Verona is not the most popular city in Italy, like Rome, Venice or Milan, but you should definitely include it in your Italy itinerary. Verona, Italy is perhaps best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
City officials have made the most of the free promotion, and stores sell everything from love locks and t-shirts to cakes bearing the characters’ names. Juliet’s “house” even has a balcony where tourists can reenact the famous scene.
But there are more interesting things to do in Verona because the city is nicknamed “piccola Roma” (little Rome) for its importance in Roman times, Verona was established as a settlement by the Romans. Rome in 89 BC.
This ancient city is very well preserved, with many medieval and Roman structures still standing. The most impressive of these are a 1st-century arena and a 12th-century bell tower, both accessible. A day in Verona is enough to explore the main attractions in the UNESCO-listed old town. The cobbled alleys and colorful architecture are so captivating that you won’t want to leave!
ARENA DI VERONA
Verona Arena is a 2000 year old Roman theater that is still in use today. Every summer, the arena is the place to host the Verona Opera Festival with the participation of many famous artists and attract a large audience to enjoy. During the day, visitors can wander around the arena and follow in the footsteps of the ancient gladiators.
TORRE DEI LAMBERTI
Lamberti Tower is an 84-meter-high bell tower dating from the 12th century. The two largest bells are used to summon the City Council and warn residents of dangers such as fire and attack. You can climb the 368 steps to the top or pay an extra euro to use the modern glass elevator. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a 360-degree view for a panoramic view of beautiful Verona.
PIAZZA DELLE ERBE
Lamberti Tower is located in Piazza della Erbe, the historic center of Verona. The site of the Ancient Roman Forum, the square has hosted the city’s herb and agricultural market for centuries. Buildings facing the square include the Town Hall and the residences of once powerful families. Don’t miss the fountain in the center of the square. A Roman sculpture called “Madonna Verona” dating from the 4th century is located here.
DUOMO DI VERONA
Verona Cathedral was first consecrated in the 4th century, but the present magnificent structure dates back to the early 1100s. Parts of the original mosaic floor can still be seen today. The interior features pink marble columns and colorful frescoes on the walls. The baptismal font is carved from a piece of marble and covered with reliefs depicting biblical scenes.
BASILICA DI SANT’ANASTASIA
The Basilica of Saint’Anastasia was built in the 13th century. Its simple brick facade gives way to prisms of light and color within. The painted ceiling is supported by twelve columns of pink marble spread across the three aisles. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by two humpback sculptures bearing holy water basins. Every detail is exquisite, from the marble floors to the marble frescoes and reliefs adorning the walls.
CASA DI GIULIETTA
Finally, take your time to visit Juliet’s House, Verona’s most popular tourist attraction. William Shakespeare certainly marked Verona on the tourist map of the English-speaking community. Shakespeare inspired his famous play from a true story of a family rivalry that occurred in Verona during the 1300s.
Juliet’s 13th-century home actually belonged to the Dal Cappello family and today houses a small museum with a collection of paintings, prints and ceramics. Years later to cater to fans of the play, they added Juliet’s balcony, the location of what is believed to be the famous scene where Romeo greets Juliet from her balcony.
The balcony overlooks the courtyard, where the 2014 bronze statue of Juliet, which replaced the original statue from 1969, is now housed in the museum’s atrium. Tourists lined up to touch her bronze breasts and pose for pictures. It is said to bring you good luck in love.
Along the walls of the entrance to the courtyard are thousands of pictures of love. About 50,000 letters addressed to Juliet were sent to Verona, each one from people seeking advice from Shakespeare’s romantic heroine. A group of volunteers formed the Juliet Club to act as “Juliet’s secretary,” and respond to these letters, aiming to maintain the magic and romance of one of these love stories. most famous love in history.
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