If you’re looking for a romantic and cultural destination in Italy, look no further than Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet. Verona is a UNESCO world heritage site, full of historic attractions, charming piazzas and beautiful bridges over the river Adige. In this guide, I’ll show you some of the best things to do and see in Verona, as well as some tips on where to stay and eat.
Verona is best known for its Shakespeare associations, especially the famous balcony where Juliet supposedly declared her love to Romeo. You can visit the Casa di Giulietta, where you’ll find a statue of Juliet and a wall covered with love notes from visitors. You can also write your own message or attach a padlock to the gate as a symbol of your eternal love. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even book a sleepover at Juliet’s historic home through Airbnb.
But Verona is much more than just a backdrop for a tragic love story. It’s also a city with a rich and ancient history, dating back to the Roman times. One of the most impressive sights in Verona is the Arena, a huge amphitheatre that was built in the 1st century AD. It’s remarkably well-preserved and still hosts concerts and operas during the summer. You can admire its majestic arches and imagine the gladiator fights and spectacles that took place here centuries ago.
Another must-see attraction in Verona is the Castelvecchio, a medieval castle that was built by the Scaligers, the ruling family of Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle is now a museum that houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, weapons and frescoes. You can also walk along the walls and enjoy the views of the river and the city. Don’t miss the Ponte Scaligero, a stunning bridge that connects the castle to the opposite bank of the Adige.
Verona is also a city of art and culture, with many churches, museums and galleries to explore. Some of the highlights are:
- The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, a Romanesque masterpiece that features a striped facade, a rose window, bronze doors and a stunning altarpiece by Mantegna.
- The Duomo, a cathedral that combines Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles. It has a beautiful cloister, a crypt and a museum with artworks by Titian and Tintoretto.
- The Torre dei Lamberti, a 12th-century tower that offers panoramic views of Verona from its 84-meter-high terrace.
- The Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti, a gallery that showcases modern art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by Klimt, Picasso and Chagall.
Verona is also a great place to enjoy the gastronomy and wine of the Veneto region. You can find many restaurants, cafes and bars that serve local specialties such as risotto al tastasal (rice with pork sausage), pasta e fasoi (pasta with beans), polenta e osei (polenta with birds) and pandoro (a sweet bread with powdered sugar). You can also taste some of the famous wines of Verona, such as Valpolicella, Amarone and Soave.
If you’re looking for accommodation in Verona, you have plenty of options to suit your budget and preferences. You can stay in the historic center, close to the main attractions and the atmosphere of the city. You can also choose to stay in the outskirts or in nearby towns, where you can find more affordable and quiet options. Some of the best places to stay in Verona are:
- Hotel Accademia, a four-star hotel located in a historic building in the heart of Verona. It offers elegant rooms, free Wi-Fi and breakfast.
- Hotel Milano & Spa, a modern hotel that features a rooftop terrace with a hot tub and views of the Arena. It also has a spa, a restaurant and a bar.
- Agriturismo Delo Relais, a charming farmhouse that offers spacious rooms with rustic decor and views of the countryside. It also has an outdoor pool, a garden and a restaurant.
Verona is an amazing place to visit any time of the year, but especially during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. You can also plan your trip around some of the events and festivals that take place in Verona, such as:
- The Opera Festival, which runs from June to September at the Arena. You can watch spectacular performances of classic operas such as Aida, Carmen and La Traviata.
- The Shakespeare Festival, which takes place in July at various venues in Verona. You can enjoy theatrical adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, as well as lectures, workshops and exhibitions.
- The Verona in Love Festival, which celebrates Valentine’s Day in February. You can join romantic activities such as guided tours, concerts, markets and contests.
I hope this guide has inspired you to visit Verona, one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Italy. You’ll fall in love with its history, culture, architecture and food. Verona is a place that will make you feel like you’re living in a fairy tale. Don’t miss it!
