The Church of San Giorgio in Braida stands beside the Adige in Verona, its Renaissance dome rising above the river’s northern bank. Built on the site of an earlier monastery, the present church took shape largely in the 16th century. Its name recalls the open meadow, or braida, that once lay outside the city’s dense centre.
The dome is associated with Michele Sanmicheli, the Veronese architect best known for his fortifications and palaces. Inside, the church is especially rewarding for lovers of Renaissance painting. Paolo Veronese’s monumental Martyrdom of Saint George presides over the high altar, while works by Tintoretto, Romanino and Moretto make the interior feel almost like a small gallery of northern Italian art, still in a setting of worship.
San Giorgio makes a worthwhile detour from Verona’s busier sights. Approach along the Adige from Ponte Pietra for views of the dome across the water, and combine your visit with the Roman Theatre or the hillside above it. Opening times can vary, so check locally before setting out. Dress with shoulders and knees covered, and keep voices low during your visit.