Santa Maria in Organo
The entry into Jerusalem
A Benedictine Abbey since the 7th or 8th century, Santa Maria in Organo was already the most ancient Veronese monastery in the Lombard age.
Partially destroyed by the terrible 1117 earthquake, the church we see today is mainly the result of 15th-century restorations and additions.
Not to be missed are the inlays of the sacristy wardrobes, the elegant wooden choir and the lectern carved by Olivetan monk Giovanni da Verona in the 15th century.
In a small chapel in the northern transept there is also a precious 13th -century polychrome wooden sculpture, called “La Muletta” or “little donkey”, representing Christ entering Jerusalem on a donkey while blessing the crowds. (Mt 21,1-15). The object of various popular legends, on Palm Sunday the statue was carried in procession along the city streets.
Interesting facts
Even though the church actually houses one of the oldest organs (‘organo’) in the province, its curious name derives from a Roman hydraulic work – a sort of sound hourglass – also depicted in the Raterian Iconography, the oldest representation of the city of Verona (mid-10th century ).
General information
The church of Santa Maria in Organo 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 and Friday: 10:30 am – 5.30 pm; Saturday: 10 am, 4:30 pm; Sunday: 11 am – 5.30 pm
Mass Schedule
Sunday Mass: 10 am; Saturday Mass: 4.45 pm
Address: Via Santa Maria in Organo, 1 – 37129 Verona
For further information, please email segreteria@veronaminorhierusalem.it
A small preview…
