This historic city, established in the first century, has a rich past, culture, and architecture that has shaped beautifully over 2000 years. This UNESCO protected city, one of the most charming places to see in Italy, and its architecture was destroyed and revived during World War II, but it still stands proud in all its splendour. Verona lies encircled by River Adige at the foothills of the Lessini Mountains.
Verona’s striking beauty lies in the magnificence of its architecture laid out on its cobbled streets, views of the blue-green waters of the Adige River, and winding streets and their buildings with flower-laden windows. A storybook-like atmosphere awaits people in this city that inspired Shakespeare to write about the love story of Romeo & Juliet. While looking at the historical bridges and houses, one is immediately transported to the idyllic Romanesque times.
One of the most famous attractions here is the first-century Arena di Verona. This spectacular pink and white stone structure, next only to the Colosseum, used to have numerous tunnels and was the site of gladiator games and concerts. Another great attraction is the Casa di Giulietta or Juliet’s House, the most famous Shakespeare character, the famous (but supposed) balcony, and Juliet’s statue. The magnificent marble structure of the 11th-century Torre dei Lamberti, its huge arches, clockface, and domes are a must-see.
One of the best things to do here is to spend serene time at the Verona Cathedral and soak in the grandeur of its beautiful stained glass windows, ornate walls, marble columns, and Renaissance-era frescos. Don’t miss to try the delicious risottos, rich stews, and Pastissada de Caval, a delicacy that dates back to the 5th-century. Another great activity is to take a boating trip across the beautiful Lake Garda and see the charming medieval-era towns like Sermione and Bardolino.
Winter months in Verona are extremely cold with the temperature plummeting to 6°C. Summer months of March-May are fairly hot with temperatures rising to 30°C. The place receives heavy rainfall in the autumn months of September-November.
People Also Ask About Verona
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What are the best things to do in Verona?
1. Shop at Piazza Delle Erbe: Soak in the Roman vibe in this busy market, where you can enjoy snacks and a coffee from the nearby restaurant in Piazza Delle Erbe. Be a part of the bustle of the market and the vendors selling fruits and artefacts, which you can take home as a souvenir from Verona.
2. Climb Torre dei Lamberti: Enjoy the panoramic view of Verona and nearby mountains from the top of Torre dei Lamberti Tower. You will see two bells, Rengo and Marangona, used in ancient times to alert people. Reach halfway through the tower via a lift, and then take a walk to get to the top and see the even more impressive view at night.
3. Visit Ponte Pietra: Headout to Ponte Pietra Bridge, where you will see a marvellous view of the Adige River, Castel San Pietro, the Roman Theater and the hills to the north. Here you will be able to witness the five-arch bridge, which was rebuilt by the Romans after several destructions in history.
4. Stroll around Giardino Giusti: Giardino Giusti Gardens in Verona, a hidden little gem, are a perfect blend of nature, art and history altogether. Walk along the historical elite aesthetics created in Renaissance layout by low hedges, cypress trees, fountains and grottoes at this wool-dyeing factory turned into beautiful gardens. -
What's Verona famous for?
Verona is known for its rich Roman antiquities, like the Roman Amphitheater, Verona Arena, and Piazza Bra. The city is also famous for Shakspeare's Romeo and Juliet, which is believed to have happened here and contributes greatly to Verona tourism. -
Is Verona worth visiting?
Yes, Verona is worth a visit as this UNESCO site boasts of several cultural heritage sites and lovely scenic spots. Beside witnessing renaissance architecture, Roman settlement and William Shakespeare, tourists can spot other world famous attractions such as the Arena di Verona, Romeo and Juliet's houses, Verona Cathedral, Juliet's Tomb and frescoes museum. -
How much time do you need in Verona?
Two to three days in Verona are enough to explore all the monuments and famous places around the city. You can visit all prominent landmarks like the Arena, Giardino Giusti, the mediaeval marvel Castelvecchio, Churches like San Zeno Basilica, Sant'Anastasia Church and the touristy Juliet's house. -
What's the best time to go to Verona?
May, June, September, and October is the best time to go to Verona as the weather is excellent, and the crowd of tourists is less due to the fact that it is the shoulder season. -
Is Verona a romantic city?
William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet was written in the backdrop of Verona city hence acting as a magnet for Verona tourism. And you will also find some spots like Juliet's house with her bronze statue and Juliet's tomb. These places set up the vibe of a romantic city, which is why it is often referred to as ‘the city of love’ -
How to reach Verona?
1. By Air: Visitors can reach Verona via flight landing at the two airports, Valerio Catullo and Verona Brescia airport.2. By Road: Verona is about 160 km from Milan and 114 km from Venice. To reach the city, you can take the A4 motorway or A22 Brennero-Modena motorway between the cities.3. By Train: Verona is located at the intersection of the Milan - Venice (east-west) and Bologna - Brenner (north-south) rail lines, with frequent trains departing every hour -
How is the weather in Verona?
Verona experiences cold, damp and snowy winters from October to February and hot, sweaty summers from May to July. While July is the hottest, January remains the coldest month of the year. -
What should you pack on your trip to Verona?
- Warm sock- Comfortable shoes- Power banks and chargers- Jackets and coats- A raincoat- Travel first aid kit- Extra socks- Camera -
What are the top attractions to visit in Verona?
1. Arena di Verona: A Roman-style amphitheatre in Piazza Bra is famous for its elliptical shape that produces perfect acoustic from any point and can accommodate a large audience. You can enjoy live large-scale opera performances held majorly in February and September when Verona tourism is at its peak.
2. Casa di Giulietta: Juliet's house, or Casa di Giuletta, is a notable landmark in Piazza Delle Erbe. With a perfect blend of legend and reality, this romantic pilgrimage features the famous Juliet's balcony from the play and a bronze statue of her in the courtyard made by Italian sculptor Nereo Costantini.
3. Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore: It is one of Italy's most important Romanesque churches with bronze doors and a beautiful Cloister. There is a separate bell tower which you can admire for its intricate design. You can spend an hour at this place away from the crowd of central Verona.
4. Arche Scaligere (Scaligeri Tombs): Famous for its elaborate decorations, Arche Scaligere is a Gothic monument outside Santa Maria Antica church. You will see the Arche or the tomb with religious motifs. At the same time, a statue of Mastino II lies on the lid, watched over by two angels.
Verona Top Attractions
Places To Visit In Verona
Renowned as the Bridge of Victory, this 1920s bridge is an iconic historical landmark made up of white stone over the river Adige. The bridge was constructed as a memorial to honor the dead of the Veronese war and commemorate the triumph over the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I.The bridge features 3 arches and marble-like stones covering the internal concrete structure, giving it strength and appeal. Four equestrian statues on the pillars on both sides of the bridge's two entrances represent victory. There is an inscription depicting the words of the King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III, dedicated to the Italian soldiers on the base of the bridge.The bridge is also a popular Verona viewing point with views of the magnificent Castelvecchio castle on one side, Torricelli hills, San Giorgio in Braida cathedral, and the hilltop shrine Santuario Della Madonna di Lourdes on another. Sunsets from this historically significant architectural marvel are undoubtedly breathtaking.
Piazza Bra, popularly known as Bra, is amongst the best places to visit in Verona to enjoy the city's rich history, culture, and cuisine. The Verona Arena, an amphitheatre, is the square's major draw for being one of the world's largest and dates back nearly 2000 years. It is now a renowned opera and contemporary music venue with frequent performances that draw tens of thousands of fans. The Gran Guardia, the Palazzo Barbieri, and the town hall in Verona are a few notable historical structures in the area that exhibit the beauty and grandeur of bygone eras. The horse-riding statue of the Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II dominates the square's centre and the Fontana Delle Alpi adds a magical touch to the area. The Piazza is dotted with top-notch restaurants and outdoor cafes where you can grab a bite while taking in the sights and enjoying the ambience.
The Ponte Pietra was built around 100 BC as a wooden bridge to cross the Adige River, which was replaced by a stone bridge by the Romans. This bridge had been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt and was lastly blown up by Germans in 1945. It was brought back to its ancient glory in 1959 using the original materials that fell into the river after the bombing. The bridge features five arches of different sizes; the two closest to the left bank of the Adige River are from the Roman-era stone bridge, the one closest to the right bank is from 1298, and the remaining two date back to 1520. Its extensive history and use of original elements from all eras, from prehistoric to modern, have made it an illustrative example of the city's rich heritage. Ponte Pietra's historical significance and picturesque views of the city entice visitors interested in history and architecture.
Tomba di Giulietta, Juliet’s Tomb, is one of the best places to visit in Verona that fans of the tragic love story should visit during their trip. It is a red marble sarcophagus situated in the former convent of San Francesco al Corso, which is now the G.B. Cavalcaselle Museum of Frescoes. Juliet's sarcophagus was restored and moved to the complex's underground crypt in 1868 by the City of Verona, where it is still kept. Many local and foreign couples travel to Juliet's Tomb today to wed as the complex also serves as the civil wedding venue. Visitors to the underground tomb who have failed in love leave letters addressed to Juliet in the empty sarcophagus to express their pain or seek solace. A large group of secretaries collect these messages and give a response because Juliet's story may be a legend, but the pains endured by men or women in love are real and touching. Taking a trip to this unique site is certainly a unique experience for everyone in love.
The Arena, a monument from the 1st century, is a grandiose structure that serves as the symbol of Verona and opera. It is one of the world's largest Roman amphitheaters, with a seating capacity of up to 30,000 people. One of the city's oldest and best-preserved historical landmarks, it once hosted gruesome events like gladiator fights, and hunting contests, as well as entertaining shows, such as equestrian circuses, competitions, and many others. Now it hosts a variety of internationally famous large-scale opera performances and concerts with stunning lights and special effects that create a unique atmosphere. The arena offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore all its sections and learn about its history and architecture. This grand jewel is a must-see for those visiting Verona to experience a complete package of art, history, and culture. Its grandeur and allure leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who visit.
With a history that dates back to the first century BC, the Piazza delle Erbe is one of Verona's most important historic squares. It was Verona's political, economic, and social hub during the Roman era, and is always lively with both locals and visitors. Surrounded by historical buildings and monuments like the Palazzo del Comune, the Torre dei Lamberti, the Palazzo Maffei, and the historic Torre del Gardella, the square is also an attraction for architecture and history buffs. The fountain with the Madonna Verona statue is Piazza Erbe's oldest structure. Whereas the Tribuna, a monument that has historically been used for a variety of ceremonies, and the San Marco Lion, a white marble column that represents the Republic of Venice, catch your eyes instantly. The market is held daily in the central area, where you can shop for fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs. There are a plethora of bars, cafes, and taverns making it an ideal location for spending some time with friends and family.
Castel San Pietro perched atop a verdant hill Colle San Pietro is a walled city known for its ruins of the first settlements, which date to the seventh century B.C. From this magnificent vantage point, you can take in the expansive view of the entire city as well as the pristine Adige River, which is especially beautiful at dusk and dawn. Castel San Pietro still has the ruins of an ancient castle San Pietro, which was built in the 14th century by Gian Galeazzo Visconti and later demolished by Napoleon's troops. A 19th-century Austrian neo-Romanesque Fortress was built in the same location, which attracts everyone with its stunning architecture and extensive history. It is now one of the most popular places to visit in Verona for offering the panoramic scenery of the city embraced by the Adige. It is accessible by car, funicular, or stairs, offering a tranquil journey.
Piazza dei Signori, a grand square surrounded by magnificent buildings and located in the historic Città Antica, is stunning from every angle. From the Arco Della Costa gateway, the Romanesque-style Palazzo Della Ragione, to the Case Della Pietà and Palazzo del Capitano, each landmark at the plaza has its own appeal. This picturesque square is also referred to as "Piazza Dante" because of the huge statue of Dante Alighieri in the center. Another draw of the square is the 276-foot-tall Lamberti Tower, which offers a bird's-eye view of the square and Verona's historic old town.The square is surrounded by charming cafés and eateries, making it a wonderful place to hang out with friends and family. You might come across some street musicians performing in the square, making for a pleasant evening. The square is steeped in history, has a bustling ambiance, and is one of the must-visit Verona attractions.
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