Porta San Zeno was built in 1542 and designed by Michele Sanmicheli who also designed Porta Nuova and Porta Palio, examples of Renaissance architecture in the city.
For economic reasons the result is a rather simple building, with a limited use of stone combined with extensive backgrounds in bricks.
It has a square plan articulated on a large central hall, with a pedestrian crossing and the lateral compartment for the guard.
Economy and speed of execution led to a more hasty work, reproducing a design already used by San Micheli for the gate of Zadar in Dalmatia.
For almost thirty-five years Porta San Zeno is the headquarters of the Bacanal del Gnoco, the traditional Carnival in Verona. Thanks to the restoration carried out by the hand of the Committee of the Bacanal, it was possible to rescue the interiors of the gate from the inclemency of the weather.
Are you a local? What do you think about Porta San Zeno?
Login to suggest it!