San Fermo Maggiore, Verona

San Fermo Maggiore is a historic church located in the heart of Verona, showcasing a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. This sacred edifice is dedicated to Saints Firmus and Rusticus, who were local martyrs from the 3rd century.

On the outside, you'll notice a distinctive roofline adorned with pinnacles, and the church once served as the final resting place for a member of the Scaliger family. Stepping inside, you'll be greeted by numerous medieval frescoes and later embellishments. Notable highlights include the Brenzoni Monument and an altarpiece depicting Saint Francis of Assisi by Giovanni Battista Belloti. Additionally, Veronese's Bevilacqua-Lazise Altarpiece, originally crafted for a funerary chapel within the church, can be found here. One of Turone's most significant works, a depiction of the crucifixion, adorns the counter-façade.

The history of a church on this site dates back to the 8th century, and by the 11th century, the Benedictine order added a second story and a bell tower. Below the primary church, there is a "lower church" known as the chiesa inferiore. The campanile, or bell tower, was not completed until the 13th century and houses six bells cast in F in 1755, which are rung using the Veronese bellringing technique. In the presbytery, you can find relics of the revered saints Fermo and Rustico.

Why You Should Visit:
Worth going to if only to see the uniquely intricate roof. From hundreds of historical churches, you'd be hard-pressed to find a single one with a similar ceiling.
But then, you go downstairs to another church below that is from the 11th century (and is still in use). And below that are the remains of an even older one!!

Tip:
The audio guide (inclusive with ticket price) is incredibly interesting and points out details you could possibly miss without it – get it!