A Weekend Guide to Verona, Italy
February 2013 in Verona, Italy.
What better way than to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the home of Romeo and Juliet. Verona is an old, medieval city located in northern Italy just a train ride away from Venice. Aside from the Renaissance romances and Shakespeare associations, Verona is a well-preserved city with beautiful piazzas, impressive amphitheaters, and architecturally fascinating bridges. It’s a great weekend trip in Northern Italy, and especially festive in February for Valentine’s Day!
Romeo & Juliet Landmarks
Romeo and Juliet is the first romantic tragedy ever written by Shakespeare. This love story is the main reason why travelers flock to Verona each year. It may sound cheesy to visit Verona for this sole reason, but why not be hopelessly in love with love during Valentine's Day season.
CASA DI GIULIETTA
A lovely 15th century home that was the inspiration for Shakespeare's novel. Once you enter the courtyard from Via Cappello you'll be swarmed by tourists writing love notes on the courtyard walls and taking selfies with the bronze statue of Juliet (which apparently brings you eternal love if you rub her left breast). For a nominal fee, you can also enter Juliet's home and reenact the scene from her famous balcony. Casa di Giulietta is a corny, tourist trap (and essentially fake) but worth the visit!
CASA DI ROMEO
Not too far from Casa di Giulietta is Casa Di Romeo which is a 14th century home belonging to a Veronese family who was inspiration for Shakespeare's novel. You can't enter the home, but there's a Shakespeare inscription outside of the gothic portal. Not worth the visit if it's out of your way, but if you're on the Romeo and Juliet sightseeing track..stop by.
TOMBA DI GIULIETTA
Once a 13th century convent which previously belonged to the Cappucinni Monks. It's now a museum showcasing frescoes from the Middle Ages and the "tomb" of Juliet. The tomb is an empty sarcophagus and is probably unrelated to Juliet, but it's a great way to attract tourists/ Romeo and Juliet fanatics. I guess it's romantic to imagine the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. Many civil weddings are even celebrated at Juliet's tomb. Regardless of the lack of authenticity, the old convent is very peaceful and worth the visit.
Explore Verona
If Romeo & Juliet didn’t already put you in a romantic mood, the well preserved piazzas, bridges, and castles in Verona will have you head over heels. The best way to discover any city is by foot, which is perfect for any Italian city since passagietta (strolling in English) is a way of life. So walk your heart out through the cobble stoned, medieval streets of Verona!
ARENA DI VERONA
A Roman Amphitheater built in the 1st century. Arena di Verona is a well-preserved ancient structure and is still used till this day for large scale Opera performances. The arena is also a fun place to have a "gladiator" photo shoot like we did below.
CASTELVECCHIO
The Castelvecchio (“old castle” in English) is a medieval castle located in Verona. It was the most important military fortress during the Middle Ages under the Scaliger dynasty. It was severely damaged by Napoleon and WWII bombings, but it was later restored by the popular architect Carlo Scarpa between 1959 and 1973. Make sure to check out Castelvecchio during both day and night. The views are great over the Adige River from dusk to dawn.
PIAZZA BRA & PIAZZA DELLE ERBE
Piazza Bra is the largest piazza in Verona. The piazza is filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, and the notable Arena di Verona. Piazza delle Erbe is also surrounded by cafes and quaint architecture. This piazza was once the town's forum during the Roman Empire where Maximum Decuman and Maximum Cardo intersected.
PONTE PIETRA
The Ponte Pietra is a Roman, stone-arch bridge across the Adige River. It's the oldest bridge in Verona and remains one of the most important Roman structures in the city. It's a gorgeous walk across the bridge to the windy, colorful streets on the other side of the city. The walk is perfect to soak in the charm of Northern Italy.
Where to Stay in Verona?
Pretty balconies in Verona.
B&B AL FILARMONICO
Location is so crucial when booking accommodations, especially for a short 1 night stay. The B&B is strategically located in the historic center just around the corner from Piazza Bra/ Arena di Verona + a 10 minute walk to Castelvecchio and Casa di Guilietta. The B&B is also a convenient 15 minute drive from the Porto Nuova train station.
Around the corner from the B&B, the shopping street of Via Mazzini.
Not only is the B&B great for its central location, the rooms are cozy and budget friendly + they serve free breakfast. It's a great place to stay during a short trip to Verona!
$35 per person for a 'Triple Room w/ Shared Bathroom + free breakfast' via hostelworld.com
Bella Verona!
The beautiful, medieval city of Verona attracts hopeless romantics around the world. Most notably Shakespeare, as the city inspired two of his popular plays: Romeo and Juliet + The Two Gentlemen of Verona. If you're in Northern Italy during Valentine's Day season, be sure to stop by lovely Verona!
What are other places to explore in Verona? What were your favorite moments visiting this medieval city?
