Santi Nazaro e Celso, Gothic and Renaissance church in Veronetta district, Verona, Italy.
Santi Nazaro e Celso is a brick church with three naves, featuring a facade with vertical bands that blend Gothic and Renaissance elements. Access is through a large Renaissance portal designed by Antonio Saletti, and the building sits on a raised churchyard enclosed by high walls.
Construction of the current building began in 1464, replacing a 1000-year-old structure destroyed during Hungarian invasions because it stood outside city walls. This destruction led to its rebuilding in the same location with stronger architectural features.
The church served the Veronetta community and reflects local needs, as it sits outside the original city boundaries. The interior decorations and reliquaries show how residents expressed their faith and local identity through art and sacred objects.
Access to the church is through the central portal, and the raised churchyard with surrounding walls creates a separate space from the surrounding neighborhood. It is helpful to note its location away from main thoroughfares and allow time to explore the interior.
The bell tower was completed in 1550 and contains six bells cast in 1849, still operated by hand using traditional Veronese methods. This handcrafted practice is rare in modern Italy and connects visitors to a living tradition.
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