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Romeo & Juliet’s Verona: Hidden Gems Beyond the Famous Love Story
Discover all the wonders of the city of the Arena and Romeo and Juliet.
Italian Chapter
October 20, 2024
Verona For tourists, Verona is about big events and great love stories: but is there more? Discover all the wonders of the city of the Arena and Romeo and Juliet.
Have you ever considered Verona as a counterpart to Venice? One is the far west of the region, the other the far east, and ideally, the two most visited art cities of Veneto are on the same line. More or less, it is the line traced by the high-speed trains that speed from the lagoon city towards Milan or the very busy highway that crosses the Po Valley. Like Venice, Verona boasts a past of great power and a present in which international visitors flock. End of similarities: the image of Verona is not linked to water, although the center is enclosed within the loop of the Adige River, but to William Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy that tells the story of the unfortunate lovers Romeo and Juliet and the spectacular scenery of the shows staged in the Roman amphitheater, better known as the Arena of Verona. This is certainly Verona’s top attraction, an iconic monument indissolubly linked to the city’s image. There is no Arena with a capital A without Verona! An exceptional location for operas, concerts, and major events, the Arena is also a perfect starting point for exploring the city. You can follow the well-trodden path of most tourists in search of the places of Romeo and Juliet, the most famous lovers in history, or follow thematic itineraries dedicated to Roman Verona, medieval Verona, Dante’s Verona, and Verona’s wine.
Table of Contents
What to see in Verona
The number of things to see in Verona is truly vast. You can visit the city leisurely during a day trip, but only if you limit yourself to the most famous attractions and have no particular interest in museums. If you plan to visit museums and art galleries or want to include nearby attractions in your travel program, it’s better to consider staying overnight. We dedicate the next paragraph to the attractions related to the story of Romeo and Juliet, which are inevitably the most visited. Below, you will find the must-see attractions in the old town (the oldest part of Verona’s historic center), the attractions of Veronetta (a lively neighborhood on the left bank of the Adige), and a couple of other interesting things a short distance from the center.
Arena of Verona
The number one attraction in Verona is undoubtedly the Arena. If the Colosseum did not exist, it would be the most famous Roman amphitheater in Italy, but it can still boast of being one of the largest preserved Roman amphitheaters. Indeed, it is in better condition than the Colosseum, thanks to the many restorations over the centuries, and it has established itself as a more evocative event location of the modern age. Built in the 1st century AD, in antiquity, the Arena of Verona hosted classic gladiatorial shows and could accommodate 30,000 spectators. Today, it is the temple of Italian opera: a magnificent open-air stage for spectacular productions involving up to 150 musicians, 200 chorus artists, 100 dancers, and 200 extras, in addition to the lead singers, and it can accommodate 15,000 spectators. The first opera staged at the Arena was Verdi’s Aida, performed in 1913 on the centenary of the famous composer’s death. It was a tremendous success, and since then, seeing an opera at the Arena has been the dream of every classical music enthusiast. It is also the best introduction for people with little knowledge of the genre: the atmosphere created during the performances is unparalleled elsewhere and can engage even the least interested spectators. You can visit the Arena of Verona during the day if no event rehearsals are scheduled.
Piazza Bra
The Arena of Verona is rightly located in the splendid Piazza Bra, one of the three famous squares in Verona’s center. For many tourists, it represents the gateway to the city’s historic center, and it’s no coincidence that it is the starting point for numerous guided tours. Upon arriving in Piazza Bra, tourists’ eyes are immediately caught by the majesty of the Arena, but it is worth also taking a look at the other historic buildings and monuments in this splendid square, from different eras and styles. Among the most beautiful are: Palazzo Barbieri, in neoclassical style, which houses the city hall; the Palazzo della Gran Guardia, a monumental building ninety meters long with thirteen magnificent arches; the Listòn, an elegant paved sidewalk typical of Venetian cities that serves as a kind of city lounge.
Piazza delle Erbe
Another iconic square in Verona is the central Piazza delle Erbe, the oldest square in the city: it stands on the site of the former Roman forum and is still the nerve center of city life today. This square is also bounded by splendid medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the former Palazzo del Comune, the Casa dei Giudici, the Palazzo Maffei, the Casa dei Mercanti, and a group of frescoed houses known as the Mazzanti Houses. The center of the square is ideally marked by a Roman-era fountain that locals have nicknamed “Madonna Verona.” To reach Piazza delle Erbe from Piazza Bra, you walk along Via Mazzini: this narrow pedestrian street is the ultimate shopping street.
Torre dei Lamberti
The most famous monument in Piazza delle Erbe is the Torre dei Lamberti, a red brick tower that, at 84 meters high, dominates all the buildings in Verona’s center: it is undoubtedly the best panoramic point in the city. It was built in the 12th century by a wealthy Veronese family later banished from the city. At the end of the 13th century, two bells were added, and the clock was added five centuries later. In the 15th century, the tower was damaged by lightning, but it was rebuilt and raised with the addition of an elegant octagonal belfry made of brick and white marble. Currently, the tower is open to visitors during the day; it is only open in the evening for special events. Visiting the Torre dei Lamberti is highly recommended because from its top, you can enjoy a splendid view of the city. You can purchase a combined ticket for entrance to the tower and the Achille Forti Gallery of Modern Art.
Piazza dei Signori
Next to Piazza delle Erbe is Piazza dei Signori, the third stop on the Verona square tour. To get from one to the other, you pass through the Arco della Costa, so called because a whale rib hangs from the arch. It has been there for at least four hundred years, suggesting that Verona is full of dishonest people… but it’s just a legend. It is said that the rib will fall to the ground when a person honest and pure of heart passes under the arch. The square is also known as Piazza Dante due to the presence of a statue dedicated to the Supreme Poet. The buildings worth a look (and a photo!) are the Palazzo della Ragione, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Loggia del Consiglio, the Palazzo di Cansignorio, and the Church of Santa Maria Antica.
Arche Scaligere
Continuing the walking itinerary of Verona’s center that started from Piazza Bra, you reach the Arche Scaligere, the monumental medieval funerary complex just steps from Piazza dei Signori. This Gothic-style complex, enclosed within an elegant wrought iron fence, includes the tombs of the most important members of the Della Scala or Scaligeri, the lords of Verona. The three marble canopy tombs, richly decorated and topped by an equestrian statue of the deceased, stand out. These are the tombs of Cangrande I, the lord of Verona famous for hosting Dante Alighieri, Mastino II, and Cansignorio. The latter is easily recognizable because it is the most ornate, rich with elaborate decorations.
Castelvecchio
The symbol of medieval Verona is the Scaliger castle, better known as Castelvecchio. It is a typical fortress castle built for defensive purposes and characterized by an austere appearance, with crenellated walls and towers: among these, the Mastio stands out, 42 meters high. It was erected in the first half of the 14th century by Cangrande II della Scala on the remains of a previous Roman fortification and later expanded. Restored in the mid-20th century, Castelvecchio is now home to the Verona Civic Museum. Inside, you can admire more than 600 works of art from the medieval, Renaissance, and modern periods (up to the 18th century).
Ponte di Castelvecchio
Among the many bridges in Verona’s center, the most famous is the Ponte di Castelvecchio (also known as the Scaliger Bridge), a magnificent brick and marble bridge with three arches built in the 14th century. The bridge is an integral part of the castle; originally, it provided an escape route in case of enemy attacks. In 1945, it was blown up by the Germans, but reconstruction began the same year and was completed in 1951.
Verona Cathedral
Just outside the ancient city, at the tip of the loop formed by the Adige River, is the Verona Cathedral or Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare. The cathedral is part of an architectural complex that also includes the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte, the Church of Sant’Elena with archaeological excavations, and the cloister of the canons. The exterior combines Romanesque style with Gothic elements; the interior is more sumptuous, embellished with valuable works of art.
Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore
Another church in Verona that deserves a visit is the Basilica of San Zeno, reachable on foot from the center in about 20 minutes. The church is dedicated to the African saint who is believed to have converted the Venetian populations to Christianity; his name is linked to numerous local legends and miracle stories. It was built at the end of the first millennium on the remains of a previous early Christian church, already dedicated to San Zeno; it was completed at the end of the 14th century.
Museo degli Affreschi Giovanni Battista Cavalcaselle
An unjust fate for the Museo degli Affreschi of Verona: many tourists rush through it to reach its most famous room, the crypt containing Juliet’s tomb. But why not stop to admire the splendid works in the museum’s collection? These are magnificent frescoes from the medieval and Renaissance periods that originally decorated Veronese palaces and churches.
Casa Museo Palazzo Maffei
The Casa Museo Palazzo Maffei is located in the most important Baroque palace in the city, expertly restored and turned into an exhibition venue for an important collection spanning centuries. Opened in 2020, it presents over 600 works to the public in an unprecedented dialogue between the arts: from Greek-Roman archaeology to Veronese artistic history, from the international avant-garde of the 20th century to contemporary art. Particularly noteworthy are masterpieces ranging from Italian Futurism to Metaphysics and Surrealism, as well as abstract painting from the second half of the 20th century: Boccioni, Balla, Severini, Picasso, de Chirico, Morandi, and then Magritte, Max Ernst, Picasso, Duchamp, Kandinsky, Warhol, to Fontana, Burri, Manzoni, and Vedova, to name just a few of the main authors present in the collection.
Giardino Giusti
Anyone visiting Verona in a day inevitably misses it due to lack of time, but if you stay longer, make sure to include the romantic Giardino Giusti in your list of things to see in Verona. It is an Italian garden created in the 16th century by Agostino Giusti, a descendant of a wealthy family that moved to Veneto from Tuscany two centuries earlier. According to the taste of the time, the garden is characterized by elegant symmetries and is embellished with fountains, statues, and grottoes. The garden is located in Veronetta, a historic neighborhood on the left bank of the Adige where the main university campus is located; it is reachable from the historic center on foot, by local bus, or by tourist Hop On Hop Off buses.
Roman Theater
In addition to the Arena, Verona can also boast a splendid Roman theater, also used for open-air performances. Older than the Arena (dating back to the 1st century BC), it was built taking advantage of the natural slope of a hill along the banks of the Adige. If the Arena is the sacred place of opera, the Roman theater is a must-see for Shakespeare enthusiasts: an important festival is held here every year, staging the most famous works of the English playwright. It is also used for modern theater, dance, and music performances. The theater is included in the visit route of the Verona Archaeological Museum: with a single ticket, you can see the actual theater, a model reproducing it as it was in Roman times, and a collection of Roman artifacts found in Verona. It is located in the Veronetta district, about 2 km from Piazza Bra; it is reachable on foot with a nice river walk.
The places of Juliet and Romeo
Where did Juliet live? How far was her lover’s house? From which gate did Romeo leave the city of Verona? Relive the most famous love story of all time by visiting the places of Juliet and Romeo in Verona. They are all within walking distance of each other and can easily be seen in a day. Juliet’s house is always very crowded, while the other attractions on this themed itinerary are less visited.
Juliet’s House
The building famous worldwide as Juliet’s House is a medieval tower house that was probably the residence of the Dal Cappello family, the historical Guelph family that inspired the Capulets of Shakespeare’s tragedy. Although there is no historical evidence of a Juliet Capulet living in this house and the house’s renovation was not very faithful to historical accuracy, the building is an international attraction, risen to a symbol of eternal love and a pilgrimage site for all the most romantic lovers (whether reciprocated or not). In 1907, the city of Verona purchased part of the palace, which over time has been turned into a museum to display medieval paintings and frescoes, a collection of prints and engravings depicting the famous love story, and common objects from the medieval and Renaissance periods. You can also see the marriage bed used in Franco Zeffirelli’s film “Romeo and Juliet” and some stage costumes. The top attraction of Juliet’s house-museum, however, is the famous balcony from which, according to legend, the unfortunate protagonist of the most famous love story of all time leaned out. You can feel like Juliet for a day by climbing the stairs and looking out from the balcony, but be prepared to wait in a long line because many others want to experience this unique moment! If you are not interested in visiting the museum or looking out from the balcony, you can enter the courtyard of the house for free and photograph the balcony from below. Once, the access walls to the courtyard were covered in graffiti with the names of lovers who had visited the house; today, writing on the walls is prohibited.
Juliet’s Statue
In the courtyard of Juliet’s House is a very famous bronze statue of the girl. It is actually a copy of the famous statue made by the Veronese artist Nereo Costantini commissioned by the city of Verona in 1968. The idea of placing a statue is suggested by Shakespeare himself, who, in the fifth act of the tragedy, has Juliet’s father say these words: “I will raise a statue all of gold for Juliet; and while Verona lives, no figure shall be so honored as that of the true and faithful Juliet.” These words could be said to be prophetic. For years, tourists flocked to see the famous statue, which soon became associated with a good luck ritual: it was said that touching Juliet’s breast brought luck in love. So many fondling touches had a negative effect on the statue’s condition, so in 2014 it was replaced with a copy. The original statue was moved to the inner atrium of the house-museum, where tourists can still admire it without touching it. From the color of the two breasts, you can easily recognize the one habitually touched by tourists; the definitive proof is the small hole left at the height of the lucky breast.
Romeo’s House
Romeo also had his house in Verona, but it is much less famous than his beloved’s. It is located a short distance from Juliet’s House, on the same street as the Arche Scaligere, and is a historic building that was the home of the Monticoli family, the Ghibelline family that became the Montagues in Shakespeare’s tragedy. Romeo’s House is a typical large medieval house; the side facing the street is shielded by a high crenellated wall, which leaves little to imagine about what lies inside. The building is now largely privately owned and therefore not visitable; however, one wing of the palace houses a typical osteria serving traditional Venetian cuisine. You can enjoy a good dinner imagining young Romeo fortuitously leaving the palace to meet his beloved Juliet.
Portoni della Brà
The entrance to Piazza Bra is through the south side via a majestic archway built in the 14th century and known as the Portoni della Brà. Originally, the gate was intended to connect Castelvecchio with a fortified citadel, of which only some wall remains near Piazza Cittadella. On the gate, you can read a famous quote from “Romeo and Juliet.” These are the words spoken by Romeo as he leaves for exile to Mantua: “There is no world outside the walls of Verona: only purgatory, torture, and hell itself; hence banished is banished from the world, and world’s exile is death.” This is, therefore, the place where Romeo bid farewell to his hometown before his exile.
Juliet’s Tomb
An ideal tour of Verona’s Romeo and Juliet-themed attractions can only end at the symbolic site of the story’s tragic epilogue, Juliet’s Tomb. Do not expect anything triumphant or sumptuous: the tomb of Shakespeare’s heroine is a humble red marble sarcophagus placed in the center of a small underground crypt in a deconsecrated monastery. Many legends and superstitious rituals are linked to this sarcophagus, which over the centuries caused the removal of small marble fragments by history enthusiasts and curious visitors. It is said that some of these fragments became a pair of earrings and a necklace worn by the French Empress Maria Luisa of Habsburg Lorraine. The monastery where the sarcophagus is kept is the Convent of San Francesco al Corso, located about 1 km from the center in an area that, at the time of Romeo and Juliet’s events, was outside the city walls. This explains why Romeo could reach it despite being banished from Verona. You can see Juliet’s Tomb only by purchasing an entrance ticket to the Museo degli Affreschi Giovanni Battista Cavalcaselle.
Where to stay in Verona
Staying in the center of Verona is the best choice for those seeking romance and those traveling by public transport. Hotels and B&Bs in Verona’s center are housed in elegant historic buildings; the most beautiful rooms have balconies with panoramic views of the city. If you dream of a completely relaxing stay or want to celebrate a special occasion, choose a luxury hotel with a spa. In the fair area and near the highway exits, there is a wide choice of business hotels, almost always from major international chains. They are much less charming but do not dismiss them outright: they are very convenient to reach if traveling by car, guarantee high-quality standards, and often offer very attractive discounted rates on dates when no trade fairs are scheduled.
How to reach Verona
Reaching Verona by car is very easy: the city is located along the A4, the highway that crosses the entire Po Valley, connecting Turin (to the west) to Trieste (to the east); those coming from the north or south can join the A4 from the A22 Brennero-Modena. The recommended exit for those wishing to visit the city is Verona Sud. Be careful once you arrive: the historic center is a limited traffic zone, and free parking is practically non-existent. It is advisable to leave the car outside the center. For those wanting to reach Verona by public transport, the train is an excellent solution. The city is located along the Venice-Milan railway line: it is one of the most important in Italy and is served by frequent trains (regional, intercity, and high-speed). Verona Porta Nuova train station is about 2 km from the historic center, reachable on foot or by bus. Arriving in Verona by bus is also easy, both from neighboring cities and the most important locations in Veneto. Long-distance buses also connect Verona with numerous national and international destinations. Verona has an airport, located just 13 km from the historic center and served by low-cost flights; a shuttle bus connects the airport to the center. Another easily reachable airport is in Brescia, about 50 km away.
What to see in the province of Verona
In the province of Verona are all the localities of Lake Garda situated along the Venetian shore. The most famous of these are Peschiera del Garda, a magnificent walled city with a star shape, the very romantic Bardolino, and Lazise, a place suitable for various types of holidays. The last Venetian city on Lake Garda before entering Trentino-Alto Adige is Malcesine, perfect for those who love trekking and mountain biking. A cable car departs from the center to the top of Monte Baldo: from here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the entire lake and start exciting adventures on foot or by bike. The province of Verona is one of the largest wine producers in Italy, making it an ideal destination for wine and food tourism. An enchanting medieval village not to be missed on your wine tour of the province of Verona is Soave, famous for its picturesque castle and renowned wine.
