Basilica San Zeno Maggiore: Vernona, Italy Essay -- Italy Monuments Ge

Basilica San Zeno Maggiore: Vernona, Italy ?On the west side of Verona Italy stands one of the city?s two beautiful basilicas, the Basilica San Zeno Maggiore.? The older of the two basilicas, San Zeno dates back to the year 1030.? Notable for her Romanesque style, San Zeno is equally fascinating to the modern viewer as she is historically significant.? There are two regional forms of Italian basilicas of the Medieval period: Tuscan and southern.? San Zeon is considered to be the most Romanesque basilica in Northern Italy. ? Origin and Contributors ?The basilica was first constructed in honor of the city of Verona?s patron saint, San Zeno.? Paleo-Christian in origin, the church is commonly stated to have been constructed from 1120 to 1138.? However, some of the oldest parts of the building are assumed to have been worked on as early as the 4th century.? Several reconstructions were done from the 4th to the 14th centuries (at least three that are known of) because of damage by natural disasters.? The building underwent reconstruction after the earthquake of 1137 and was finished in 1386 with the addition of the nave ceiling.? It is unclear who the original architect was, but it is known that Andrea Mantegna was the constructor responsible for the altarpiece, on account of writing on it that would signify his work.? However, many historians suggest that Mantegna played a larger role in the development of the building than just the altarpiece.? The Bronze door panels on the West entrance are said to reflect the work of three separ ate craftsmen from the 11th and 12th centuries. ?Several structures of the church are worth mentioning and make San Zeno unique for her time period.? The main plan of the church was modeled aft... ...zes with beauty the Italian fervor for highly developed, highly detailed art and craftsmanship.? ?Today, the church of San Zeno attracts tourists from all areas.? However, it seems that this particular basilica is greatly overlooked by the broad interest in Roman architecture and culture.? Though Rome certainly contains the richest heritage of the Catholic faith, San Zeno Maggiore should be considered an important site for both Romanesque architecture and religious history.? [1] Smith, G. E. Kiddler.? Looking at Architecture, p. 48. [2] Porter, Darwin & Prince, Danforth (2000).? Frommer?s 2000 Italy.? MacMillan: USA. [3] Italy: Eyewitness Travel Guides.? DK Publishing. [4] Leyerle, John (1997).? The Rose-Wheel Design and Dante?s Paradiso.? UTQ, 156 [5]Kain, Evelyn (1981).? The Marble Reliefs on the Faà »ze of S. Zeno, Verona.? The Art Bulletin,63.