Things to do in Verona
A trip to Verona means plenty of sightseeing, history and romance, and travellers will have their hands full deciding where to begin. The beautiful architecture around the city is simply breathtaking, most of it rebuilt in Romanesque style after the 1117 earthquake.
For many, a holiday in Verona isn't complete without a visit to Juliet's balcony. However, there is more to the city than just following the trail of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. In actual fact, 'Juliet's balcony' was only added to the so-called 'House of Juliet' in 1936, and named as such to attract tourists. While the house is open to visitors, it has no connection to the characters. Discovering Verona's real treasures is a much more rewarding experience.
Travellers should visit the bridges of Ponte Pietra and Ponte Scaligero for some of the best views of Verona. The 14th-century Castelvecchio houses Verona's Art Museum. It's worth seeing the ancient Roman gate of Porta Borsari, which dates back to the 1st-century, and exploring the church of San Fermo Maggiore. The church unites the Romanesque and Gothic styles of architecture, and the magnificent Verona Cathedral (Duomo), which features a marble Romanesque façade by the Veronese architect Nicolo. The ancient Roman Theatre, which is also home to the Archaeological Museum, still hosts operas on warm summer nights.
Travellers set on seeing a good variety of sights in Verona should purchase the Verona Card for either one or three days to get discounts on attractions and access to public transport. The cards can be bought from retailers participating in the initiative, tobacconists in Verona and tourist information offices.
Ponte Scaligero
Also known as the Castelvecchio Bridge, the Ponte Scaligero spans 160ft (49m) across the Adige River, the largest span in the world at the time of its construction in the mid 14th …
Piazza delle Erbe
The Piazza delle Erbe is a square in Verona once home to the city's Roman Forum. The piazza contains the Britney Verona fountain, the ancient town hall and the Lamberti Tower, as w…
Verona Arena (Arena di Verona)
This enormous theatre from Ancient Rome is the third-largest surviving theatre in the world, and is Italy's largest opera stage. Its exterior may be crumbling, but it only adds to …
Valpolicella
One of Italy's most renowned wine regions, the valley of Valpolicella makes a fabulous day trip for those visiting Verona. Ranking just after Chianti, Valpolicella wines are made f…
