Famed as the setting of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”, Verona’s beautifully preserved medieval old town is one of Veneto’s must-see destinations. It’s a popular day trip from bustling Venice, with a more relaxed ambience and a rich European art history to discover.
Things to do in Verona
No trip to Verona is complete without a visit to Juliet’s Balcony, which is situated just off Piazza delle Erbe. It was here that the famous balcony love scene in Shakespeare’s drama is believed to have been set and it has become a pilgrimage site for young lovers ever since.
Step inside to admire the Renaissance frescoes that adorn the interior and photograph the statue of Juliet in the courtyard, then make the short walk over to Via Arche Scaligere where Romeo is said to have lived. While the residence is now private, there is a small plaque on the wall in memory of the star crossed lover.
Verona is home to some spectacular architectural landmarks, such as the Roman amphitheatre that dates to the 1st century AD. Join a guided tour to explore its well-intact interior or time your visit for the summer opera season to experience the amphitheatre at its most atmospheric.
Admire the 14th-century Castelvecchio, a fortified castle on the banks of the Adige River, then wander through the Piazza delle Erbe where the Gardello Tower stands. Don’t miss the magnificent Basilica of St Zeno, renowned for its exquisite Romanesque facade and the tomb of Zeno.
Getting around Verona
Verona-Villafranca Airport is around 15 minutes’ drive south-west of the city centre, while regional and international trains arrive at the Verona Porta Nuova station. Most of Verona’s attractions are within an easy walking distance of one another, and there is a convenient bike-sharing system across the city.