A Veronese author named Coronato, who was a notary in the 7th century, claimed that Zeno was a native of Mauretania who taught children of Africa about the Catholic religion and also helped them with their education.

In addition, he reformed how the Agape feast was celebrated and forbade that funeral masses be accompanied by attendees' loud groans and wailing.

[b] The entry in the modern Roman Martyrology lists his death date as 12 April, but makes no mention of martyrdom.

[a] Tradition states that Zeno built the first basilica in Verona, probably situated in the area occupied by the present-day cathedral.

[a] His eponymous church in its present location dates to the early ninth century, when it was endowed by Charlemagne and his son Pepin, King of Italy.

[a] The present church of San Zeno in Verona is for the most part a work of the twelfth, thirteenth, and early fifteenth centuries.

[a] The church is also known for the facade sculpture signed by Nicholaus and an associate Guglielmus, and the rose window (c. 1200), which is the work of Brioloto.

Zeno is the patron saint of fishermen and anglers, the city of Verona, newborn babies, and children learning to speak and walk.

One story relates that Saint Zeno, fishing on the banks of the Adige, which he did in order to feed himself, saw a peasant crossing the river in a horse and cart.

"Local tradition says the bishop was fond of fishing in the nearby river Adige", writes Alban Butler, "but it is more likely that originally it was a symbol of his success in bringing people to baptism.