If Rome is called the heart of Italian history, Venice is the city of canals and bridges, then the famous Verona can be called the city of love and romance. This, of course, is the merit of Shakespeare, who made this city the home of Romeo and Juliet, but nevertheless romantics come here not only to see with their own eyes the place where the world-famous love story developed, but also to look at the city itself characterized by breathtaking landscapes and architecture, as well as a unique atmosphere.
City `s history
Verona, conveniently located on the banks of the Adige River, has always been a tidbit. The Romans constantly tried to occupy it, and they succeeded in 89 BC. And to this day in Verona there are places where traces of residence in the city of a powerful nation are especially clearly visible.
Some time later, in Verona and its environs, as in many cities of present-day Europe, wars broke out over the territory. At first, the Romano clan dominated here, then the power passed into the hands of the della Scala family, whose representatives made a huge contribution to the development of the city. Since 1387, Verona was influenced by Visconti (Visconti), later - Carrara (Carrara).
Then Verona joined the small empire of Venice, but even here there were pitfalls and minor problems. Power passed from the hands of one ruler to another, both Napoleon and representatives of Austria were noted here, until the city became one of the centers of the Kingdom of Italy in the mid-1800s.
ADVISE TO VISIT
Piazza delle Erbe
If during the day Piazza delle Erbe resembles something of the market square (souvenir sellers persistently offer their products to the city guests), in the evening it is filled with locals and tourists who enjoy Campari Campari liquor and other aperitifs in bars and cafes nearby .
Even if Piazza delle Erbe just appeared on the map of your route, no matter how you are in a hurry, stop for a moment and take a look around. You will be pleasantly amazed that you were surrounded by Renaissance palaces and modern cozy cafes, from where you can hear the delicious aromas of freshly baked pizza.
Arena di Verona
This huge amphitheater, built in the first century AD, is a kind of response to the Roman Colosseum (which, by the way, is almost 50 years younger than Veronsky!). Surprisingly, the Arena di Verona remained virtually untouched by the inexorable running of time. Every summer, one of the most famous opera festivals in the world takes place here.
- Address: Piazza Brà, 1.
Lamberti Tower
The Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti) offers stunning views of Verona. You can climb to its very top yourself (but know that you have to overcome more than a dozen steps), or significantly simplify your life and take the elevator. The medieval tower began to be built in the 12th century, but later it was completed several times until the building reached 84 meters in height. There is the Lamberti Tower, so named after the Verona family that sponsored its construction, very close to the Piazza della Erbe, not far from the Palazzo della Raggione.
- Address: Via della Costa, 1;
- Opening hours: weekdays from 10:00 to 18:00, weekends from 11:00 to 19:00;
- Admission Ticket Price: 8 euros (the price includes a visit to the Palazzo della Rajone). On Monday, a ticket costs 5 euros.
- Discounts: are provided for students from 14 to 30 years old and persons over 60.
- Official site of the tower: torredeilamberti.it
Palazzo della Rajone
The Palazzo della Ragione (Palazzo della Ragione, which translates as “Palace of the Mind”) is a wonderful example of Romanesque civil architecture. This magnificent building, whose hallmark is its roof, which has an unusual shape of a ship, appeared in the 13th century. This building is considered the largest a room in a city from the Middle Ages. Only one roof has an area exceeding two thousand squares. One can not say a few words about the unique interior of the cathedral: as soon as you get inside, you will find yourself in an amazing environment hundreds of stunning frescoes.
- Address: Piazza dei Signori.
- Opening hours: winter time (September to May) Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 to 18:00; Saturday, Sunday from 11:00 to 19:00; the summer months are Tuesday - Friday from 11:00 to 19:00.
- Entrance fee: 8 euros (the price includes a visit to the Palazzo della Rajone).
Balcony in the house of Juliet
Juliet's Balcony (Balcone nella casa di Giulietta) - this is perhaps the most romantic place in Verona. And this is understandable: it was under him that the ardent Romeo confessed his feelings to his beloved. Under the balcony of the house, where, presumably, the tragically dead heroine of the Shakespeare play lived, a picturesque courtyard, constantly occupied by tourists, eager to leave the statue of Juliet installed here "for good luck" and write a message on the walls of the house.
- Address: Via Capello, 23;
- Admission: Free. A visit to the museum, located inside the house of Juliet, will cost 6 euros;
- Opening hours of the museum: From Tuesday to Sunday from 08:30 to 19:30, on Monday from 13:30 to 19:30.
Justy's Garden
Garden Giardino (Giardino Giusti) without exaggeration is considered one of the most beautiful green areas of Italy. It adjoins the impressive palace of the fairly influential Verona family of Justi, who built their residence and park in the 16th century. Three centuries later, Giardino was transformed into an English-style garden, as it remains today. In the marvelous garden of the Renaissance, the old, but still mighty citrus trees dominate, once so inspired by Goethe. It is also worth mentioning that the garden is decorated with numerous statues and sculptures that amaze the imagination.
- Address: Via Giardino Giusti, 2;
- Opening hours: from April to September from 9:30 - 20:00, from October to March from 9:00 to 19:00;
- Admission: 7 Euro
Ponte Pietra
This stone bridge is located, perhaps, in one of the most picturesque parts of Verona. Despite the many changes and restoration that fell on his fate, Ponte Pietra (Ponte Pietra) still remained a vivid example of a Roman building in Verona. Historians believe that the bridge, whose length is 120 meters, began to be built before 89 BC. Initially, it was a wooden building, which repeatedly collapsed in 1007, 1153, 1232 and 1239. Only in 1503 the bridge took on a stone form, but the architects and builders of that time failed: Ponte Pietra collapsed a few years later. In 1508, local authorities turned to the famous architect Fra Giocondo for help, who managed to create a strong building. The bridge was blown up in the Arena of 1945, and only in 1959 was it restored, during which Ponte Pietra acquired its previous form.
- Address: Via Madonna del Terraglio.
House of Merchants
The House of Merchants (Domus Mercatorum) is an amazing building of great historical value located in Piazza delle Erbe. Initially, this building was wooden, but in the 14th century it was rebuilt from stone, and on the orders of the local influential nobleman Alberto della Scala, the arches were built to the house of merchants, which have survived to this day. Throughout its history, Domus Mercatorum has undergone several modifications, and the kind that you can enjoy now, it acquired only in the 19th century.
- Address: Piazza Erbe, 17.
Palazzo Maffei
Maffei Palace (Palazzo Maffei), dating back to the 15th century, is one of the main decorations of the Verona square Piazza delle Erbe. This is a vivid example of a Baroque building: the palace has several arched vaults, original windows, columns and mascaras. Throughout its history, the palazzo has been rebuilt more than once: for example, in the 17th century, Cardinal Marcantonio Maffei ordered the expansion of the palace, as a result of which the building acquired an extension in the form of a third floor and a baroque facade. Inside the palace you will be met by an amazing spiral staircase without central supports, built of stone. Palazzo Maffei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, anyone has a chance to touch history, as apartments are located inside the palace. Room rates from 189 euros per day.
- Address: Piazza delle Erbe, 38.
Verona Madonna Fountain
The fountain of the Verona Madonna is an amazing monument of architecture of the 14th century. It was erected during the repair work of city water pipes back in 1368 by decree of the influential della Scala family. They say that earlier near the fountain of the Verona Madonna, merchants made very profitable deals, therefore, to this day, tourists throw coins into the water, believing in a legend that says that it will bring good luck in business.
- Address: Piazza delle Erbe.
Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore
Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore (Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore) - this beautiful church dates from the 4th century, but most of it was built between 10-12 centuries. In the buildings of other churches and cathedrals of Verona, the early Renaissance style is traced. Do not forget to turn to the bronze doors of San Zeno Maggiore: they depict numerous biblical stories.
- Address: Piazza San Zeno, 2;
- Opening hours: from March to October 08:30 - 18:00 (Sunday: 12:30 - 18:00), from November to February 10:30 - 13:00, 13:30 - 17:00 (Sunday: 12: 30 - 17:00);
- Admission: 6 euros.
Castelvecchio
Castelvecchio Castle (Castelvecchio), built in the 14th century, is perhaps the largest building in Verona. Today, in four towers and four buildings occupied by Castelvecchio, there are museums of art, sculpture, coins and other exhibits, as well as a collection of paintings by eminent Italian artists, including Bellini and Pisanello.
- Address: Corso Castelvecchio, 2;
- Opening hours: from 08:30 - 19:30 (Monday 13:30 - 19:30);
- Admission: 6 euros.
Porta Borsari
Antique Porta Borsari, once the southern gateway to Verona, is one of the city’s most striking sights. Three tiers form a complex structure. The first consists of two arched driveways, and the next two include 12 openings framed by elegant half-columns with Corinthian capitals. Porta Borsari is a clear testament to the level of skill in the building that the Romans possessed.
- Address: Corso Porta Borsari.
Verona Cathedral
Verona's main cathedral (Duomo di Verona) is amazing. However, do not confine yourself to inspecting only the facade of the building, be sure to look inside. You will be amazed at the luxurious interior of the 12th century cathedral, decorated with numerous paintings by the Italian artist Titian.
- Address: Piazza Duomo, 21;
- Opening hours: from March to October: Monday - Friday 10:00 - 17:30, weekends 13:30 - 17:30; from November to February: Monday - Friday 10:00 - 16:00, weekends 13:30 - 16:00;
- Admission: 5 euros.
Scaliger Arches
Arches of the Scaligeri (Arche Scaligeri) - you have never seen so amazing the tombs! They are located right on the edge of Piazza delle Erbe, so it's hard not to notice them. Five tombstones of three representatives of the Scaliger family, a family that had remarkable power in Verona in the 13-14 centuries, are excellent examples of the Gothic style. Do not forget to look into the small charming church of Santa Maria Antica, located directly behind the arches.
- Address: Via Arche Scaligere;
- Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 18:00, Monday closed;
- Admission: 5 euros.
