The most important medieval church in Verona, the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore was founded in the 5th century and rebuilt in the 12th century. It has a magnificent Romanesque facade, fine bronze doors, and many important artworks inside.The Church of San Zeno was founded in the 5th century to shelter the relics of Verona's patron saint, Bishop St. Zeno (d. 380). Born in North Africa, Zeno is credited with converting Verona to Christianity. Many of his sermons still survive.A few centuries later, the church was rebuilt on a larger scale to accommodate pilgrims and serve a new Benedictine monastery founded by King Pepin. The new basilica was consecrated on December 8, 806. After destruction by Hungarian invaders, the church was again rebuilt in 963-83 by Saint Adalberto.The present incarnation of San Zeno dates primarily from 1120-38 with additional work in the 13th century. Construction actually began around 1100, but a major earthquake in 1117 destroyed almost all progress to that point. The wooden ceiling and apse were added in 1387-98, which necessitated the raising of the nave.