Verona: between love and history. Exploring the city of Romeo and Juliet

Verona is one of the most fascinating and romantic cities in Italy . Located in the Veneto region, Verona is a historical gem that enchants visitors with its rich history, breathtaking architecture and romantic atmospheres. The city's history unfolds through millennia of conquests, cultural influences and historical events. Verona is intrinsically linked to the famous love story of Romeo and Juliet, immortalized by William Shakespeare.

Juliet's House with its iconic balcony is a place of pilgrimage for lovers from all over the world. The city has appropriated this history, keeping it alive through monuments, museums and even a love walk. But Romeo and Juliet are only part of the romantic fabric of Verona, which also manifests itself in the cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and bright evenings.

Verona and the historic center

For those visiting Verona we recommend starting your visit in the imposing Piazza Bra, one of the most emblematic places of Verona. Here you will find the Verona Arena , one of the largest Roman amphitheaters still in use today. In addition to hosting shows and concerts, the Arena is an extraordinary place to immerse yourself in history and art.

From here you can explore the Torre dei Lamberti, a majestic structure in the heart of Verona. With its 84, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The climb may seem challenging, but the reward is an unforgettable view. Not to be missed along a complete visit to Verona is Piazza dei Signori, a square surrounded by important historical buildings such as:

• The Palazzo degli Scaligeri is an extraordinary example of Gothic architecture and testifies to the power of the Scaligeri family.
• The Loggia del Consiglio , with its elegant arches, was a place where citizens gathered to discuss public matters.

It is then possible to continue the exploration by crossing the lively Piazza delle Erbe , the beating heart of Verona since the times of ancient Rome. Here, you can immerse yourself in a lively open-air market, where colorful stalls sell fresh fruit, vegetables, souvenirs and antiques. In addition to the market stands, the square is surrounded by beautifully preserved historic buildings.

The Palazzo Maffei , with its ornate facade and astronomical clock, and the House of Merchants , with its fascinating frescoes, are just some of the architectural jewels you'll find here. A recommended option is to sit in one of the outdoor cafes to enjoy the lively atmosphere and observe the life of the square.

Scaliger Tombs and Historical Memory

The Scaliger Tombs are a group of monumental Gothic tombs that commemorate the lords of the Scaligeri family, who ruled Verona in the Middle Ages. These unique monuments are located a short distance from Piazza dei Signori.

Each ark is a masterpiece of Gothic sculpture and architecture, with intricate details and symbolism that tell the story of the Scala leaders. This fascinating and evocative place offers an opportunity for direct connection with the city's past.

Verona: art and culture

Verona has been a cultural crossroads for centuries and that's why the art here is truly fabulous. To start discovering the city's wonders, you can stop at the Palazzo della Ragione , a building that dates back to the 13th century and was once the political and economic center of the city. Today it houses the Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery . A rich collection of modern and contemporary works of art is preserved here, with works by Italian and international artists such as Hayez, Guttuso and Casarini. One of the highlights of the palace is the Scala della Ragione , a majestic staircase made of red Veronese marble that leads to the Gallery. The staircase is an architectural marvel and offers a unique view of the palace and the surrounding city.

To breathe the romantic air of Verona, just cross the majestic Castelvecchio Bridge , a fortified bridge that crosses the Adige river. This majestic structure combines history and architecture into a single marvel. Built in the 14th century by order of Cangrande II della Scala , this castle originally had a defensive function, but over the centuries it was transformed into a noble residence and, today, houses the Civic Museum of Verona . This museum houses a large collection of artworks, sculptures, armor and decorative art objects. By exploring the castle, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the medieval history of Verona.

Explore the museum's fascinating rooms, which house a vast collection of medieval, Renaissance and modern art. Among the works of art on display, you will find paintings, sculptures, armor and applied art objects, thus capturing the essence of Verona's art and culture through the centuries.

Verona: Romeo and Juliet

Allowing yourself to be transported to the heart of Veronese romance is essential to fully enjoy this city and a visit to the famous Juliet's House becomes, then, obligatory . This fascinating historic building has been associated with the legend of Shakespeare and is one of the most visited places in Verona.

As you explore the house, you can admire Juliet's famous balcony , from which Juliet is said to have listened to Romeo's words of love. For the more romantic it is also possible to leave a love message hanging on the walls of the courtyard, thus helping to keep the romantic enchantment of this centuries-old story alive.

The Juliet Museum and the Church of San Francesco

Inside Juliet's House there is the Juliet Museum , where you can discover period objects, costumes and documents linked to the story of the two most famous lovers in literature. This museum offers an interesting perspective on the legend and its influence on culture and art throughout the centuries.

Finally, located near Juliet's House, the Church of San Francesco al Corso is an important place for lovers of Romeo and Juliet. Here is the tomb of Marcantonio and Angelica, inspiration for the names of the characters of Mercutio and Juliet in Shakespeare's play. The church is a quiet and evocative place, perfect for a romantic reflection.

The delights of Verona

A trip to Verona cannot be complete without savoring the delicacies of the local cuisine. In Verona you can try:

• Amarone risotto , a rich and tasty dish prepared with the region's renowned Amarone wine;
• Bigoli all'ancioa , a fresh pasta seasoned with an anchovy-based sauce;
• The pastissada de caval , a slow-cooked marinated horse meat stew.

Traditional wines and desserts from Verona

The Veronese area is famous for its fine wines such as:

• Amarone;
• The Soave;
• Valpolicella.

These are just some of the renowned labels that can be tasted in Verona. Finally, it is possible to conclude the gastronomic tour with some typical desserts such as Juliet's kisses , small kiss-shaped sweets that are a tribute to Shakespeare's famous heroine.

Plan a trip to Verona

Before completely immersing yourself in the enchantment of Verona, it is important to plan your trip. Whether you are a lover of art, history, food or romance, Verona awaits everyone with its unique and unforgettable wonders. To visit the city and its surroundings it is preferable to stay overnight to have a complete and unforgettable experience.