Verona

Made famous by Shakespeare with a history dating back to Roman times, Verona is a city overflowing with things to see, do and eat.

Things to see and do

While the provenance of many of the sites dedicated to Romeo and Juliet throughout the city can be questioned, using the play as an excuse to explore the sights of Verona is something that every visitor should do. Juliet’s balcony at the home of the real life Capuleti family, the house of Romeo and the tomb of Juliet are all celebrated tourist spots dotted throughout the city. Shakespeare set many of his plays in the city, and wandering around the ancient streets, it is easy to see why he was captivated by the city even 400 years on.

Outside Rome, Verona can boast the finest examples of Roman ruins in Italy, from the imposing Arena that is the very heart of the city and built 50 years before Rome’s Colosseum to the ancient Porta Borsari that served as the main gate. To learn more, the Archaeological Museum is overflowing with Roman artefacts. Verona has a number of stunning churches with the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore the jewel in the crown with its stunning 12th century bronze panels depicting biblical scenes and its altarpiece designed by Mantegna. The squares dotted around the city from the Piazza Bra by the Arena to the Piazza delle Erbe which was once the site of the Roman Forum, are a great way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city, with many hosting markets and dotted with cafés.

Read more in the November issue…