What are the Best Attractions in Verona, Italy?

Verona, Italy is world-renowned for its romantic charm, cobbled streets, and beautifully preserved historical buildings. It’s no surprise that the city on the banks of the Adige river is a popular destination for travelers the world over. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best attractions in Verona that make it one of Italy’s most picturesque cities.

Sample the finest wines and cuisine
Verona is home to some of Italy’s most beloved varieties of wines, including Valpolicella and Amarone. The city is well known for its delicious homemade pasta dishes, such as bigoli in salsa, a type of thick spaghetti-like pasta served with a savory sauce. Sample the unique local cuisine by discovering some of Verona’s traditional trattorie.

Visit historical monuments of Verona
Verona’s historical monuments date back to the Roman Empire and well beyond. Start your journey by visiting Piazza delle Erbe, Verona’s most famous square that dates back centuries. While you’re in Piazza delle Erbe, be sure to stop by the House of Juliet, one of the city’s most iconic monuments featured in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The fragile yet beautifully preserved balcony is a must-see. Located close by is the Verona Arena, a 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater where operas and plays still take place in the warmer months.

Shop in designer stores
Verona has no shortage of boutique stores, designer shops, and markets to explore. Visit the City Center in Via Alessandro Manzoni or Via Cappello for clothing, jewelry, and accessories from European designers. Stop by the Verona Antiques Market every Thursday at Piazza delle Erbe to pick up some vintage treasures or visit one of the city’s many specialty stores to pick up something special for your home or as a gift.

Stroll the riverbanks
Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Adige river and soak up the old-world atmosphere. Make sure to visit Ponte Pietra, or “Stone Bridge,” a 2,000-year-old bridge that truly brings the history of Verona alive. Admire some of the city’s many impressive churches, such as Santa Maria Antica, recently renovated in 1376 with a neo-gothic façade.

Experience the local festivals
Experience life like a local in Verona by attending one of the city’s annual festivals. In July and August, catch an unforgettable opera performance at Verona Arena’s Summer Festival. Verona is also home to an annual film festival that takes place each year and sees international actors, directors and producers visit for movie screenings and events. In September, take part in Fruilia wine celebration and sample local wines and cuisine from around Italy.

Verona undoubtedly boasts some of the best attractions in Italy. From delightful local wine varieties and traditional cuisine to cobbled streets lined with stunning medieval architecture and churches, there is something here to interest all kinds of travelers. Plus, with its unique and vibrant festivals, it’s no surprise that Verona ranks so highly as a must-visit destination in Italy!

An Insider’s Guide to Verona, Italy: Exploring the City of Love

Welcome to Verona, Italy – a city of love, romance, and culture. Located in the northern region of Italy, Verona is known worldwide as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. However, there is so much more to this stunning city than just a love story. The city boasts an impressive collection of Roman ruins, beautiful piazzas, and delicious Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a lover of history, art, or food, Verona has something to offer to everyone. Here’s an insider’s guide to Verona, Italy, to help you make the most of your visit.

Local Attractions

Verona is full of attractions that will leave you spellbound with its beauty and grandeur. Here are a few local attractions that you must visit.

Arena di Verona

The Arena di Verona is a stunning amphitheater that was built during the Roman Empire, and it is still used today for opera performances. The amphitheater’s size and monumental architecture are magnificent, and it offers a unique glimpse of Verona’s rich history.

Casa di Giulietta

Juliet’s balcony in Verona is perhaps the most famous tourist attraction in the city. Located in a historic building called Casa di Giulietta or House of Juliet, it is believed to be the balcony from which Juliet spoke to Romeo in Shakespeare’s play. The interior of the house has a museum and includes a statue of Juliet, and visitors can leave letters and notes to Juliet on the walls.

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is the most popular and vibrant square in Verona, dating back to Roman times. It has a market that sells fresh produce, cheese, meat, and wine from the region. Visitors can sip on a cappuccino or an aperitivo while sitting at one of the many cafes located in the square.

Dining Spots

When in Verona, one must indulge in the local cuisine, which is an exciting blend of Northern Italian and Venetian dishes. Here are a few dining spots that you must visit to experience the authentic flavors of Verona.

Trattoria Amelia

Trattoria Amelia is a family-run restaurant located in the heart of Verona. The menu is inspired by traditional local cuisine, and the ingredients are sourced from local farmers and markets. The homemade pasta and the gnocchi alla Sorrentina are popular dishes among diners, but book ahead as the restaurant is small and has limited seats.

L’Oste Scuro

L’Oste Scuro is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Verona. It serves typical Veronese dishes, such as risotto all’Amarone and Brasato all’Amarone, which is a delicious slow-cooked beef dish with Amarone wine. The decoration of the restaurant is rustic, with exposed bricks and wooden furnishings.

Cultural Experiences

Apart from its attractions and food, Verona offers several cultural experiences that will give visitors an insight into the city’s rich history and art. Here are a few cultural experiences you must indulge in on your visit.

Castelvecchio Museum

The Castelvecchio Museum is a stunning medieval fortress that also houses a collection of art from the 14th to the 18th centuries. The museum’s two main highlights are the painting of St. George by Pisanello and the statue of The Two Kings by Niccolò di Liberti.

Juliet’s Club

Juliet’s Club is a unique organization in Verona that connects people from around the world who are looking for answers to their love problems. Visitors to the club can leave letters to Juliet at the ‘Club di Giulietta’, and volunteers from the club will reply to them.

Local History

Verona has a rich history, and one of the best ways to explore it is through a tour of the city’s historical landmarks. Here are a few local history recommendations to add to your itinerary.

Arche Scaligere

Arche Scaligere is located near the Church of Santa Maria Antica and is a group of Gothic tombs dating back to the 14th century. They were commissioned by the noble Scaliger family of Verona, who were in power from the 13th to the 14th century.

Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra is one of Verona’s oldest bridges, built by the Romans in the 1st century BC. It is a beautiful pedestrian bridge that offers panoramic views of the Adige river and the historic buildings of Verona.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you have extra time to explore and want to get away from the crowds, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path suggestions in Verona.

Gardens of Giusti

The Gardens of Giusti is an Italian-style garden that was designed in the 16th century. It is the oldest garden in Italy, and its design is based on the principles of symmetry, balance, and order. The gardens have manicured lawns, fountains, and sculptures, and from the top, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Verona.

Santuario Madonna della Corona

Santuario Madonna della Corona is a beautiful church located on a rocky outcrop in the mountains east of Verona. The church dates back to the 15th century and is known for the stunning views of the Adige River and the surrounding landscape.

Conclusion

Verona, Italy, is a city that should not be missed during your Italian vacation. From its rich history to its romantic ambiance, Verona has everything to offer. Do not forget to indulge in the local cuisine and wine and take back with you a piece of Verona’s history and culture.