Find out what attractions in Verona deserve great attention and what you can probably skip. Where can you travel from Verona? What is the best place to take pictures of the city?
There is a belief that Verona is one of the most romantic places in Europe and it can even compete with Paris and Venice. Verona has gained such reputation because of “the saddest story in the world” written by W. Shakespeare. It is here, in Verona, a rival between families of Capulets and Montagues described in “Romeo and Juliet” took a place. Perhaps, you have already heard that there is even a house, where according to the legend Juliet lived.
The Juliet’s House (Casa di Giuliatte) located on Via Cappello Street in Verona is considered one of the major city attractions. But the truth is, it’s very touristic place with a population of a little village.
The male half of the crowd is lined up to touch the breast of Juliet’s statue, whereas women are trying to reach famous balcony. As you can judge from the picture, the place isn’t romantic at all. Luckily, Verona can offer much more interesting, beautiful and romantic places.
St. Peter’s Castle (Castel San Pietro)
St. Peter’s Castle is built on the top of a hill towering over Verona. Such location wasn’t chosen by accident. The scenic hill overlooking the River Adige and the whole city was the ideal strategic point. In general, the castle is preserved in quite good conditions. Verona residents as well as numerous tourists like to visit a small square in front of the castle surrounded by a lovely park.
Perhaps it’s the best observation point offering nice views of the city and usually it’s not very crowded, because it requires some efforts to climb the hill. In 1920, the funicular was constructed here offering an easy way to reach the top, but unfortunately it hasn’t been operating for many years.
So, if you would like to take some really fantastic pictures of the city, you must gather your strength and conquer this little hill. Believe, the way to the top is interesting by itself and isn’t difficult at all!
(view from the castle)
Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale)
Cemetery in Verona might inferior to Milan’s Monumental Cemetery in beauty and size, but still it’s worth visiting at least because it located not far from the city center and doesn’t require much time on its exploring. Here you’ll find many interesting statues; some of them are so skillfully made that deserve to be showed in the best European museums.
In this place, many famous composers, musicians, poets, writers, artists and even professional racers have found their last resting place. As any cemetery regardless of whether it has many beautiful sculptures, the Monumental Cemetery in Verona makes its visitors think about the eternal questions of life and death, our place in this world and how little time we have been given.
Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti)
Being considered the tallest building in Verona, the Lamberti Tower has a height of 84 meters and has an observation desk offering truly wonderful views of tiled roofs of historical buildings in the city center. All photographers must make a mental not to visit the tower while staying in Verona. It’s possible to reach the top by stairs or elevator.
(view from Lamberti Tower)
The construction of the tower began in 1172 and was sponsored by Lamberti family. In the beginning of the 15th century, the tower was damaged by lightning strike, but restoration works started only after 45 years. During the centuries, the tower was becoming higher and higher and as you will notice, builders didn’t troubled themselves with attempts to find authentic material. That’s why the oldest part of the tower is built of the mixture of bricks and tufa, the Medieval part – of bricks and the octagonal bell at the top is made of marble.
Arena di Verona
Arena di Verona is the most important historical building in the city. It was built in the 1st century and is considered the third largest Roman amphitheater after Coliseum in Rome and arena in Santa Maria Capua Vetere. During almost 2000 years of its existence, the Arena was used for arranging gladiatorial contests, circus performances and later for knights’ tournament, execution of heretics. The Arena survived the strong earthquake in the 12th century and today is relatively well preserved and even held various cultural events.
In fact, since 1913, the Arena di Verona has become one of the most famous opera theatres in Italy. Each year during the period from June to September, the famous Arena di Verona Opera Festival is held in this ancient amphitheatre.
Usually, more than a half of million people visit the festival, which as a rule is consist of seven plays and traditionally four of them are immortal Verdi’s operas. The Arena can fit up to 30 thousand people. Most visitors enjoy opera sitting on ancient stone seats that are much cheaper than modern ones located near the stage.
In general, Verona is very calm and cozy town filled with the pleasant odors of coffee and roasted chestnuts. When wandering through its city center, you’ll catch yourself thinking that all these people in modern clothing around you don’t fit this streets and houses built a few hundred years ago.
The whole city center is like time machine taking you back to the Middle Ages. The city authorities try to preserve the city’s ancient appearance. That’s why cars aren’t allowed to enter the center and you can freely move from one attraction to another enjoying every moment spent in one of the most beautiful Italian cities.
Have you already visited all Verona attractions you were going to see? Then don’t waste the precious days of vacation and go on exploring picturesque provincial villages and towns located not far from Verona.
Don’t forget that the largest Italian lake Garda is located only in 30km from Verona and a famous city of Venice is in about 100km to the east. The most convenient way of traveling in Italy is a rental car. Most car rental companies are located at the Verona Airport.
Lily Berns is a travel writer. She uses every chance she gets to travel around the world with her family and friends. Experiencing new places and cultures, meeting new people and learning something new every day – are her life aims.
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