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Santa Maria Antica

4.6
·192 reviews·Verona, Italy

A serene Romanesque church from 1185, offering a peaceful escape in Verona's heart, adjacent to the striking Scaligeri Tombs.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds for peace

CrowdLow
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Exterior

Santa Maria Antica

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the crowds for peace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Romanesque church from 1185, offering a peaceful escape in Verona's heart, adjacent to the striking Scaligeri Tombs.

4.6
(192 reviews)

"A calm and peaceful atmosphere and an oasis of rest."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Entry Gem

Enjoy the beauty of Santa Maria Antica without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:

Combine with Tombs

Don't miss the stunning Scaligeri Tombs right next door! :statueofliberty:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Romanesque Architecture

Romanesque Architecture

Admire the ancient beauty of this 1185 church, a testament to Romanesque design.

Scaligeri Tombs

Scaligeri Tombs

Adjacent to the church

Marvel at the impressive Gothic funerary monuments right outside the church.

Peaceful Respite

Peaceful Respite

Find a moment of calm in this quiet oasis amidst the bustling city.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Santa Maria Antica is a serene escape in Verona. To truly soak in its peaceful atmosphere, aim for weekdays outside of peak tourist hours. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a tranquil experience, allowing you to appreciate the ancient architecture without the crowds.

Location & Access

Nestled in the heart of Verona, Santa Maria Antica is easily accessible on foot. Its proximity to the Scaligeri Tombs makes it a convenient stop on your exploration of the city's historical center. Entry to the church is free, making it an accessible cultural gem.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the crowds for peace
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Here are our 10 must sees (and do) in Sorrento 😊 1. Day at Peter’s Beach. 2. Hop on a boat! 3. Cool off with a lemon granite. 4. Dive into the breakfast buffet at Antica Murra. 5. Hike the “Path of Gods” from Sorrento to Positano. 6. Day trip to Pompeii, Positano, or Capri. 7. Enjoy southern Italian food at Da Emilia or Bagni Delfino 8. Explore Via San Cesareo. 9. Sunset looking over Peter’s. 1...
@deccadotcom
36.6K likes • 1.2M views

Free Entry Gem

Enjoy the beauty of Santa Maria Antica without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:

Combine with Tombs

Don't miss the stunning Scaligeri Tombs right next door! :statueofliberty:

This is Santa Margherita: a gem on the Italian riviera. Affordable, authentic, & so beautiful. With a PRIME location: 2 hours from the south of France 1 hour from Milan 2 hours from Switzerland 45 minutes from Cinque terre and 10 minutes from Portofino message me or comment for more :) #deccadotcom #traveltips #italyitinerary #italy #travelitaly #santamargherita #liguria #genova #europeansummer...
@deccadotcom
32.5K likes • 993.7K views
Roma segreta 👉 L’Antica Farmacia di S.Maria della Scala ⠀ Se siete in cerca di posti segreti e ben nascosti di Roma, allora questo luogo fa per voi! ⠀ L’Antica Farmacia di Santa Maria della Scala è la più antica farmacia di Roma ed è ancora visitabile. Fu aperta nel 1600 dai Carmelitani Scalzi come farmacia interna del loro convento e alla fine dello stesso secolo aprì al pubblico. Grazie alla sua...
anna.scrigni
32.4K likes • 624.6K views

Quiet Contemplation

Perfect spot for a peaceful break from sightseeing. :pray:

📍Hacienda Santa María Regla, un imperdible en Huasca 👌🏻✨ #visitmexico #travelvlog #pueblomagico
@sinpostal
26.2K likes • 683.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Entry Gem

Enjoy the beauty of Santa Maria Antica without any admission fee. :moneywithwings:

Combine with Tombs

Don't miss the stunning Scaligeri Tombs right next door! :statueofliberty:

Quiet Contemplation

Perfect spot for a peaceful break from sightseeing. :pray:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(192 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Santa Maria Antica for its peaceful atmosphere and free entry, offering a serene escape in Verona's historic center. Its proximity to the impressive Scaligeri Tombs is also a major highlight, though some wish they could get closer to the tombs themselves. Overall, it's a well-maintained, attractive Romanesque church that provides a lovely respite.

"A small, very old church in the centre of Verona. A calm and peaceful atmosphere and an oasis of rest.
If possible I come here when in Verona or around."

Sander van Malssen

"This church is quite small when you compare it to San Fermo which is near our the Duomo and Santa Anastasia but this church is also quite ancient and is very well-maintained. Entrance is free. It's right besides the scaligeri tombs which are just besides the entrance."

Richard A Francisco

"Lovely"

mashalux

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Free entry
Adjacent tombs

What People Dislike

Limited access to tombs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Santa Maria Antica is located in the historic center of Verona, making it easily accessible on foot from most major attractions. If arriving by public transport, buses stop frequently near Piazza Bra, from where it's a short walk. :bus:

Yes, it's conveniently situated right next to the Scaligeri Tombs and is a short walk from other key sites like the Verona Arena and Piazza delle Erbe. :map:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Santa Maria Antica is free, making it a wonderful and accessible cultural experience for all visitors. :ticket:

While specific hours can vary, the church is generally open during daylight hours. It's best to check locally or visit during typical daytime visiting hours to ensure access. :clock:

Yes, small groups are welcome. However, due to its intimate size, large organized tours might be better suited for larger churches like the Duomo or Basilica di San Zeno. :peopleholdinghands:

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Visitors often describe the atmosphere as calm, peaceful, and serene, offering a welcome respite from the city's bustle. It's a place for quiet contemplation. :dove:

The church's ancient architecture and peaceful interior can be beautiful for photography. However, always be respectful of any ongoing services and refrain from using flash. :camerawithflash:

The Scaligeri Tombs are a remarkable complex of Gothic funerary monuments belonging to the Scaligeri family, rulers of Verona in the medieval period. Their intricate design is a significant historical and artistic feature. :sculpture:

While you can admire the Scaligeri Tombs from the perimeter, access to get very close might be restricted for preservation purposes. Visitors can typically view them over or through fences. :closedlockwith_key:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Solo Travelers & Contemplatives

For solo travelers seeking a moment of quiet reflection, Santa Maria Antica is an ideal destination. Its peaceful atmosphere and free entry make it an accessible and rewarding stop. You can easily spend time admiring the Romanesque architecture and soaking in the serene ambiance without feeling rushed.

Combine your visit with a contemplative walk around the nearby Scaligeri Tombs. The juxtaposition of the ancient tombs and the quiet church offers a unique historical and artistic experience that is perfect for individual exploration.

History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

History enthusiasts will appreciate Santa Maria Antica for its well-preserved Romanesque architecture, dating back to 1185. The church offers a tangible connection to Verona's medieval past. Pay close attention to the details of the bell tower and spire, which are characteristic of the period.

Don't miss the adjacent Scaligeri Tombs, a magnificent example of Gothic funerary art. The contrast between the church's Romanesque style and the tombs' Gothic grandeur provides a fascinating study in Veronese history and artistic evolution. It's a compact yet rich historical site.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

Santa Maria Antica is a prime example of Romanesque architecture in Verona, dating back to its consecration in 1185. Its design features a characteristic small bell tower and a brick-covered spire, showcasing the architectural styles prevalent during that era. The church's enduring structure offers a glimpse into medieval Veronese craftsmanship.

The church's relatively small size compared to other Veronese cathedrals, like the Duomo or Santa Anastasia, contributes to its intimate and personal feel. This makes it a favored spot for those seeking a quieter, more focused historical experience. Its well-maintained condition ensures that visitors can appreciate its ancient beauty.

Adjacent to the church are the Scaligeri Tombs, a collection of elaborate Gothic funerary monuments. These tombs, belonging to the powerful Scaligeri family, are a striking contrast to the Romanesque style of the church, highlighting the diverse historical layers of Verona. The intricate details and imposing presence of the tombs are a significant draw for history and art enthusiasts.

A Peaceful Sanctuary

In the midst of Verona's vibrant tourist activity, Santa Maria Antica stands out as an oasis of calm and rest. Many visitors find the atmosphere inside to be profoundly peaceful, offering a much-needed break from the bustling streets. It's a place where one can pause, reflect, and appreciate the quiet sanctity of an ancient place of worship.

Travelers often mention returning to Santa Maria Antica whenever they are in Verona, drawn by its tranquil ambiance. This recurring sentiment underscores its value as a restorative stop. The church's serene environment allows for a deeper connection with the historical and spiritual essence of the city.

The free entry further enhances its appeal as an accessible sanctuary. It invites everyone to step inside, experience its quietude, and admire its historical significance without any barriers. This accessibility makes it a beloved spot for both locals and tourists seeking a moment of peace.

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