Saint Zeno church

Saint Zeno is a church in Bardolino built in the Carolingian architectural style with a Latin cross floor plan. The interior still displays original frescoed surfaces and other structural characteristics from the period when it was constructed.

The church was constructed in the mid-9th century and survived the earthquake of 1117 without major damage. It remains one of the few preserved Carolingian churches in the country, making it a rare example of early medieval architecture.

The frescoes visible on the church walls depict the Virgin Mary and Child, offering a window into the religious art practices of the period when it was built. These surviving paintings help visitors understand the spiritual importance the church held for local communities long ago.

The church is located in Bardolino at Via San Zeno 13, near the shoreline of Lake Garda. It helps to allow extra time when visiting, as the interior lighting is dim and the frescoed details require patience to appreciate properly.

The church features an unusual roof design called a tiburio and includes non-load-bearing pillars that set it apart from similar churches of the era. These architectural choices are rare among Carolingian buildings and demonstrate experimental construction approaches of the period.

Location: Bardolino

Architectural style: Carolingian architecture

GPS coordinates: 45.54822,10.72543

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:25