Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore (San Zeno Maggiore Church), Verona (must see)

The Basilica of Saint Zeno is deeply tied to the romantic legacy of Romeo and Juliet. Tradition holds that this is the church where Shakespeare imagined the young lovers’ secret wedding, a hopeful moment that briefly united the rival houses of Capulet and Montague before tragedy struck.

The Basilica stands on the site where Saint Zeno, Verona’s beloved patron and 8th bishop, was buried after his death in 371 AD. Its creamy tuff façade glows warmly in the daylight, while on the left, visitors can explore the elegant 13th-century cloister, once part of a Benedictine abbey. To the right rises the slender 12th-century bell tower.

Above the entrance is the famous rose window known as the Wheel of Fortune, designed by Master Briolato. Its rotating cycle of luck and loss reflects the dramatic twists of Shakespeare’s tale, where love, fate, and family honor collide. Beneath it, a set of bronze doors from the 12th century depict biblical narratives and local legends, including the famous episode of Saint Zeno performing an exorcism.

Inside, the church is adorned with frescoes ranging from the 12th to the 15th century. A 12th-century marble statue of Saint Zeno greets visitors with a serene smile, while the celebrated 1459 altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna illustrates the Madonna and Child Enthroned surrounded by saints. Beneath the main altar lies the crypt, where Saint Zeno rests in a transparent sarcophagus.

Tip:
The audio guide included with admission provides excellent insights into the art, architecture, and stories connected to this impressive monument.