Verona, known from Romeo and Juliet, is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. Due to its numerous ancient and medieval attractions, it is one of the most romantic Italian destinations.
The ancient city and the modern city center are located at a bend of the Adige River, near Lake Garda. We may know its name well from literature. Two of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. In 2000, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its architectural monuments.
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Verona attractions
Verona Arena
The amphitheater has survived from the Roman Empire era and is still regularly used today.
One of the best-preserved Roman arenas once accommodated 30,000 spectators. It was built in 30 AD within the city walls, with its walls constructed from white and pink limestone from Valpolicella. Although a large part of the arena’s outer ring was destroyed during an earthquake in 1117, a significant portion of the internal structure has been preserved, making it an impressive sight today.
Over the centuries, the building has been used for various purposes, but since the early 20th century, it has become a venue for world-famous opera festivals and open-air concerts.
Verona Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare)
Verona’s most important Catholic church is one of the outstanding symbols of the city’s religious and artistic heritage.
The cathedral was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier basilica destroyed by an earthquake, and has since been remodeled several times, incorporating Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance style elements. Its facade features Romanesque decorations and a beautiful main portal adorned with relief sculptures. Two large lion statues on columns guard the temple entrance.
One of its greatest artistic treasures is Titian’s painting „The Assumption of the Virgin Mary” which is located in one of the side chapels.
Teatro Romano
The other most important ancient monument in the city is located on the banks of the Adige River, at the foot of San Pietro Hill.
The Roman theater was built at the end of the 1st century BC and was one of the most significant cultural centers of imperial Rome. It was only rediscovered and restored in the 19th century. Although many structural elements have been destroyed over the centuries, the stepped auditorium, parts of the stage, and ornate arches are still visible today. The theater’s semicircular auditorium was built into the hillside, offering a stunning view of Verona’s historic center.
The Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano) is located on the theater grounds, showcasing Roman-era sculptures, mosaics, and other historical artifacts.
Piazza delle Erbe
One of Verona’s most beautiful and oldest squares is located in the historic center.
The square was formed on the site of the Roman forum and has been the center of political, commercial, and social life for centuries. Today, it remains one of the most vibrant and picturesque places in the city.
The Lamberti Tower dominates the square with its 84-meter height, offering a fantastic view. On the northern side of the square is the Case Mazzanti, a medieval building whose facade is decorated with colorful frescoes. In the center of the square stands the Madonna Verona fountain, a statue of Roman origin.
Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti)
Standing in Piazza delle Erbe, this tower is the tallest in Verona.
Originally built in 1172, the tower was named after the Lamberti family who commissioned its construction. It has been expanded and restored several times over the centuries, reaching its current height of 84 meters during renovations in the 15th century.
Its architectural style is mixed due to centuries of development: the lower section is Romanesque, while Gothic and Renaissance elements can be observed in the upper part. One of the most interesting features of the tower is its two bells, the Marangona and the Rengo. The Marangona signaled the end of fires and working hours, while the Rengo called the city’s residents together in emergencies or for political decisions.
It’s an excellent viewpoint, with access to the top via stairs or elevator, where there is a viewing terrace. Definitely go up if you’re visiting the city!
Via Giuseppe Mazzini
The busiest pedestrian street runs between the Arena and Piazza delle Erbe.
It’s named after Giuseppe Mazzini, a key figure in Italian unification who was one of the leaders of the Italian independence movement in the 19th century. However, the street had already played an important role in Verona’s life before this, as it was part of the ancient Roman city structure.
Its importance is highlighted by the polished marble pavement. There are numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes along the street.
Arco dei Gavi
The ancient Roman triumphal arch is another significant structure evoking the past.
Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it was erected not for an emperor or military leader, but in honor of a noble Roman family, which was rare. It was built in the 1st century, commissioned by the Gavi noble family. Interestingly, the builder’s name (Lucius Vitruvius Cordone) is carved into the building, which is a rare occurrence in architectural history.
It suffered significant damage throughout history: in 1805, Napoleon’s army demolished it as it hindered military movements. The pieces were preserved, and the arch was rebuilt in 1932 near Castelvecchio, where it can be seen today.
Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
One of Verona’s most romantic attractions is connected to Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Romeo and Juliet.
The house is located on Via Cappello and was once the residence of the medieval Cappello family, whom many consider to be the real-life counterpart of the Capulet family in Shakespeare’s work. One of the main attractions of this 13th-century Gothic building is Juliet’s famous balcony, from which, according to legend, Juliet and Romeo’s words of love were spoken.
The interior of the house functions as a museum where medieval furniture, paintings, and mementos related to Shakespeare’s drama can be viewed. In the courtyard is a bronze statue of Juliet, which, according to legend, brings luck and happiness in love if you touch her left breast.
Porta Nuova
One of Verona’s most impressive city gates serves as the southern entrance to the historic city center.
Its construction began under the rule of the Venetian Republic in 1533 and was realized according to the plans of the famous military architect Michele Sanmicheli. Its purpose was to strengthen Verona’s southern defense and control traffic entering the city. This gate was one of the most important parts of the Renaissance-era fortification system surrounding the city.
Its two large arched gates allowed pedestrian and horse-drawn carriage traffic to pass through. Its decorated facade features military motifs and symbols of the Venetian Republic.
Porta Palio
The other most significant gate was the western entrance.
It was also built in the 16th century, during the rule of the Venetian Republic. Interestingly, it doesn’t open directly onto a city route but primarily served military purposes: it was built to strengthen the fortification system and control the movement of military troops entering the city.
Porta Borsari
The city gate built in the 1st century once served as one of the entrances to the main Roman road, Via Postumia.
Made of white limestone, the gate was part of the defensive system of ancient Verona (Ars et Augusta). The upper level features smaller windows and decorative niches, while the lower level has two larger arches through which one could once enter the city.
Porta Leoni
Another significant city gate also built in the 1st century.
Today, only parts of it remain: among its remains, the former walls, columns, and Roman-era foundations can still be seen. Its unique feature is that the ruins are partly located below street level and can be viewed through a glass pane.
Piazza dei Signori
Several palaces make Verona’s important square even more beautiful.
The square is dominated by the Palazzo della Ragione (the old town hall), which was built in Gothic style and features an impressive, ornate facade and an imposing tower. Another significant building is the Renaissance-style Loggia del Consiglio.
In the center of the square is a statue of Dante, depicting the famous poet born in Verona, who was one of the most important figures in Italian literature.
Scaligeri Tombs
The ornate Gothic tombs are the burial sites of the city’s former ruling family, the Scaligeri dynasty, located in Piazza dei Signori.
The family ruled Verona for centuries, and the tombs were designed to properly reflect the family’s influence. The monuments are one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic art in Northern Italy.
The complex includes six major tombs, among which the most significant are:
- Cangrande I. della Scala’s tomb: One of the most well-known Scaligeri rulers, Cangrande I.’s tomb is an elaborate canopied structure with a statue of the ruler on horseback at the top. He supported Dante Alighieri, and Verona experienced its golden age during his rule.
- Mastino II. della Scala’s tomb: It stands out with a massive canopy and richly decorated carvings.
- Cansignorio della Scala’s tomb: The most intricately crafted, full of detailed Gothic decorations and statues.
San Zeno Maggiore Basilica
Alongside the cathedral, this is also one of the city’s most famous and beautiful churches.
The Romanesque basilica was built in the 11th century and dedicated to Saint Zeno, the patron saint of Verona. Its most striking feature is its impressive facade, which is richly decorated and has three portals. Above the main portal is a wonderful bronze image depicting the life of Saint Zeno.
Its famous marble floor depicts complex geometric patterns, and in the sanctuary, there is an altar that is one of the most famous works of art in the church. It depicts a beautiful gilded altarpiece, an outstanding work of medieval Italian art. Its most significant treasure is the coffin containing the relics of Saint Zeno.
Santa Anastasia Basilica
Verona’s largest Gothic church is located in the historic downtown area.
Its construction began at the end of the 13th century, commissioned by the Dominican order, and was only fully completed in the 15th century. It is named after Saint Anastasia, an early Christian martyr.
It is a classic Italian Gothic church that follows the architectural traditions of the Dominican order. The three-naved church features slender columns and a star-vaulted ceiling. One of its characteristics is the tall, brick-built bell tower that dominated medieval Verona.
The interior of the basilica is richly decorated with frescoes, paintings, and sculptures that are outstanding works of medieval and Renaissance art. Its most famous work is Pisanello’s fresco, Saint George and the Princess, which is among the masterpieces of the Renaissance.
Castelvecchio
Verona’s medieval fortress is located on the banks of the Adige River.
The castle was built in the second half of the 14th century by Cangrande II. della Scala, ruler of Verona, to provide protection for the city and his own dynasty. The Gothic brick castle features massive walls, towers, and strong bridges.
One of its most significant elements is the Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte Scaligero), which was also built in the 14th century and allowed the castle’s inhabitants to quickly escape to the opposite bank. The bridge’s special fortress-like design and impressive arches make it one of the most beautiful medieval bridges in Italy.
Today, it houses the Castelvecchio Museum (Museo di Castelvecchio), which contains one of Verona’s most significant art and historical collections. The museum features medieval and Renaissance paintings, sculptures, weapons, coins, and frescoes, including works by Pisanello, Tintoretto, and Veronese.
Castel San Pietro
The city’s other important fortress rises on the eastern bank of the Adige River.
San Pietro Hill was already of strategic importance in ancient times: the first Roman settlement was established here in the 1st century BC, which later developed into the city of Verona. In the Middle Ages, a fortress stood on this site, which was strengthened by both the Scaligeri family and later the Venetian Republic.
However, the present-day Castel San Pietro was built in 1851 under Austrian rule, when Verona was one of the important military centers of the Austrian Empire. The Austrians erected a massive fort on the hilltop, which they used for defensive purposes.
The castle is located at the top of the hill, providing an excellent view of the entire city and the bends of the Adige. The staircase leading to the castle is one of the most beautiful walking paths in Verona, starting near the Ponte Pietra. Additionally, visitors can use the funicular (Funicolare di Castel San Pietro) that was reopened after decades.
Ponte Pietra
One of Verona’s oldest and most beautiful bridges spans the Adige River. Its name means „stone bridge”.
The bridge was built by the Romans around 100 BC and functioned as an important part of the Via Postumia, the trade and military road in northern Italy. In 1945, German troops blew it up, but it was carefully reconstructed after the war using its original materials.
The multi-arched structure combines architectural elements from different historical periods. Alongside the original Roman parts, medieval and Renaissance-style elements can also be discovered.
Giusti Garden (Giardino Giusti)
The Renaissance-style garden is one of the city’s most popular green recreational areas.
The garden was created by the Giusti family at the end of the 16th century. The family was a wealthy textile merchant dynasty who decided to create a magnificent garden worthy of the most beautiful traditions of contemporary Italian Renaissance garden architecture. It attracted numerous famous visitors, including Goethe, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky.
It features carefully trimmed hedges, ornate fountains, mythological statues, and lush vegetation. The garden was designed symmetrically, and due to its terraced arrangement, its higher points offer wonderful views of Verona. Its most popular part is the sculpted hedge maze – one of the oldest surviving labyrinths in Italy.