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 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.