Basilica of Santa Anastasia - the largest church in Verona

 

Floor mosaic in Santa Anastasia, in the transept in front of the altar.

Saturday                                                                                October 16, 2021

Santa Anastasia benefits from a recent thorough cleaning and restoration.  It is bright and light inside, and its trove of beautiful artwork glows with bright colors.  It is the largest church in Verona and its best example of Italian Gothic architecture.

The church, built on the site of a previous church dedicated to the 4th century martyr Anastasia, began construction in 1280 and was completed in 1400.  It benefited greatly from its association with the Scala ruling family during that time.  It has a famous fresco in its Pellegrini Chapel by Pisanello which shows St. George freeing the Princess.

The unfinished facade of Santa Anastasia and its separate bell tower, peeking above on the left.

Twelve red Verona marble pillars support and form the nave, with colorful mosaic stone flooring 

The ceiling paintings of floral decorations and red and white detailing 

The Basilica is known for its carving of two "hunchbacks" who support the holy water fonts

The Centrigo altar, dedicated to Thomas Aquinus

The Pisanello fresco of St. George rescuing the Princess

The Gate Tower to the Ponte Pietra bridge

We walked from the Basilica of Santa Anastasia to the Ponte Pietra, intending to visit Castel San Pietro across the bridge via the funicular.  The Ponte Pietra dates from  Roman times (100 AD) and was one of two bridges used to access the Roman theater that was located across the Adige River.  Unfortunately, this bridge was also destroyed by the Nazi's in WW II and was rebuilt in the 1950s from remains of the original.  The funicular wasn't operating, so we did a pivot and decided to look for a lunch location nearby.

Castle San Pietro and the Adige River, viewed from the Ponte Pietra (Stone Bridge)

We opted for lunch at the Alcova del Frate, near the Gate Tower of the Ponte Pietra

Octopus for lunch, grilled and on top of creamy polenta.  Biggest piece of tentacle I've ever been served!