Il monastero di S. Zeno e Berengario: alle fonti di un rapporto speciale

This article examines the close relationship between Berengar I, king and emperor of Italy, and the monastery of San Zeno in Verona. Drawing on contemporary documents and recent research, it reassesses later traditions about Berengar and the monastery’s origins and development. It traces the foundations of this relationship to the early ninth century, when royal patronage and Bishop Ratold’s support helped strengthen San Zeno under King Pippin. Four diplomas issued by Berengar between 893 and 905 document his protection of the monastery and his grants of privileges and property. These records show how urban gardens, lands, and other fiscal resources moved among the king, his followers, and the monastery, supporting both monastic life and specialized production. The article also situates San Zeno within Berengar’s management of river routes, ports, markets, and tolls in the Verona region.

Il saggio offre una riflessione sul rapporto privilegiato istituito da Berengario con il monastero di S. Zeno di Verona; allo stesso tempo riflette sulla politica di Berengario nei confronti dei maggiori istituti religiosi del territorio veronese e del nord Italia nella prospettiva di un controllo delle vie d'acqua principali e nel controllo delle principali risorse produttive in città e sul territorio.