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The Pieve di San Floriano, a Romanesque jewel in Valpolicella
Among the vineyards of Verona, history, spirituality and art in one of the most fascinating churches in Valpolicella
Where is
A Romanesque parish church in the heart of Valpolicella
In the heart of Valpolicella, a land of fine wines and evocative landscapes, stands the Pieve di San Floriano, one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in the province of Verona. We are located in San Floriano, a hamlet of San Pietro in Cariano, along what was once the ancient Via Claudia Augusta (now SP4). Easily reached from Verona, the Pieve is immersed in a setting of great historical and natural charm.
Why it is special: the Romanesque facade
The Pieve di San Floriano was built in the 12th century, as evidenced by its magnificent Romanesque tufa facade. The elegant rampant side arches give it an extra touch of grace and lightness. Looking closely, however, the facade reveals traces of even older origins: Roman marbles and burial logs, from a pre-existing pagan cemetery, are set among its stones! While the interior has undergone many changes over the centuries, the facade retains its original Romanesque forms: only the central eye and the two side windows date from later times.
Not to be missed: the bell tower
On the north side, the bell tower is striking in its elegance: stone base, structure with alternating rows of light tuff and reddish terracotta, belfry adorned with mullioned windows with two lights. The tower houses a concert of five bronze belfries, cast in 1877 by the Cavadini firm, tuned and mounted to be played according to the "Veronese System," capable of creating melodies. The largest exceeds 1,300 kg!
A bit of history
Already mentioned in documents from the 11th and 12th centuries, the Pieve di San Floriano was for centuries the main religious center of Valpolicella, at the head of one of the four "piovadenghi" (districts) of the Valpolicella territory: San Giorgio, Negrar, Arbizzano. Built over an ancient pagan cemetery, the church has always played a central role, not only religious but also cultural and administrative. Its stones tell of centuries of devotion and transformation.
Fun fact: a San Zeno in miniature
The shape and proportions of the Pieve di San Floriano are reminiscent in miniature of the grand church of San Zeno in Verona, as if to emphasize the deep connection between the Pieve and the artistic heritage of the city of Verona.
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