Verona

About Verona

Verona is a spectacularly beautiful town straggling the Adige River in Northern Italy. The setting for Shakespeare's most famous play, Romeo and Juliet, Verona's impressive architectural sights include its vast and well preserved Roman arena plus a variety of other ancient Roman monuments in the impressive old town. Verona's medieval buildings include a number of gothic churches and its spectacular Duomo. You will also find first class accommodation, restaurants, shopping and nightlife in Verona. Residing in the Veneto region, one of Italy's best wine producing areas, Verona is also home to a five day major wine festival in April each year.

Attractions

Arena

The largest Roman amphitheatre in Northern Italy was built from pink marble from the local hills and is still remarkably well preserved. When it was constructed in AD30 it could seat the town's entire population of 20,000. The Arena originally provided the spectacle of gladiatorial games and, as in Rome, it could be flooded with water for naval battles. From the 17th Century it has been used for plays and music concerts. For a while it was even used as a football stadium in the early 20th Century.

Juliet's House

Although suspiciously nothing to do with Juliet's house this medieval building complete with balcony has long been a meeting point for lovers who dawb romantic graffiti on its exterior walls. On Valentines Day it is the scene for the announcement a love letter writing competition.

Castelvecchio

The castle was built between 1355 and 1375 as a safe refuge for Duke Cangrande II. Also includes ponte Scaligero, a fortified bridge and escape route. It now contains an impressive museum and gallery with major works by Canaletto and other major artists. A definite must visit attraction the castle's various walkways, rooms and passages afford fantastic views of the city.

Duomo

The 12th Century cathedral is Romanesque downstairs, Gothic upstairs and Renaissance at the top of the belltower. Includes detailed carvings, Roman remains and mosaics. A special feature is its large Octagonal Romanesque baptismal font.

Della Scala Family Tombs

These ornate Gothic tombs of Verona's old ruling family date from the 13th Century. Next door is the small church of Santa Maria which is lit by hundreds of candles.

Giusti Gardens

Behind the impressive Renaissance townhouse of the Giusti family this is one of the finest gardens in Italy with numerous idyllic spots to enjoy a glass of wine and picnic. Includes an ornate square packed with statues and Cypress trees. A lower level is quite formal while a higher level climbs the hill slopes beyond.

Archaeological Museum

Small museum containing fine Roman remains. Also provides superb views of the city and river.

San Giorio in Braida

This impressive domed Renaissance Church contains some important treasures. Includes the Baptism of Christ by Tintoretto.

San Giovanni in Valle

Romanesque styled church part of a much older building dating back to the 8th Century. Includes a beautiful crypt containing early examples of Christian sculpture.

San Zeno Maggiore

Truly impressive ornate Romanesque Church with arched entrance and vast belltower. Full of sumptuous marble sculptures, paintings and carvings. Includes a unique 12th Century statue of the African bishop from which the church is devoted to.

Santa Anastasia

This impressive brick Gothic church fills with light early in the morning highlighting the superb fresco of St George by Pisanello. Includes some unusual carvings inside, including two hunchbacks supporting the holy water font.

Santo Stefano

Dating back to the sixth century this Romanesque church is one of the oldest in Verona and was formerly the city cathedral. Famed for its unusual Octagonal brick tower and a marble statue of St Peter.

San Fermo Maggiore

Two churches in one. One Romanesque the other Gothic. Its wooden ceiling is notable as it is like an upturned Venetian Galleon. Among the important frescoes is the Annunciation by Atonio Pisanello near the main entrance.

Torre dei Lamberti

This huge medieval tower provides magnificent views of the city. 368 steps also ensure it is a good way of keeping fit.

Teatro Romano

The Roman theatre built into the side of the hill where many Roman remains are found dates from 1BC. Regular performances take place, including an annual theatre/Shakespeare festival. The theatre also offers great views of the city.

Travel

Verona's airport is Valerio Catullo

20 minute bus ride from the railway station. There is a shuttle bus between the two every 20 minutes. Regular train services are available to Venice and Milan. There are good bus services within the city. Car hire is also easy and advisable. The A4 Motorway connects to Milan and Venice.