Every Mile a Memory ( Part 9 ) The Magical Atmosphere of Verona

Buon Giorno !!!

Today we went on a walking tour in Verona. The city is one of the most important tourist destinations in Italy, and a UNESCO world heritage site.

Although it’s most famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona has much more to offer than its connections to the star-crossed lovers! 

Sites to see in Verona :

The PONTE PIETRA also known as the "Stone Bridge" is a Roman arch bridge over the Adige River in Verona.

It is the only one bridge left from the Roman era of Verona. It is the most beautuful bridge of the town. Dating back to the 1st century B.C. the bridge provides one of Verona's best views and is a popular spot for travelers to gather, as well as capture postcard-perfect photos of the city.

SCALIERGI ARCH is the cemetery of the Scaligeri family who ruled Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries.

Tombs don’t get much more elaborate than these! These Gothic funerary monuments, considered some of the best examples of Gothic art, are hard to miss.

PIAZZA DELLE ERBE is a good place to start a visit to Verona.

the frescoes of Case Mazzanti in Piazza Erbe

Originally the Roman Forum, the rectangular piazza is in the heart of Verona's historic center and is surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings and towers. In the center is a 14th century fountain with a Roman statue. Although once filled with market stalls, today the stalls mostly sell souvenirs. 

CASA DI GIULIETTA - Verona's most popular site is the balcony said to be Juliet's in Romeo and Juliet. The romantic marble balcony at Villa Capuleti where Romeo supposedly climbed is in fact in a restored 13th century inn. Everyone wants to see the famous balcony, and it is just a few minutes walk from the arena. Along the street are shops and there will be plenty of tourists, but soon you walk to the left through the portal and on the right, hangs the balcony. The house said to be Juliet's house is in a courtyard. You can do as I did --- step back and take it all in, watching the tourists come out on the balcony to have their picture taken. You can see the balcony and the bronze statue of Juliet for free ( you can also rub Juliet's breast for good luck ).  It doesn't matter if they were fictional characters and the balcony was built in the 1930's to provide photo seeking tourists with a photo op, but it's fun to dream and imagine Juliet peering out from the balcony waiting for her lover to appear. This 13th century house is a good example of Gothic architecture and inside is a museum with period furniture.

Pretend to be Juliet and step out on the famous balcony of Juliet's house to talk to your Romeo!

Be sure to purchase a padlock to put on a huge gate that was almost completely covered with padlocks of couples from all around the world.

If you're wondering why her right breast is so shiny, it's because people believe that touching it will make you lucky in love.

Around the corner from the Scalgieri Arch you can see the house attributed to Romeo's family.

Verona's ROMAN ARENA is the third largest in Italy after the Roman Colosseum. 

Built in the 1st century, the arena holds up to 25,000 spectators. This arena was Verona’s answer to Rome’s Colosseum--- ( it predates the Colosseum by almost 50 years! ). Still remarkably well preserved. According to our tour guide, the Roman Arena of Verona has been the venue for a prestigious opera festival and a top setting for other theatrical performances since 1913. 

PIAZZA BRA is a huge piazza inside the main gate entering Verona.

You'll see the Roman Arena on one side of the piazza and near it the neoclassical Palazzo Municipale. Part of the piazza is a garden with a central fountain. On the opposite side from the arena are elegant porticoed buildings with cafes and restaurants along a broad walkway.

It is a must to walk around the city, as much as you can. There are so many beautiful buildings. Keep your eyes open, and look up, not only straight ahead. Casa di Giulietta was everything and more than I ever expected!! Just close your eyes and dream of what it must have been like to be involved in this love story.

CIAO !!