There is no shortage of stunning jewel-box churches in Italy. In fact, most towns have a pretty little church of their own, a surprising number with works by rather famous artists so it is always worth peeking inside to see what you might find – you never know! Italy’s bigger towns and cities, meanwhile, boast even more impressive and bejewelled houses of worship. The romantic town of Verona, for example, is full of architectural gems and beautiful sights, making it a must for those on a day-trip who vacation in Veneto, and among her stunning buildings, the Chiesa di Sant'Eufemia is quite the wonder.
Located right in the historic core of the town, the Chiesa di Sant’Eufemia dates to the 13th century but is built over a site where many earlier iterations of churches have stood, going back to the 5th or 6th century. Built by the Augustinian monks after the ruling Della Scala family brought them to the city, the church was consecrated in 1331 though additions continued to be constructed throughout the following centuries. In the 16th century, the Gothic church was redecorated in the prevailing Renaissance styles and along new ideals with famous artists of the Veronese school of painting commissioned to add paintings and altarpieces, including the likes of Giovan Francesco Caroto, Francesco Torbido, Moretto, Dionisio Battaglia, Battista del Moro, Paolo Farinati, Jacopo Ligozzi, Bernardino India, Domenico, and Felice Brusasorci.
Unfortunately, various twists of fate from plagues to world wars led to the decline and damage of this stunning building and some works of art were lost. However, restoration in the 20th and 21st century saved the church, preserving its lovely Gothic exterior and some of its Renaissance interiors. The vaults still display the frescoes of Gaetano Miolato, there is a 16th century fresco of St. Paul at the foot of Ananias by Battista del Moro in a chapel, a 16th century altarpiece by Jacopo Ligozzi, as well as altarpieces by Francesco Torbido, Domenico Brusasorci, Giovanni Caliari, Agostino Ugolini, Giambettino Cignaroli, and others. Sculptural decorations and pieces by 18th century Veronese sculptor Diomirio Cignaroli are dotted about and other decorative and figurative works can be found throughout the church and chapels.
So, while damage has been suffered throughout the centuries, this stunning church remains a jam-packed beauty and a must-see for those who book a villa in Veneto.
