Verona
- Veneto -
Its historic center, built in a bend of the Adige river,
is from the Middle Ages.
Verona is a city in the Veneto region of northern Italy.
"Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes. A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life."
— Romeo & Juliet — William Shakespeare
Verona’s global fame is inseparably linked to the tragic love affair of Romeo and Juliet. The Shakespearean drama has certainly shaped the fortune of the city, inspiring a thriving “romantic tourism” economy that finds its most poetic moment under Juliet’s legendary balcony.
Many travelers now choose curated Verona Tours to relive the story while exploring the city’s layered history and charm.
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The House of Romeo & Juliet
The Veronese identified the Capulet house, where legend meets tangible reality through enduring landmarks. A splendid brick-clad façade with a Gothic-style portal leads visitors inside. In the courtyard stands the bronze statue of Juliet and the famous balcony that witnessed the love of the two young lovers. Juliet’s house remains a highlight of countless Verona Tours, especially for those seeking the origins of the world’s most celebrated romance.
Less accessible but equally storied is Casa di Romeo, a private residence near the Scaliger Tombs. On its Gothic façade, an inscription recalls: “Oh! Where is Romeo? ... I lost myself...” (Act 1, Scene 1).
Juliet’s tomb lies within a 13th-century Capuchin convent in Via del Pontiere.
The Arena of Verona
The Roman Amphitheater, universally known as the “Arena,” is one of the city’s strongest symbols alongside Romeo and Juliet, and often the first monument visitors prioritize upon arrival. Likely built in the 1st century, it once hosted gladiatorial spectacles. It ranked as the fourth-largest amphitheater after the Colosseum (Rome), Capua, and Milan.
With its monumental elliptical structure of brick and local Veronese stone, the exterior produces a shimmering chromatic effect. Inside, the concentric sweep of the seating steps evokes a powerful sense of grandeur. The name derives from “rena”—the sand that covered the central floor where performances unfolded. Historically, it held up to 30,000 spectators. Today it continues its ancient cultural role as a premier stage for opera and music, forming a signature experience on many classic Verona Tours. Verona is the theater where the tragic love affair of Romeo and Juliet was consummated, made immortal by the pen of William Shakespeare.
Church of San Zeno Maggiore in Verona
According to tradition, during the 589 Adige flood, waters halted at the church threshold, built on Bishop Zeno’s burial site. Zeno, of African origin, served as Verona’s eighth bishop (362–380) and guided the city’s Christian conversion.
This basilica exemplifies Romanesque architecture at its finest, largely reflecting its 12th-century reconstruction. The interior preserves the Saint’s body and features significant artworks spanning the 12th–16th centuries. The Altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna stands out as a milestone in Renaissance religious art, pioneering the “Sacra Conversazione” format, with the Madonna and Child centered among saints including Peter, Paul, John the Evangelist, Zeno, Benedict, Lawrence, Gregory the Great, and John the Baptist.
The Church of San Zeno Maggiore is one of the greatest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy and the current appearance seems to date back to the 12th century. In addition to preserving the body of the Saint, the Church is rich in sculptures and paintings from the 12th to the 16th century, among which a particular attention goes to the Altarpiece of San Zeno by Andrea Mantegna, first example of "sacred conversation" with the Madonna in the center with the Child. From the left, we can recognize St. Peter with the keys, St. Paul with the sword, St. John the Evangelist with the pink dress, St. Zeno in episcopal clothes, St. Benedict with the monastic habit, St. Lawrence with the grate, St. Gregory the Great dressed as Pope and St. John the Baptist with the typical hermit's robe in the desert.
Piazza delle Erbe in Verona
A colorful fruit and vegetable market with its array of umbrellas, surrounded by buildings and historical monuments is the main feature of Piazza delle Erbe: the oldest square in Verona, where the medieval buildings, little by little, took the place of those Romans. It is the place where you can best seize the most popular and lively side of the city, without giving up the cultural aspect of your holiday. During the market, on Saturdays and Sundays, it is the living room of the city, where the Veronese meet to do the shopping or for the evening aperitif ritual. The Palazzo del Comune, the Torre dei Lamberti, the Casa dei Giudici and the Mazzanti houses overlook the square. On the smaller side there is the Baroque Palazzo Maffei embellished with several statues of Greek gods: Jupiter, Hercules, Minerva, Venus, Mercury and Apollo. Beautiful Casa dei Mercanti (or Domus Mercatorum), where today Banca Popolare di Verona is based. In the square there is the fountain called "Madonna Verona" which contends the attention with the Capitello, also called Tribuna and erroneously Berlina. It already existed in the 13th century, when the podestàs sat under it for the inauguration ceremony and or the magistrates before their settlement. Verona is the theater where the tragic love affair of Romeo and Juliet was consummated, made immortal by the pen of William Shakespeare.
Piazza delle Erbe
Vibrant market umbrellas and historic façades define Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s oldest square, where medieval buildings gradually replaced Roman ones. It offers the most authentic glimpse into the city’s lively spirit, while preserving cultural depth. Overlooking the piazza: Palazzo del Comune, Torre dei Lamberti, Casa dei Giudici, and the Mazzanti houses. The ornate Baroque Palazzo Maffei displays statues of classical deities including Jupiter, Hercules, Minerva, Venus, Mercury, and Apollo. The 13th-century Capitello (Tribuna) once served for civic ceremonies, while the “Madonna Verona” fountain anchors the square’s identity.
The Bridges of Verona
The Adige divides the city, making bridges historically vital. Verona’s seven modern bridges were rebuilt after WWII destruction. The ancient Ponte di Pietra (Roman era) still links the Roman Theater with the historic center. Debris from wartime explosions was salvaged from the riverbed to faithfully restore it. Opposite Castelvecchio stands the Scaliger Bridge, built in the late 14th century with three asymmetrical arches. Destroyed and rebuilt in 1951, it also incorporates recovered original materials. In the center of the square, the large statue of Dante immediately strikes, which in Verona found refuge immediately after the exile from Florence. You enter the piazza from the Arco della Costa and immediately you find the façade of the Domus Nova on the left. Continuing in a clockwise direction is the Loggia del Consiglio and the Palazzo degli Scaligeri, Lords of Verona from 1260 to 1387. The Palazzo del Capitanio follows with the corner tower overlooking the square, connected by an arch to the Palazzo della Ragione. The arch leads to the courtyard of the Old Market with the splendid Scala della Ragione. From the Torre dei Lamberti. you can admire a splendid panorama of the square and the roofs of Verona. Almost in a separate square, there is the Church of Santa Maria Antica in whose courtyard the Scaliger Tombs rise. The evocative funerary complex is an extraordinary example of Gothic architecture in Italy. The Arks were built to house the remains of some representatives of the Della Scala family. Those of Cangrande I, Mastino II and Cansignorio stand out for their monumentality and decorations.
Piazza dei Signori & Scaliger Tombs
Verona’s civic authority long centered on Piazza dei Signori, framed by arcaded palaces. Dante’s statue dominates the square—he found sanctuary here after his exile from Florence. Landmarks include Domus Nova, Loggia del Consiglio, Palazzo degli Scaligeri (1260–1387), Palazzo del Capitanio, and Palazzo della Ragione. The adjacent Church of Santa Maria Antica shelters the monumental Gothic Scaliger Tombs, honoring the Della Scala dynasty, with the most decorated arks belonging to Cangrande I, Mastino II, and Cansignorio.
FAQS
How many days should I spend in Verona?
The average tourist spends between 1 and 2 days in Verona, and that is all they need to cover the main attractions and experience the romantic ambience of the city, as well as taste Italian cuisine.
Why is Verona, Italy, so famous?
Verona is known to be associated with Romeo and Juliet, beautiful ancient buildings, and the antique arena where opera performances continue to be done.
Is Verona, Italy, worth visiting?
Yes, Verona is a place worth visiting due to its romantic mood, historical sites, and adorable streets, full of culture and local cuisine.
What is the most suitable month to visit Verona?
Verona is best visited during the period in between April and June and in between September and October when the weather is pleasant and the number of people visiting is lower.
What is the famous food in Verona?
Verona is famous for such foods as risotto, fresh pasta, polenta, and local wines such as Amarone.
Which attractions do you have to see in Verona?
The main attractions are the house and balcony of Juliet, the arena of Verona, the Piazza delle Erbe, and the old bridges across the Adige River.
Is Verona a good destination for couples?
Yes, Verona is considered one of Italy’s most romantic cities because of its connection to the famous love story of Romeo and Juliet and its charming historic streets.
