Verona is known worldwide for being the capital of troubled love, having hosted the story of the two most famous lovers in the world, Romeo and Juliet. Our bloggers have listed the top 13 things to do in Verona.
Verona has a unique historic center, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco for its architecture and urban structure. Romantic and fascinating with its bridges over the Adige river, the wonderful palaces, and the streets teeming with people. From the most famous balcony in the world, that of Juliet, to the wonderful squares and the spectacular Arena of Verona, history lovers will love how every era has left a mark, something to see and appreciate, in this city. For more articles check Tuscany Region in Italy. Let’s explore top Verona things to do.
Things to Do in Verona
- Arena of Verona
- Piazza Bra
- Piazza delle Erbe
- Juliet’s house
- Torre dei Lamberti
- Castelvecchio and the Civic Museum of Verona
- Basilica of San Zeno
- Museum of Frescoes
- Piazza dei Signori
- Arche Scaligere
- Garden and Palazzo Giusti
- Basilica of Santa Anastasia
- Verona Cathedral
Arena of Verona
Icon and symbol of Verona, the Arena is an ancient Roman amphitheater with an elliptical shape erected in IA.C and built with Valpolicella stone with typical pink and red shades. Perhaps not everyone knows that the Arena, like the Colosseum in Rome, was used for playful shows that took place in the center of the amphitheater in the area called arena due to the presence of sand, which was used to absorb the blood of men and animals.
Piazza Bra Verona
On the southern side is the Gran Guardia, a palace dating back to the seventeenth century, which today hosts exhibitions and conferences. On the eastern side, on the other hand, Palazzo Barbieri stands out in all its beauty, built in the nineteenth century and today the seat of the Municipality of Verona.
Piazza delle Erbe
Considered one of the most beautiful squares in Italy, Piazza delle Erbe is in fact a small gem that will not fail to conquer you. Built on the ancient Roman forum (as the shape suggests), the square is a mix of styles, history, scents, and smells. Take a look at the buildings that surround it, such as Palazzo della Ragione, Case Mazzanti, Palazzo Maffei, and Casa dei Mercanti. This is one of the best things to see in Verona.
Juliet’s house in Verona
A few meters from Piazza delle Erbe , walking in Via Cappello , one of the prettiest streets in the city, you will find yourself in front of the famous Juliet’s house . Before even entering the courtyard you will notice the walls covered with tickets and love letters left by lovers around the world. Above overlooks the famous balcony: below, according to legend, Romeo would have declared his love to Juliet.
Torre dei Lamberti of Verona
It is a monument to which the Veronese are very fond. Its first construction dates back to the 12th century, but was only completed in the following centuries: this explains the mix of materials used for its construction: the lower part is built with rows of tuff and bricks, the upper one, dating back to the 15th century, is entirely in brick.
Castelvecchio and the Civic Museum of Verona
Castelvecchio and the Civic Museum of Verona the castle of Verona was built in the mid-fourteenth century by the will of Cangrande II Della Scala. The castle is located on the northern bank of the Adige. We are therefore in the presence of an interesting example of military architecture of ‘300which went through, not without ups and downs, the whole subsequent history of the city.
Basilica of San Zeno in Verona
There is the Roman soul, represented by the Arena; the medieval one, of which the story of Romeo and Juliet is an emblem; finally, the Catholic soul, embodied by the Basilica of San Zeno, much more than by the Cathedral of which we spoke previously. Therefore, the placement in the tenth point among the things to do and see in the city should not be misleading: the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is an essential stop on a visit to Verona.
Museum of Frescoes
Inside the former convent of the Franceschine Sisters, the Museo degli Affreschi preserves precious frescoes painted between the 10th and 16th centuries taken from the facades of religious and private buildings in the city of Verona. In the underground crypt of the Museum, it is also possible to see the red marble sarcophagus that housed the remains of Juliet Capulet. Outside, on the other hand, tombstones and sculptural elements are exhibited.
Piazza dei Signori Verona
Also known as Piazza Dante, due to the presence of a statue representing the great poet, this place in the historic center of Verona is located near Piazza Erbe. On the sides, there are several buildings of considerable importance such as the Palazzo della Regione, Palazzo di Cansignorio, Palazzo Podestà, the Loggia del Consiglio, and the Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Antica.
Arche Scaligere
One of the best things to do in Verona, is visiting this site. In the courtyard of the church of Santa Maria Antica, the Arche Scaligere rise, a funerary complex that houses the tombs of the most important members of the Della Scala family. For monumentality and opulence, those of Mastino II, Cansignorio, and Cangrande I stand out, to whom Dante dedicated his Paradiso della Commedia. An imposing iron gate protects the monument but from June to September it is possible to visit the interior.
Garden and Palazzo Giusti
The Giusti Garden is the only Italian garden in Verona dating back to the 16th century; it is a real green oasis with flowers, Roman finds, avenues, fountains, hedge mazes, and acoustic caves from which you can also enjoy a splendid view of the city. Divided into various areas, the most noteworthy are the western and eastern ones. In the eastern part, there are only two squares, one with four triangular flower beds where a small fountain in red Verona marble stands out the other is known for its hedge maze.
Basilica of Santa Anastasia Verona
In a small square in the city center there is one of the largest churches in Verona, Santa Anastasia. Of medieval origins and considered a Gothic monument of considerable importance, this Basilica preserves very important works of art such as the fresco ” San Giorgio and the Princess ” by Antonio Pisano which is located in the Pellegrini Chapel. Also to be admired are the magnificent portal and the interior with two solemn altars.
Verona Cathedral
In a small and austere square, in the medieval area of the city is the Cathedral of Verona, or Duomo, a beautiful and precious church that was built on the remains of a previous early Christian basilica. The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta is part of an architectural complex that also includes the Palazzo del Vescovado, the cloister of the Canons, the baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte, the Capitular Library, and the Church of Sant’Elena.