San Giovanni in Valle
Baptism in the Jordan
A pleasant walk through the narrow streets of the San Faustino neighborhood and its quiet country village atmosphere takes visitors to San Giovanni in Valle. The church was built in Lombard times on the site of an ancient Roman and early Christian burial site.
After the terrible 1117 earthquake, it was completely rebuilt of tufa stone in the characteristic Romanesque style, on top of the pre-existing crypt. In the crypt are two 3rd and 4th-century early Christian sarcophagi, symbols of the relationship between classical art and Christian worship.
St. John is called “the Baptist” for his ministry of baptism in the Jordan (Mk 1: 5) and this was indeed one of the churches where the sacrament of baptism was administered.
Interesting facts
According to tradition, one of the Roman sarcophagi in the crypt would contain the relics of two apostles – Simon the Canaanite and Judas Thaddeus.
General information
The church of San Giovanni in Valle is part of the itinerary called “Rebirth from Water. Verona Beyond the River”. Admission is free thanks to the Verona Minor Hierusalem volunteers.
Opening times
Thursday to Saturday: 10 am – 5.30 pm; Sunday: 12 pm – 5.30 pm
Mass Schedule
Sunday Mass: 9 am, 11 am; Saturday Mass: 6 pm
Address: Via San Giovanni in Valle, 36 – 37129 Verona
For further information, please email segreteria@veronaminorhierusalem.it
A little preview…
