I have been to many popular tourist destinations, but when I first visited Verona I couldn't simply help falling in love with this gracious and antient city! It is not only a romantic place famous for the masterpice of Shakespiere's "Juliet and Romeo", but one of those cities that preserved its medieval atmosphere and continuation of its development starting from the period of Roman Empire to the present days.

My recent discovery is an ancient romanesque basilica of San Zeno, which is one of the most important churches of this style in Italy.          
                                                                                           

the facade with the typical elements of  Verona style of romanesque
like "protiro"- the decoration in a form of a roof above the entrance

It was build in the honour of the first bishop of Verona - San Zeno, who was also the first preacher here at the beginning of IV century. His supposed date of birth is 300 and Zeno became the bishop in 362. The curious fact is that he had african origins (Cesaria in Mauritania was his place of birth), and and he is the Saint patron of Verona. Being very dear to the local people, there are many legends connected with him, and one can personally decide which of them are truth and which are myths.