Complex of the Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta - Verona (VR) - Veneto
- Tuttitaly
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Also known as the cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare, from the name of the ancient early Christian church, it is the main place of Catholic worship in the city of Verona, Mother Church of the diocese of the same name and an Italian national monument... #tuttitaly
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Verona is not just a single building, but a complex architectural structure that houses historical and cultural treasures, including the Church of San Giovanni in Fonte, the Church of Sant'Elena, and the charming cloister of the canons.
The site where the majestic Cathedral stands today has an ancient history dating back to Roman times, when villas with private baths and presumably small temples for worship were present in the area. The first Early Christian basilica was built in the area now occupied by the Church of Sant'Elena. Consecrated by Saint Zeno, bishop of Verona between 362 and 380, this basilica soon proved to be too small, and a few decades later, it was decided to build a larger structure.
Under the Church of Sant'Elena and in the cloister of the canons, it is possible to admire extensive mosaic floor remains of the two original Early Christian basilicas. The second Early Christian basilica, built later, likely collapsed in the seventh century due to a violent fire or perhaps an earthquake. The reconstruction of this important place of worship was led by the archdeacon Pacifico between the eighth and ninth centuries.
The Cathedral, formerly known as Santa Maria Matricolare, was later moved south to the area where the current building stands. However, the building was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1117, and restoration works lasted for at least twenty years. During this period of reconstruction, the Cathedral acquired its current dimensions, and two Romanesque doorways were built, still fascinating visitors today.
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