Once upon a time, centuries and centuries ago, there was one little Pompeii in Verona. How do we know? Thanks to the excavations that, carried out under the old one Astra cinema, confirmed what had already been imagined for about fifteen years. At the time, excavations were stopped. And they did not allow us to discover the wonder unveiled today: an architectural complex which, dating back to the XNUMXnd century, is splendidly frescoed and is similar in style to that of Pompei.
What do we know about little Pompeii in Verona
The Astra cinema is one of the historic cinemas of the city but, for some time now, it no longer welcomes visitors. During the renovation works, the one that immediately earned the nickname of "little Pompeii in Verona". A Roman complex from the imperial era, with rich frescoes and with a notable resemblance to the city of Campania. Similarities, these, which are not limited to the frescoed walls but include tile floors, floor and wall heating systems, and an end caused by a terrible fire. This is what was told and shown on the morning of Thursday 17 June, during the press conference called by the Superintendence of archeology, fine arts and landscape for the provinces of Verona, Rovigo and Vicenza.
"Frescoed walls were found, both floor and wall heating systems, cement floors decorated with tesserae and crustae“: So the Superintendency explained in a note. "Even at the former Astra cinema, as in other city contexts, a fire seems to have put an end to the frequentation of the complex: collapsed remains of the ceilings, a charred wooden piece of furniture inside an environment that has preserved intact, despite the destruction, the magnificent colors of the frescoed walls dating back to the XNUMXnd century" goes on. This is an end that brings the “Pompeii to Verona” not only closer to the real Pompeii but also to several other Vesuvian cities.
The Roman past of Verona
The discovery, in truth, is not surprising. Since the third century BC Verona was in contact with theAncient Rome, and it is hypothesized that thanks to a diversionary action by the Venetians, the Galli Sénoni of Brenno had to come to terms with the Romans. The Venetians also helped Rome in the battles for the conquest of Cisalpine Gaul. But the importance that Verona held strategically only leapt to the eyes of the Romans when they colonized the Po Valley. Thus, in 89 BC, the Venetian city became a colony of Latin law and then a Roman municipality at the behest of Julius Caesar. Until, during the republican period, it was refounded. To then reach the maximum of its splendor and its fortune in age julius-claudia.
Of the Roman past of Verona, today, remains above all theSand. Which, commissioned by Gallienus, is among the best preserved ancient Roman amphitheaters. Then there is the Ponte Pietra, the first work that the Romans built when they arrived here, and there is the Roman Theater today the venue for summer events. Without forgetting the doors: Porta Borsari with its excellently preserved facade, Porta Leoni which opened on the cardo massimo. Splendid testimonies to which, today, we add that small "Pompeii in Verona" of which the city is already so proud.
Photo source in evidence Facebook page of Federico Sboarina, mayor of Verona
