Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore

Overview

San Fermo Maggiore is an extraordinary double church: a Romanesque lower church from the 11th century supporting a soaring Gothic upper church from the 14th century. The upper nave's ship-keel wooden ceiling is one of Verona's architectural treasures.

Highlights

• Ship-Keel Ceiling: The remarkable wooden ceiling of the upper church is shaped like an inverted boat hull, painted with saints and prophets.
• Lower Church: The atmospheric Romanesque crypt with stone columns and fragmentary frescoes.
• Brenzoni Monument: An elaborate 15th-century tomb with a fresco surround attributed to Pisanello.

History

The lower church was built by Benedictine monks in the 11th century over the site where Saints Fermo and Rustico were supposedly martyred. The Franciscans built the upper Gothic church in the 1300s. The two levels together span four centuries of architectural development.

Visitor Tips

• Lower church: Easy to miss — look for the separate entrance on the left side.
• Part of church circuit: Included in the Verona Churches combined ticket.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.