The Basilica of Santa Anastasia is the largest church in Verona, at the end of the Roman decumanus maximus near the Ponte Pietra. The Dominicans arrived in Verona in 1220 and 1221, and construction of the present basilica began in 1290. It was consecrated on 22 October 1471. The architect is unknown. Proposals include Guglielmo da Castelbarco and the Dominican friars Benvenuto da Bologna and Nicola da Imola.
The church is Gothic, with Renaissance elements on the exterior. It is built entirely of brick, on a Latin cross plan with three naves and a wide transept. The columns of the nave are white and red Verona marble. The facade was never finished. The bell tower is 236 feet (72 meters) tall, with a terracotta spire.
Lightning struck the bell tower in 1555 and 1661. The Dominican Order was suppressed in 1807, and the church is now a parish church.
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