Verona is a city that does not need a separate presentation. Due to the worldwide fame of the love story of Romeo and Giulietta, it is also famous for its numerous monuments of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Due to the abundance of the latter, Verona was even included in the year 2000 in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also in travel guides in Italy, Verona is often mentioned as an exceptionally successful example of military architecture.
For a detailed acquaintance with Verona, it is better to allocate a few days, however, if your time is limited, BlogoItaliano decided to introduce the symbolic TOP-5 places that are worth visiting in the city.
And more ... In order not to overpay for tickets and not lose time at the entrance to each individual attraction, order the Verona Card link in advance. It will allow free access to more than 15 major museums of Verona, including the famous Arena, Juliet's Balcony and the Lamberti Tower, as well as to use city buses without restrictions.
No. 1. Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe (Italian: Piazza delle Erbe - Place of the Grass) is a great place to get to know Verona for the first time. It is located on the site of the ancient Roman forum in the heart of the city and is surrounded by magnificent houses, buildings and restaurants of different eras.
Walking along the Piazza delle Erbe, pay attention to the fountain of Neptune, built on the site of a column once used for convicts.
Piazza delle Erbe in Verona
Another noteworthy design isVerona Madonna fountain. Built back in 1368, it is famous for the fact that a Roman statue of the 4th century was used for the figure of Our Lady.
Since Piazza delle Erbe is located in the city center, it is easy to get from it to any of the main attractions of Verona, which include the Lamberti Tower, the Tower del Gardello (clock tower), the Palazzo Maffei and others.
No. 2 Lamberti Tower
The Lamberti Tower is one of the best viewing platforms in Verona, where everyone who is not indifferent to bird's-eye views should definitely go. You can climb to the top by stairs (368 steps) or by elevator, and the ticket will cost 8 Euros (5 Euros on Mondays).
View from the Lamberti Tower to the center of Verona
The medieval bell tower was started in the XII century and was completed in several stages until the ardor of the reenactors was exhausted at 84 meters.
Lamberti Tower located a stone's throw from the Piazza delle Erbe, near the Palazzo della Ragione (town hall).
Number 3. Juliet's House
The most famous landmark of Verona is considered Juliet's Housein which the Shakespearean heroine allegedly lived. In fact, the house has existed since the 18th century, and prototypes of the heroes of Capulet lived in it, as indicated by the marble hat - the coat of arms of the genus Capello
The house began to enjoy great popularity when the first film of “Romeo and Juliet” by Franco Zeffirelli was released. Only in 2002, a museum was opened in the house with a balcony, a wedding bed and costumes of heroes.
The famous balcony in the Juliet House was added only in 1935
Like many places of interest, the Juliet House has its own signs. For example, in the courtyard of the house there is a statue of Juliet poured from bronze and, according to popular rumor, a touch on her right chest brings luck in love. Well, if the couple wants to be together forever - they need to kiss under the notorious balcony.
Recently, Juliet's House began to be used as a place for marriage. It is clear that marrying in such a romantic place is not a cheap pleasure, however, those who wish are with enviable constancy.
Number 4. Arena di Verona
One of the main architectural sights of Verona is the Arena, which is considered the third largest in Italy (after the Roman Colosseum and the arena in Capua). Built back in the 1st century BC, she could simultaneously accommodate up to 25,000 spectators.
Since 1913 Arena di Verona - The main venue for the famous opera festival throughout Europe and an important stage for other theatrical performances.
Arena di Verona is the third largest in Italy
The modern arena seats 15,000 spectators and is considered the largest open-air opera house.
As it should be in the open air, the peak of its congestion occurs in the summer months. In addition to theatrical performances, the Arena is often used as a concert venue, as well as for various fairs.
No. 5. Church of San Zeno Maggiore
The Church of San Zeno Maggiore is one of the most important Romanesque basilicas in Italy and, along with the Arena and the Juliet House, is one of Verona's calling cards.
Church San zen maggiore was built over the burial place of St. Zinon, who was one of the first bishops of the city and is considered its patron saint. Although the first church on this site was erected in the V century, the design that adorns Verona today, appeared at the end of the XIV century.
The church is known as a first-class example of Romanesque architecture. Famous for its external and internal decoration, it is worth the time spent. The main highlight of the Church is considered the triptych of the work of Andrea Mantegna "Madonna on the throne with angels and saints."
The significance of the work is already evidenced by the fact that under Napoleon the triptych was exported to France. And the French, as you know, understand a lot about art.
The San Zeno Maggiore Church is open to visitors both on weekdays and weekends, except during religious ceremonies.
By the way, if you are going to Verona, be sure to watch the video below.
BlogoItaliano recorded it in the summer of 2017, just being in this amazing city:
