Verona is one of the best preserved cities in Europe. Founded by the Romans over two thousand years ago, it remains one of the most intact classical cities in Italy, while also possessing many good examples of more recent architecture in styles that derive from both north and south of the alps. The city is chiefly built of marble quarried from its surrounding mountains, in colours that range from white to warm and vivid lavenders shot with bronze. Among the outstanding buildings are the third largest ancient amphitheatre, San Zeno, a beautiful Romanesque church, the elaborate Gothic palace of the Scaliger lords, and the 18th-century customs house. This book is a guide to Verona for those who wish to investigate, and know more about the city's architecture.