Visit Verona

WHY VISIT VERONA?

Visiting Verona means allowing yourself to be enchanted by a romantic and lively city, suspended between history and legend. World-famous as the home of Romeo and Juliet, Verona offers its visitors a magical atmosphere made of cobblestone alleys, elegant squares, and picturesque views. The Arena, an impressive symbol of the city, hosts unforgettable shows and concerts under the stars, while Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori invite you to relax among markets, cafés, and historic architecture. Strolling along Ponte Pietra or along the banks of the Adige River provides suggestive and romantic panoramas, perfect for sharing. Verona is not only about art and history: its cuisine, renowned wines, and the warm hospitality of its people make it an irresistible destination in every season. A trip to Verona promises emotions, beauty, and the authentic Italian spirit.

OF BRIEF HISTORY OF VERONA

Verona, located on the banks of the Adige River, boasts a millennia-old history rooted in pre-Roman times. Already inhabited by the Veneti, it became a Roman colony in 89 BC and later a municipality in 49 BC, gaining a strategic role thanks to its position among the main routes of communication in Northern Italy. The Roman era left Verona with extraordinary monuments that are still city symbols today, such as the Arena, the Roman Theatre, the Arch of Gavi, and the Ponte Pietra. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Verona went through turbulent periods under the rule of the Ostrogoths, Byzantines, and Lombards. From the 10th to the 13th century, the city became a flourishing free commune, growing in wealth and power. A crucial moment was the rise of the Scaligeri (or della Scala) family, who governed Verona from 1262 to 1387, making it one of the most important centers in Northern Italy. During their rule, Verona experienced a period of great artistic and cultural splendor, enriching itself with palaces, churches, and bridges such as Castelvecchio and the Basilica of San Zeno.

In 1405, Verona became part of the Republic of Venice, living through two centuries of relative stability and prosperity. In 1797, with the fall of Venice, the city passed to the Austrians, sharing the fate of Northern Italy until the Unification of Italy in 1866. In recent centuries, Verona has continued to evolve as an important economic, cultural, and tourist center. Today, it is known worldwide not only for its historical monuments but also for the legend of Romeo and Juliet, made immortal by Shakespeare. Verona’s centuries of history can still be seen today in its alleys, squares, and magnificent monuments, which bear witness to the succession of different eras. Strolling through Verona means taking a journey through time and being wrapped in a unique, timeless atmosphere.

WHAT IS VERONA TODAY?

Today, Verona is one of the most beloved and visited Italian cities, able to combine historical charm, cultural vibrancy, and a welcoming atmosphere. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona’s historic center offers an extraordinary mosaic of different eras and styles: you can walk among Roman ruins such as the Arena and the Roman Theatre, medieval squares, and sumptuous Renaissance palaces, finding traces of centuries of history around every corner. However, Verona is also a modern and dynamic city, rich in international events, festivals, exhibitions, and performances, especially in the magnificent setting of the Arena, which every summer transforms into one of the world’s great temples of opera. The university and institutes of education have enlivened city life for years, together with a full calendar of cultural and sporting events. To all this are added the flavors of the Veneto food and wine tradition, making Verona an unmissable stop for those who love good cuisine and quality wine. With its vibrant neighborhoods, elegant shops, typical trattorias, and the warmth of the Veronese people, this city is today a perfect blend of past and present, able to surprise and charm every visitor, in any season of the year.

CURIOSITIES ABOUT VERONA

Did you know that the Arena of Verona is the third largest Roman amphitheater in Italy and is still used today for opera performances and concerts, hosting over 15,000 spectators?

Did you know that the famous "Juliet’s House," with its well-known balcony, is actually a medieval residence that once belonged to the Cappello family, and every year thousands of lovers leave messages on its walls?

Did you know that beneath Piazza delle Erbe you can still find the remains of the ancient Roman forum, and that the square, once the center of Roman public life, is now one of the liveliest and most picturesque corners of the city?

WHAT TO SEE IN VERONA

Verona is a city rich with monuments, fascinating squares, and charming corners that tell more than two thousand years of history. The undisputed symbol is the Arena of Verona, an extraordinary Roman amphitheater that still hosts spectacular opera performances, concerts, and major events today. A visit inside allows you to admire the imposing, perfectly preserved structure and to imagine the magnificent spectacles of ancient times. Not far from here is Piazza Bra, the city’s great living room, where locals and tourists meet for a walk or a break in one of the many cafés. Walking through the streets of the historic center, you reach Piazza delle Erbe, the ancient site of the Roman forum, now brightened by markets, frescoed palaces, and the imposing Lamberti Tower, which offers a splendid view of the city. From here, you can also access Piazza dei Signori, an elegant and intimate square surrounded by historic buildings like the Palazzo della Ragione and dominated by the statue of Dante Alighieri.

A romantic itinerary in Verona must include Juliet’s House, with its famous balcony symbolizing love, and Romeo’s House—slightly more secluded and quiet but just as captivating. You also shouldn’t miss a walk on the Ponte Pietra, the ancient Roman bridge destroyed and rebuilt several times, which offers the perfect panorama to admire the city’s red rooftops and the outline of the surrounding hills. Art and history enthusiasts cannot miss Castelvecchio, an imposing medieval castle now home to an important museum with masterpieces of painting and sculpture. From here, the striking Scaliger Bridge connects the castle to the opposite bank of the Adige river.

Also worth visiting is the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, considered one of the masterpieces of Romanesque architecture in Italy, with its richly decorated portal and beautiful interior frescoes. Verona also offers romantic gardens like the Giusti Garden and lively neighborhoods such as San Zeno and Veronetta, ideal for discovering the most authentic side of the city among local shops, artisan workshops, and atmospheres from another era. Every corner of Verona invites you to discover timeless stories and beauties.

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