Basilica di Santa Anastasia

Welcome to the heart of ancient Verona, where we stand before the majestic Basilica di Santa Anastasia, or Bah-zee-lee-kah dee Sahn-tah Ah-nah-stah-zee-ah. As a scholar of Italian Gothic architecture, I am delighted to guide you…

Let us pause here before the main entrance to examine the curious and beautiful facade. You will immediately notice the contrast between the rough, exposed brick of the upper sections and the highly decorated, finished lower…

Step inside now and allow your eyes to adjust to the soft, filtered light of the interior. Immediately upon entering, you are greeted by two of the most beloved and unusual figures in Verona: the 'I Gobbi' or the Hunchbacks. …

Walking forward into the central nave, you cannot help but be overwhelmed by the impressive architectural rhythm created by the twelve massive pillars. Each of these pillars is crafted from the local red Veronese marble, the same…

We now arrive at what many consider the artistic pinnacle of the Basilica: the Pellegrini Chapel, located to the right of the high altar. On the external arch of this chapel, you will find the most famous work in the entire…

Another significant site within this sanctuary is the tomb of Saint Peter Martyr, a revered Dominican friar who lived in the thirteenth century. Peter was a fierce defender of the faith and was martyred in twelve-fifty-two near…

As we approach the eastern end of the church, let us focus our attention on the presbytery and the choir stalls. The high altar is the spiritual focal point of the Basilica, framed by the soaring Gothic apse. …

As our journey through the Basilica di Santa Anastasia comes to a close, I invite you to take a final moment of quiet reflection. We have walked through over seven centuries of history, from the first stones laid by the…