Verona is a delight to visit, one reason being the many interesting old churches in the city. We’ve previously discussed the Basilica of San Zeno. Today we’re going to look at the Basilica of Saint Anastasia, the largest and most visited church in Verona.
The church is dedicated to the Virgin Anastasia, a martyr from the 4th century. The building is constructed in the Italian Gothic style. Construction was begun by the order of the Dominicans around 1290 AD, although it was not consecrated for almost 200 years. Construction was supported by the Della Scala family, who ruled Verona from the late 13th to the late 14th century.
The main church was completed in the first half of the 1400s, but in the following centuries additional side altars and chapels were erected — some of these are simple niches while others are small churches inside the larger structure. The façade has remained incomplete, but there are interesting details around the doors, as you can see in the above photos.
On entering the church, you will be impressed by its brightness and colors. You’ll encountered two unusual figures that support the holy water fonts, the so-called “hunchbacks” representing the work of the citizens in completing the structure. Local legend has it that touching one of the hunchback’s humps provides good luck.
Last weekend’s One Clue Mystery photo featured one of these fonts. It was recognized by PHeymont, Professor Abe, George G, Ron B and Jonathan L. Congratulations to all!
One of the most famous spots within the church is the painting of Saint George and the Princess, painted between 1433 – 1438 by Pisanello. This painting is a little hard to see as its over an archway, as shown below:
Some details of the side chapels follow:
An interesting basilica well worth your time to visit.
