Also known as Urbs Nobilissima, Verona is the second largest city in the Veneto region of Northeast Italy, and is famed for being the hometown of the most tragic star-crossed lovers of all time; Romeo and Juliet. To this day it is clear to see why Shakespeare might have chosen the town as his setting; dangerously romantic, embedded with history and whimsical mystery, Verona is truly an inspiring place to visit.
With a heritage that dates back more than two thousand years, Verona was once a very important Roman town, and today remains one of Italy’s best kept archeological sites. The historical center lies hidden behind the town’s roman walls, and it is within these ancient stones that the majority of the monuments and historic sites can be located. First up, head down to the Piazza Bra; a large open square dominated by the famous Roman Arena. In Roman times, this was the principal area for entertainment, seating over 20,000 spectators. The high arched structure arena has been impeccably reserved, and is now open to a contemporary public to come and have a look around. If visiting the city in the summer months, one of the most famous local events is the summer opera season which is held in this impressive amphitheater, and is a truly amazing location and spectacular event not to be missed. Aside from the arena, the town’s archeological museum can be found at the Roman Theater, and is an insightful experience, with the added bonus of being set in a great location, that offers panoramic view of the town, from the River Adige to the town center.
Touring the city would not be complete with taking a trip to the famous Juliet Balcony. Although the love story is fictional, the house and the balcony are reputed to have belonged to the real Veronese family whose feud with another town dynasty is supposed to have inspired the Shakespearean play. Even if you don’t look down onto a serenading Romeo, going up onto the balcony is an tourist must, and an amusing opportunity for a dramatic holiday snap or two. The entrance of the courtyard is also noteworthy, being covered in romantic graffiti, where you can add you name to the listed lovers, and become part of Verona history. In the center of the courtyard can be found a bronze sculpture of Juliet herself, who according to local legend is meant to bring luck in love to whoever touches her.
Cortile del Tribunale
Photography in Museo Scavi Scaligeri...
5 Via delle Pontiere
Remembering Juliet...
Via Don Bassi
Gothic Church...
Vicolo Abbazia, 1
Piazza S. Zeno
Mesmerizing Architecture...
Via Regaste Redentore, 2
Mosaics & Sculptures...
Corso Castelvecchio 2
at Via Roma, on the Adige River
Venetian Sculpture & Painting...
Corso Cavour
Good Example of Veronese Romanesque Style...
Piazza dei Signori
The Heart of the City...
Rigaste Redentore 2
Ancient Roman Theater...
Via Giardino Giusti 2
Splendid Renaissance Garden...
Via Dogana 2
Two Buildings On Top Of Each Other...
Via Cappello 23
southeast of Piazza delle Erbe
A Romantic Balcony...
Piazza delle Erbe
Between Via Mazzini and Corso Porta Borsari
Focal Point of Urban Life...
Via della Costa
Verona's Landmark...
Via Castel Montorio
10th-century Medieval Castle...
Corso Castelvecchio 2
Art and History Museum...
Villa Arvedi
A Witness of History...
Piazza Duomo
Eventful Square...