This Italian city, famed for Romeo and Juliet, has a well-preserved Roman amphitheatre and Gothic cathedral. It's near Venice and has trendy bars, restaurants, and parks.
Verona, a city in northern Italy's Veneto region, sits along the Adige River. Its historic center showcases over 2,000 years of architecture and culture. You can explore the ancient Roman amphitheater, walk through medieval piazzas, and visit the balcony associated with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The city is also known for its ornate churches, hilltop views, and culinary traditions that include local wines and risotto.
Exploring Roman Verona
The Arena di Verona stands in Piazza Bra in the city center. This 1st century amphitheater could hold 30,000 spectators during Roman times. Now, you can attend Verona's summer opera festival and concerts here. Other Roman sites include the Porta Borsari city gate and the archaeological area at Porta Leoni. Across the river, the Roman Theater offers a smaller venue for summer performances with views of San Pietro hill.
Medieval Squares and Palaces
Piazza delle Erbe marks the site of the old Roman forum. You'll see Renaissance-era frescoed buildings and a 14th century fountain in this square where vendors sell produce and souvenirs. In nearby Piazza dei Signori, you can visit the former residences of Verona's ruling Scaliger family, connected by arched passageways. Castelvecchio fortress now houses the city's art museum. You can cross the castle's fortified bridge for views along the Adige River.
Churches and Religious Sites
At the Romanesque Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, dedicated to Verona's patron saint, you'll find bronze doors and intricate stone and bronze sculptures on its façade. Inside are frescoes and a triptych by Andrea Mantegna. Verona's Duomo combines Romanesque and Gothic styles, while Sant'Anastasia has the city's largest church interior. For panoramic views, you can climb the bell tower of San Giorgio in Braida church or take the funicular up to Castel San Pietro.
Savoring Local Flavors
Rice grown in the lowlands south of Verona is the main ingredient in the city's signature risottos. You can try risotto all'Amarone, made with the region's full-bodied red wine. Other local dishes include gnocchi, polenta with stockfish, and the Christmas cake pandoro. The nearby Valpolicella and Soave regions produce popular red and white wines. You can take a day trip to tour wineries and medieval villages in the countryside.
Getting Around Verona
You can walk to most sights in Verona's compact historic center. City buses connect major attractions, and you can buy tickets at tobacco shops and newsstands. Verona's main train station, Porta Nuova, has frequent connections to Venice, Milan, and other Italian cities. For trips to Lake Garda, you can catch a bus from Porta Nuova to lakeside towns like Peschiera or Bardolino.
