My 3-day trip to Verona was quite packed, uppermost interesting & very pleasant. This iconic Italian city of the North has much to offer. So, get ready for a bit of Shakespeare, historical architectures, wonderful food and a beautiful Italian city.

I visited Verona after I went to Siena, Florence and Perugia in Tuscany and Rome.

This is why Verona is so Famous.

The Arena di Verona

The fourth amphitheater after the Colosseum in Rome is located right in the heart of Verona. Constructed in 30 AD, it is remarkable that the Arena still has such a fine condition after all those years.

The Arena di Verona is the 3rd largest Roman amphitheater in Italy. It will be hard to not visit the Arena when you visit Verona because it’s located right in the middle of the city center.

In Roman times, the Arena could host over 30.000 spectators. The people of old Verona watched many bloody fights in the Arena of gladiators who died with honor. A famous sentence that was used by gladiators before the fight started:

Ave Imperator, morituri te salutant (“Hail, Emperor, those who are about to die salute you”)

Nowadays you can walk around inside the Arena and admire its architecture. The amphitheater still serves as a place for entertainment as concerts and musical shows are still held in the Arena di Verona.

The Roman Arena of Verona, Italy The Roman Arena of Verona, Italy

Romeo & Juliet

The famous love story that was written by William Shakespear; Romeo and Juliet, was set in Verona.

Located on the Via Cappello, the Casa di Giulietta is the supposed building from the famous scene in Shakespeare’s play where Romeo Hails Juliet and she speaks to him from the balcony. You can actually walk inside the house and stand on the fabled balcony itself.

It provides a great attraction in Verona. It’s one of those places you need to see with your own eyes.

There is a bronze statue of Juliet outside of the house. People have believed for ages that; if you touch her right breast, you’ll have luck in love for the next years.

The statue of Julia in Verona, Italy. The statue of Julia in Verona, Italy.

Castelvecchio in Verona

When it comes to majestic medieval castles, Castelvecchio in Verona is a must-visit. You will find long fortified walls, drawbridges and impressive rooms that are filled with classic art in Castelvecchio.

On the wall of Castelvecchio in Verona, Italy.

In old times, Castelvecchio had a strategic functionality for the family Scaligeri. Nowadays, the Museo d’Arte can be found inside the castle. You’ll find art from the fourteenth to the eighteenth century in the Museo d’Arte. Most of the arts contain religious characteristics. In the museum, there is also an extensive medieval armory. And, you’ll be able to walk on the old fortified walls of Castelvecchio. The walls offer a great view over the river Adige and the city of Verona. Castelvecchio dates back to the fourteenth century and it’s something that you shouldn’t skip when visiting Verona.

The bridge of Castelvecchio in Verona, Italy

Piazza Delle Erbe

Verona has a fair amount of charming squares. Just like Piazza Delle Erbe, which is located right in the middle of the old center of Verona. This piazza is one of the finest places to sit down for a refreshment or to walk around the wonderful local market.

In Roman times, the Piarra delle Erbe in Verona served as the main forum in the city. Either political, juridical, religious and commercial activities were handled in this area.

Majestic buildings surround the famous piazza dei signori in Verona, Italy Majestic buildings surround the famous piazza dei signori in Verona, Italy

Piazza dei Signori

Located just next to the Piazza delle Erbe, the Piazza dei Signori is a place you need to see when you visit Verona. Because many historical and architecturally beautiful buildings line the square, it’s a piazza where you need to sit down for a while and enjoy some refreshments whilst you look around. Building around the Piazza dei Signori include the Palazzo del Capitano, the Loggia del Consiglio and the Case della Pieta.

Each building here offers a slightly different architectural style, each from different time periods. Because of this, a pleasant contrast is formed that is unique and wonderful.

Music performances are often held on the square and there are quite nice bars and restaurants around for your hungry & thirsty needs.

Climb the Torre Dei Lamberti

High above the Piazze delle Erbe, the dominant Torre dei Lamberti rises. It was built by the Lamberti Family in 1172.

The Torre Dei Lamberti houses two bells, the Rengo and the Marangona. The Marangona signaled the end of a working day and also sounded the alarm in case of fire, whilst the Rengo summoned the City Council and citizens of Verona in times of war. The bells still ring during funerals. The view of the city from the top of this tower is spectacular. You have to option to climb the stairs or you can take an elevator up.

The view from the Torre Dei Lamberti over Verona, Italy is spectacular.

The Basilica of San Zeno

The Basilica of San Zeno in Verona presents a grand building with a majestic decorative architecture. There’s fantastic paintings, solid stoneworks, and stained glass windows.

The Church of San Zeno was founded in the 5th century to shelter the relics of Verona’s patron saint, Bishop St. Zeno (d. 380).

Whilst the exterior is marvelous, the interior is just as appealing and decorative. The grand west facade of San Zeno is made of a warm tufa stones and the building centers on a large window known as the ‘Ruota della Fortuna’.

The Basilica of San Zeno in Verona, Italy The Basilica of San Zeno in Verona, Italy

Inside of the Basilica of San Zeno in Verona, Italy

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