VERONA
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION
This northern city fascinates with its monuments, traditions, and sights. Verona has been enriched over time by numerous influences and dominations, starting with the Romans. This uninterrupted development over more than 2,000 years has earned it the prestigious recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Verona enchants with its perfect fusion of history and art. Its beautifully preserved historic centre is an open-air museum of Medieval and Renaissance architecture. Strolling through squares such as the lively Piazza delle Erbe or admiring the majestic Arena di Verona, one has the feeling of being immersed in another era.
Historically, the Adige River has been the lifeblood of the city, as it was essential for trade, transport, shipyards, floating mills, and various industrial activities.
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PLACES OF INTEREST
Verona is a city rich in extraordinary historical and cultural monuments. Juliet's House allows visitors to immerse themselves in the most famous love story of all time. Although the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is a literary invention, the house truly belonged to the noble Capelletti family. The famous balcony, added in modern times, is identified today with the loggia from where Juliet overlooked. In the courtyard stands a bronze statue of the young woman; according to popular tradition, touching her right breast brings good luck in love.
The Arena of Verona is the true symbol of the city, not only an ancient monument but also the beating heart of Veronese culture. One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, the Arena, built in the 1st century A.D., once hosted gladiator fights, naval battles, and public spectacles. Today, it lives on through the annual Verona Opera Festival, one of the most prestigious opera events in the world, and numerous concerts by national and international artists.
The Arche Scaligere, dating back to the 14th century, are an outstanding example of medieval funerary art. Erected in honour of the powerful Scaligera family, who ruled Verona in the Middle Ages, these tombs represent a masterpiece of Gothic art, blending sculpture and architecture. Among the most famous is that of Cangrande della Scala.
Another iconic site is Castelvecchio, with its magnificent Ponte Scaligero: a medieval fortress that today houses an important art museum.
Finally, Piazza delle Erbe is the beating heart of the city, with its lively market and surrounding historical buildings, including the Torre dei Lamberti and the Fontana di Madonna Verona.
The Duomo of Verona, or Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, is the city’s main place of worship. Its architecture reflects a long history, combining Gothic and Renaissance styles inside, while the exterior retains Romanesque features. Inside is the famous painting Assumption of the Virgin by Titian.
TRADITIONS
In addition to the Opera Festival, Verona also preserves another ancient tradition: the Palio del Drappo Verde. Established in 1208, it is considered the oldest organised race in the world. After a long suspension, the Palio was reinstated in 2008 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of its institution.