A journey through the frescoed houses of Verona
"Verona, painted city" is an itinerary dedicated entirely to the frescoed houses of the ancient city. In fact, Verona boasts more than 400 frescoed houses, making its historic center a true open-air museum.
Walking through Verona means immersing yourself in an art book, where each page is represented by a frescoed wall of a house or a building. As early as 1864, the painter and restorer Pietro Nanin created 48 watercolor plates to immortalize this extraordinary beauty, threatened by the passage of time.
The tradition of frescoed houses
The tradition of frescoed houses does not only belong to Verona, but is also present in other cities of Veneto, such as Treviso, where you can admire numerous decorated buildings.
In Verona, however, this practice was particularly widespread among the merchant families, who used the frescoed facades to communicate their identity and prestige. Through mythological and allegorical subjects, one could show others who one was and, at the same time, contribute to the decorum of the city.
Travelers' memories
Many travelers have left testimonies about the frescoed houses of Verona.
- Goethe, in his famous "Italian Journey", describes the painted city with admiration.
- Jacob Burckhardt, in 1855, mentions Verona in his "Cicerone, guide to the enjoyment of works of art in Italy".
The subjects of the paintings
The decorations of the facades followed real iconographic programs, with references to mythology, history and astrological symbology. Among the most common themes we find:
- The sword of Damocles
- The judgment of King Solomon
- The judgment of Paris
- Representations of the planets and days of the week
- Scenes of astrology and celestial symbologies
Some palaces have monochrome frescoes, while most of the decorations are inspired by Roman art. An important source of inspiration was the "Triumphs of Caesar", painted by Andrea Mantegna for the Gonzaga Family in Mantua, and now preserved in Hampton Court. This painting had a celebratory and triumphal function.
The fresco painters: the artists behind the facades
Many local painters have contributed to creating the artistic heritage of the frescoed houses of Verona. Among the best known are:
- Giolfino
- Flacco
- Dal Moro
- Ligozzi
- Falconetto, later active for the Cornaro family in Padua
- Alberto Cavalli, pupil of Giulio Romano and author of the facades of the Mazzanti Houses in Piazza delle Erbe
The merchant Matteo Mazzanti, owner of the famous Mazzanti Houses, had his homes frescoed around 1530 with scenes of vices and virtues. The figures, opulent and detailed, emerge on backgrounds that recall the Veronese landscapes.
A special itinerary
"Verona, painted city" is a journey to discover an artistic heritage that is slowly disappearing. The frescoes, exposed to the elements, smog and rain, are deteriorating over time.
This guided tour allows you to discover the remains of this unique tradition. Just look up and observe under the gutters, between the windows, under the balconies, to find traces of an era when frescoing your home was a widespread custom.
Such a deep-rooted tradition that Verona was nicknamed "Urbs Picta", or "painted city".
Guided tour of about 2 hours or full day
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