Page 153 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italy

VERONA  151

Bronze Door Panels KEY
The 48 bronze panels of the west doors are primitive but force- 1 Former washroom
ful in their depiction of biblical stories and scenes from the life 2 The bell tower, started in 1045,
of San Zeno. Those on the left date from 1030 and survive from reached its present height of
an earlier church on the site; those on the right were made 72 m (236 ft) in 1173.
after the earthquake in 1137. The panels are the work of three 3 The rose window, dating
separate craftsmen and are linked with masks. Huge staring from the early 12th century,
eyes and Ottoman-style hats, armour and architecture feature symbolizes the Wheel of Fortune:
prominently. Among the scenes, some of which are unclear, figures on the rim show the rise
are Adam and Eve, Salome dancing for the head of John the and fall of human luck.
Baptist and a startling Descent into Limbo.
4 The Romanesque porch is
one of the finest examples of
the style in northern Italy. Since
1138 it has shielded biblical bas-
reliefs, above the west doors, from
the elements.
5 Marble side panels, which
were carved in 1140, depict events
from the Life of Christ (to the left of
the doors) and scenes from the
Descent into Limbo Christ in Glory Human head Book of Genesis (to the right).
6 Striped brickwork is typical of
Romanesque buildings in Verona.
Courses of local pink brick are
Nave and Main Altar alternated with ivory-coloured tufa.
The plan of the church is 7 The vaulted crypt contains
modelled on an ancient the tomb of San Zeno, appointed
Roman basilica, the Hall eighth bishop of Verona in AD 362,
of Justice. The main altar who died in AD 380.
is situated in the raised
sanctuary where the judge’s
throne would have stood.

. West Doors
Each of the wooden doors has 24 bronze plates
nailed on to make the doors look like solid metal.
A multicoloured bas-relief above them depicts
San Zeno, flanked by the people of Verona,
vanquishing the devil.

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