The Romanesque south portal was carved in the early 12th century (ca. 1120). The sculptures include depictions of the story of Jonah, a lion, an angel, the Virgin Mary.

Dedicated to S Maria Matricolare, Verona Cathedral is important for its Romanesque sculpture, particularly the two porch-portals, the earlier on the south side attributed to Pelegrinus and the main façade portal signed by Nicholaus. Only the exterior walls up to the decorated cornice on the west, south and east sides belong to the Romanesque period, for the cathedral was enlarged in the 15th century in Gothic style. Renaissance elements were also added in the 16th century; notably the bell tower (ca. 1550) and main chapel by Michele Sanmicheli.