birds are in danger, as they obviously has not seen the snake on the ground.

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. Sofar I uploaded photos of the two massive capitals flanking the cathedral´s side portal, but above them are two more, smaller ones. Here is one of them. There is a lady holding a spindle and above an insription. I read ENANCILLADIVERBUDNIHFIAT... I could "detect" ANCILLA and FIAT, so my theory is: E(CCE) ANCILLA D(OMIN)I VERBU(M) D(OMI)NI (MI)H(I) FIAT, what then could be Luke 1:38 "Ecce ancilla Domini. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum." "I am the servant of the Lord. Let this happen to me as you say!"

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. This frieze is near to the side portal (previous uploads). From left to right: two dogs chase a deer - the hunter has the spear already up, ready to kill the animal. A giant rooster - attacked by a dog. A man fights a griffin with a club. On the club is a little cross.

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.

It looks like the former cinema Astra is closed for ever. The building is "for sale".

Already Theodoric the Great, King of the Ostrogoths, may have funded a church, erected over the tomb of Saint Zeno, who, following the legends, was born in Mauretania and died around 380 in Verona. The erection of the present church began in the 9th century. Soon after San Zeno´s relics were translated into the new church. At that time Charlemagne´s son Pepin (aka "Pepin of Italy") resided in Verona and a large Benedictine monastery grew all around the church. When the Magyars invaded Italy in the early 10th century, the church got severely damaged, but the relics were not harmed, as they had been taken out and were hidden. In 967, a new church was built with the patronage of Otto I. On January 3, 1117, the church was damaged by an earthquake, that ruined so many buildings in Northern Italy. The church was restored and got enlarged in 1138. The large crypt dates back to the 10th century, as it is known, that the relics of San Zeno were transferred in 921. The relics are now in that shiny glass sarcophag seen in the back. There are 49 columns, all with carved capitals.

Already Theodoric the Great, King of the Ostrogoths, may have funded a church, erected over the tomb of Saint Zeno, who, following the legends, was born in Mauretania and died around 380 in Verona. The erection of the present church began in the 9th century. Soon after San Zeno´s relics were translated into the new church. At that time Charlemagne´s son Pepin (aka "Pepin of Italy") resided in Verona and a large Benedictine monastery grew all around the church. When the Magyars invaded Italy in the early 10th century, the church got severely damaged, but the relics were not harmed, as they had been taken out and were hidden. In 967, a new church was built with the patronage of Otto I. On January 3, 1117, the church was damaged by an earthquake, that ruined so many buildings in Northern Italy. The church was restored and got enlarged in 1138. The large crypt dates back to the 10th century, as it is known, that the relics of San Zeno were transferred in 921. There are 49 columns, all with carved capitals. Here is one if them.

Already Theodoric the Great, King of the Ostrogoths, may have funded a church, erected over the tomb of Saint Zeno, who, following the legends, was born in Mauretania and died around 380 in Verona. The erection of the present church began in the 9th century. Soon after San Zeno´s relics were translated into the new church. At that time Charlemagne´s son Pepin (aka "Pepin of Italy") resided in Verona and a large Benedictine monastery grew all around the church. When the Magyars invaded Italy in the early 10th century, the church got severely damaged, but the relics were not harmed, as they had been taken out and were hidden. In 967, a new church was built with the patronage of Otto I. On January 3, 1117, the church was damaged by an earthquake, that ruined so many buildings in Northern Italy. The church was restored and got enlarged in 1138. The large crypt dates back to the 10th century, as it is known, that the relics of San Zeno were transferred in 921. This flight of stairs runs down to the crypt from the central nave, but the both aisles have stairs, too as the crypt is as wide as the church. The arches have very interesting friezes. They were created by Adamino von San Giorgio, who left his signature.

Already Theodoric the Great, King of the Ostrogoths, may have funded a church, erected over the tomb of Saint Zeno, who, following the legends, was born in Mauretania and died around 380 in Verona. The erection of the present church began in the 9th century. Soon after San Zeno´s relics were translated into the new church. At that time Charlemagne´s son Pepin (aka "Pepin of Italy") resided in Verona and a large Benedictine monastery grew all around the church. When the Magyars invaded Italy in the early 10th century, the church got severely damaged, but the relics were not harmed, as they had been taken out and were hidden. In 967, a new church was built with the patronage of Otto I. On January 3, 1117, the church was damaged by an earthquake, that ruined so many buildings in Northern Italy. The church was restored and got enlarged in 1138. The large crypt dates back to the 10th century, as it is known, that the relics of San Zeno were transferred in 921. A flight of stairs runs down to the crypt from the central nave. Both aisles have stairs, too as the crypt is as wide as the church. The arches have interesting friezes. They were created by Adamino von San Giorgio, who left his signature. The friezes are populated with many fanciful and monstrous animals. Here a dog chases a deer, while on the left a winged creature communicates with it´s tail.