Famous as the glorious set of Shakespeare’s most popular tragedy, the quaint little Italian town of Verona climbed up the tourist-favourite destinations’ list further with the movie ‘Letters to Juliet’. However, Verona is much more than just a Shakespearean-play destination. Nestled between River Adige and Lake Garda, this city of love mesmerizes travellers with its cobblestone streets, wide piazzas, picturesque houses, enchanting hills, hidden alleys and stunning architecture.
Here’s a list of the top attractions in Verona, that you should definitely tick off.
# TripHigh_light: Romeo declared his undying love for Juliette here!
Welcome to 23 Cappello Street – Juliette’s home! As you arrive here, you’ll be welcomed by Juliette’s bronze statue near the entrance, inscribed with lines from the famous Shakespearean tale. Then, as you proceed, you’ll witness the iconic ‘Juliette’s Balcony’ from where she is believed to meet her beloved Romeo.
Another highlight here is the famous ‘Juliette’s Wall’! Here you’ll find love letters pasted by forlorn lovers, looking for answers. Every year thousands of love letters make their way here and are answered by a team of volunteers to keep the tradition going. So go ahead, write a letter, as you never know…
Now, let’s look beyond the romantic fiction to the history-steeped attractions in Verona…
Castel San Pietro
Sitting pretty on a hill, overlooking River Adige, Castel San Pietro is an architectural delight and a proud part of the Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites. Originally a church, this building offers sweeping views of the city. Do plan your visit here around late afternoon to relish the magical sunset Castel San Pietro is known for!
Verona Arena in Piazza Bra
Verona used to be an ideal resting place for Romans, and thus you will find a number of Roman ruins here. One of the most well preserved structure among those is the Amphitheatre – Arena di Verona.
Located in the heart of the historic city centre, this is the place where thousands of spectators had once cheered the gladiator battles, which stood witness to tear-jerking executions and then drank in the beauty of modern plays, including Verona’s summer Opera festival.
#MMTQuickFact: This is the largest piazza in Verona, home to several eateries and shopping places – it’s perfect for whiling away your evenings over a drink or two.
Read More: 7 Ravishing Experiences to Indulge in on Your Italian Vacation
Piazza Delle Erbe
Lying in the centre of the historic city, this diamond shaped Piazza is dotted with many buildings of historical importance, number of cafes and restaurants and a beautiful fountain jazzing up the scene.
Popular as the town’s centre in bygone days, you can spot locals munching on olives and chips while sipping on drinks in the evening.
Ponte Pietra
Verona’s oldest bridge, dating prior to 89 BC – Ponte Pietra was originally a wooden bridge, later re-built by Romans with stone. Time and again this bridge was destroyed by floods, battles and more, but reconstructed again and again. An historical relic, trudge along this bridge while getting mesmerized by the stories and legends surrounding the place.
While here, relish traditional Veronese dishes at Osteria Ristorante or hop over to the 200-years-old La Fontanina for some lip-smacking meat delicacies.
Palazzo Giardino Giusti
Away from the bustling city, this magnificent late renaissance garden is perfect for a stroll around with your loved ones. Enjoy the timeless harmony of nature and art or perhaps, initiate a fun game of maze here. We bet you’d find it difficult to weave your way out of this ancient European labyrinth.
Next in line is a tour of the regional wineries…
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Verona, the winery tours here are well-crafted to provide a rich experience of history, culture and legends – beautifully seasoned with glasses of delicious wine. Overlooking the famous Lake Garda, the hillside is famous for producing the renowned Valpolicella and Amarone wines. Do taste the floral Recioto wine here, you’d love it!
