Verona, Italy, is located in the northeastern region of Veneto. It is known as a romantic and ancient city that is often overshadowed by larger tourist destinations like Venice. Although many people flock to Venice when in the north, Verona is a welcome escape from crowds as well as a relaxed, pleasant and historically rich place to visit. Famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona was a Roman city, and many Roman ruins have been preserved, notably it’s Arena. Most of the historical sites which grab the interest of tourists date back more than 800 years.
Among many must see sites in Verona, here are some popular and beautifully ancient locations worth visiting.
1) Arena di Verona
- This Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Bra was built in AD 30 and had shows and games so popular for its time that spectators came from far and wide to witness them. In ancient times, the Arena seated 30,000 people. Today, it is internationally famous for the large scale opera performances. The beautiful oval shaped decaying coliseum will astonish you from the inside and outside.
2) Casa di Giulietta
- Verona claims to have the houses of perhaps the greatest lovers in history, Romeo and Juliet. Of course, there is much debate as to whether the lovers existed or not. That has not stopped visitors from seeking out Juliet’s House and balcony. Upon entering the courtyard where Juliet’s balcony hangs, you will be greeted by a tunnel of love notes on the wall from visitors to the balcony. Here you can write a message of love on the walls. Below the balcony is a bronze statue of Juliet. The most popular thing to do when visiting the statue is to rub her right breast for good luck. The house and arched entrance to the courtyard was constructed in the 13th century.
3) Chiesa di Sant’Anastasia
- The Basilica of Saint Anastasia is the most important gothic style religious monument in Verona. Constructed in 1290 and located near the Ponte Pietra. The church is similar in structure to the Basilica of San Zanipolo in Venice.
4) Piazza delle Erbe
- In the Piazza delle Erbe you will find on the northern side of the square, the ancient town hall (Torre Dei Lamberti tower) standing at almost 85 meters high. It is worth the panoramic view of the city to climb or take a lift to the top. On the western side is the Baroque Palazzo Maffei which is decorated by statues of Greek gods. The square is occupied by vendors selling anything from fresh fruit to Verona and Italy souvenirs. Two notable statues to see is the St. Mark’s Lion (the symbol of the Republic of Venice) and the fountain sculpture of the Madonna Verona, which is a Roman sculpture dating to 380 AD.
5) Bottega del Vino
- This Veronese wine bar has on display an 80,000-bottle cellar and is the largest and most unmatched cellar in all of Verona. It first opened its doors in 1890 and has since been a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy excellent wines and dishes from the region and Italy.