Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene… The city that inspired perhaps the greatest love story of all time, Romeo and Juliet, is without a doubt one of Italy’s most beautiful towns. It’s not a coincidence that thousands of star-crossed lovers visit this town specifically, year after year. If you’re not sure where to start, or what to do in Verona, here is a list of the 10 best things to do in this stunning city. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a hopeless romantic, there’s something for everyone in Verona!
The 10 Best Things to Do in Verona
- Learn about the city’s history
- Discover the Verona Arena, an incredible Roman Amphitheatre
- Admire Juliet’s house
- Marvel at Castelvecchio
- Visit the church of Santa Maria Antica, the ‘home’ of the Scaligeri
- Explore Verona Cathedral
- Visit Piazza delle Erbe
- Discover Verona’s cuisine
- Taste Veneto wines
- Admire the views from the hills of Verona
Learn about the city’s history
Located in the Italian province of Veneto, the old town of Verona has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Ancient monuments, links with Napoleon and other figures of note are testament to the heritage of this city. If you’re a history buff, there are a plethora of things for you to do in Verona!
Verona was at the axis of four of the main routes of the Ancient Roman Empire: the Via Gallica, Via Augusta, Vicum Veronensium and Via Postumia. In fact, given its privileged position, it was even one of Julius Caesar’s favourite resting places.
A glorious period for Verona between the 13th and 14th centuries was followed by the dominance of the Venetian Republic over the region, but that was not the only time the city changed hands. It was occupied by Napoleon and his forces in 1797 until, following a popular uprising and the expulsion of the French, Verona then fell under the control of the Austrian empire. It wasn’t until the end of the 19th century that the city officially became part of the Kingdom of Italy.
Of all these fascinating historical chapters, a stunning legacy has been left behind, amazing visitors to this day.
Discover the Verona Arena, an incredible Roman Amphitheatre
In its day, up to 30,000 spectators would pack the Verona Arena – dimensions that make it one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in Italy. It’s second only to the Colosseum in Rome and the amphitheatre in Capua.
Despite the monument nearly falling into ruin after a terrible earthquake in 1117, restoration works that began in the Renaissance period mean it’s a monument that can still be enjoyed today. It’s no wonder that a visit to the arena is one of the most popular things to do in Verona! If you want to make the most of a visit to the arena and not miss a beat, this guided tour of the arena is for you.
Admire Juliet’s house
Verona is synonymous with Romeo and Juliet. The famous Shakespearean tragedy has made this city a perfect place for a lovers’ getaway. Although the play didn’t exactly have a happy ending… the love story remains one of the best-loved of Shakespeare’s works and a tale known around the world.
If you’re not sure what to do in Verona, and there’s just one thing you take away from this blog, it should be this: Juliet Capulet’s house is unmissable. Near the Piazza delle Erbe, this 12th-century building belonged to a family with the surname “dal Capello”. Given the similarity, it’s believed to have been the inspiration for the English playwright. However, it must be said that the famous Balcony wasn’t built until the 20th century… Suspicious, but you can get to the bottom of it on our free tour of Verona.
Marvel at Castelvecchio
Another essential thing to do in Verona is visit the castle, known as Castelvecchio. It is, without a doubt, the most spectacular medieval building in Verona. Visiting this fortress will tell you everything you need to know about the Scaligeri family: the noble line that dominated this city between the 13th and 14th centuries. In fact, the castle itself was built by order of Cangrande II della Scala with the aim of defending his city.
Visit the church of Santa Maria Antica, the ‘home’ of the Scaligeri
Continuing around the city with the lords of Scala, another thing to do in Verona is discover the private cemetery where the mortal remains of this family rest, on the grounds of the church of Santa Maria Antica. The Gothic-style funeral monuments are known for their great variety of sculptures and ornaments. An artistic legacy at home in Verona!
Explore Verona Cathedral
As you might expect from an Italian city with such a rich history, Verona has a beautiful cathedral that is well worth visiting. Built in honour of Santa Maria Matricolare, like the Arena in Verona, it was seriously affected by the 12th-century earthquake, which is why it has undergone several renovations.
Inside the temple, keep your eyes open for the painted vault reminiscent of Agrippa’s Pantheon in Rome. If you’re a true history buff, why not book our private tour of Verona? You’ll be able to explore the cathedral, along with many of the other monuments we’ve mentioned!
Visit Piazza delle Erbe
The Palazzo Maffei with its exquisite Baroque decoration, the Gardello tower with one of the oldest mechanical clocks in Europe, the Merchants’ House and its solemn brick exterior, the Madonna Verona fountain… These are just some of the monuments you’ll find in Piazza delle Erbe: a must-see!
What’s more, this is where you’ll find the Lamberti Tower, the highest point in the city at 84 metres (275 ft) high. If you’re asking yourself what to do in Verona, why not enjoy views of the whole city from here?
Discover Verona’s cuisine
It would be a crime to write about the best things to do in Verona without mentioning the food! It will come as no surprise that Verona’s cuisine is well worth exploring. If you’re a true foodie and you want to taste the city’s most typical dishes, we recommend this food tour of Verona.
If there’s one star product in the city’s cuisine, it’s the pandoro. This sweet treat, typical over Christmas, was invented in the area back in the 19th century. If you’re planning to visit during the festive season, don’t miss out on tasting this delicious dessert!
More of a savoury person? Well, the area is also known above all for its risottos, but also for delicious pasta dishes. You’ll be happy to hear that there are hundreds of kinds to try!
Taste Veneto wines
One of the best things to do in Verona is taste some delicious wine. Did you know that the Veneto region produces some of the best wines in all of Italy? If you want to learn more about Verona’s rich wine legacy and taste a variety of Veneto wines, why not do a wine tasting?
Admire the views from the hills of Verona
If you want to admire the city from some of the best viewpoints, a visit to the hills of Verona is an amazing thing to do.
No matter how much time you choose to spend in the city, there are plenty of fun things to do in Verona. If, however, you need more inspiration for your trip, make sure to check out the activities offered by Civitatis!
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Phrash Bharambeez
really nice