“Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” said the 14-year old Juliet Capulet. This is one of the most recited lines in the world.
As Shakespeare and his plays are eternalized, so is Verona. To most visitors hearing the word Verona, possibly it’s true that the play Romeo and Juliet is the first that comes to mind. To the Italians, however, there is another significant historical attraction that is so well-preserved that it’s still used for contemporary performances. I’m talking about, of course, the Arena di Verona.
A Square in Verona
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| an old square |
Arena di Verona
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| arena in verona |
Arena di Verona is the 2nd most popular colosseum in all of Italy, and the best-preserved one. We can hardly imagine that the colosseum in Rome is suitable for a decent operatic performance. Sure, it can be performed, but the acoustics will be poor. Not in Arena di Verona. Besides Arena di Verona, there are still a huge number of surviving Greco-Roman amphitheaters throughout Italy, but none as large, conserved and celebrated.
Preparing the Stage
During summer, you will find posters advertising the operas that will be performed in the Arena not only in Verona, but in many other cities throughout Italy. You will definitely find posters in Rome, Florence, Naples, etc. It is one of the most spectacular events in Italy in the summer because most of the operas will be performed outdoors. When Teatro alla Scala in Milan isn’t open, Arena di Verona takes the spot.
Tips on Verona
Now, before you get all worked up about visiting Verona, it is fine for you to visit the Arena di Verona first. However, if you’re planning to visit many more attractions, get the Verona Card (€15 for 2 days or €20 for 5 days) when you’re buying the ticket. Verona Card will grant you free access to all the museums and the churches in Verona. Yes, you have to pay money to visit the churches here.
Verona
Casa di Giulietta
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| house's juliet |
Arena di Verona may be the most iconic architecture in all of Verona, but millions come to Verona to visit Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House). It is only a legend because there is no historical proof that there was ever a Capulet or a Capulet with the name of Juliet to have ever stayed here. However, when Verona makes such a bold claim, it seems that many care very little about the historical facts.
Interestingly, I read some notes about the possibility of Shakespeare basing his play on historical figures. If I wasn’t mistaken, it was about two rivaling families in Verona who had children that fell in love with each other. There wasn’t any mention of a Capulet or a Montague, though.
Juliet Bronze Statue, Casa di Giulietta
Do I recommend a visit here? For novelty’s sake, why not? You have already gotten your Verona Card, haven’t you? It’s free! Make the most out of your card.
Be sure to check out the Juliet’s Wall where people from all over the world write their names here, especially if they are couples. It’s similar like tossing a coin into a fortune fountain. In fact, Juliet’s Wall might even be more iconic than the balcony itself.
Religious Sites
There are 4 main churches to visit:
Basilica San Zeno Maggiore
Duomo
Santa Anastasia
San Fermo
Unfortunately, when I was here, the San Zeno was under a heavy restoration and I wasn’t able to get in. Nevertheless, I would recommend you to go inside the San Zeno Maggiore because this is the most famous basilica in Verona. The best sculpting by the master Nicolo can be found in San Zeno Maggiore and the Duomo.
Just as usual, the facades of these churches are all lovely and unique. Considering that these churches can serve as mini art galleries inside, it’s probably quite justified that they charge some fee to enter. Again, if you have the Verona Card, the fees shouldn’t worry you.
Museo Castelvecchio
Another attraction I’m highly recommending is the Museo Castelvecchio, especially if you’re a fan of the medieval age. You get to enter a castle and even go up and enjoy a view of the Adige river. You can go up to the Scaligeri bridge as well, and beware of men dressing up in a Roman soldier costume.
He’s not dangerous or anything, not to everything but your pockets, anyway. He’s not a pickpocket. Well, not one that steals your money illegally anyway. Don’t be seduced by his smiles and his insistence for you to take a photo with him. Once that’s done, expect to part with €1 or €2 in exchange for the novelty shot.
If you think that that’s a fair exchange of money, go ahead. He wouldn’t say how much it cost before because it’s pretty much just based on a gentleman agreement. Though you’d rightly point out that this method is hardly gentlemanly.
The museum itself contains collections of statues from the Middle Ages and paintings from the Venetian masters, namely Veronese, Bellini, Tintoretto and Tiepollo. It also features artworks from the local artist, Pisanello.
Don’t miss the vast courtyard and the giant and stout equestrian statue of Cangrande I. It’s all very fairy-tale!
Cangrande I, Museo Castelvecchio
Juliet’s Tomb
Now, this doesn’t come up in many travel guide books. Apparently, people aren’t too happy visiting Juliet’s tomb probably because it reminds them of the fact that the love story ends tragically. It’s quite ironic to think that many people place their faith for an everlasting relationship based on a tragic love story.
Anyway, Juliet’s tomb is, as you can guess, is basically just a tomb. Considering the fact that Juliet Capulet is a fictional character and the tomb is real, the tomb never managed to keep the body.
That’s not why I’m recommending Juliet’s tomb, though. Honestly, the reason why I visited this site was to complete my heritage to Shakespeare. In the end, that wasn’t why I fell in love.
Actually, besides the tomb, there’s also a small museum. Now, the museum itself is also very low-profiled, but I found some of the most emotionally captivating statues here! Take a look especially at the sculptures crafted by the master Torquato Della Torre. Just take a look at some of the pictures I have taken, and if you love it, remember that the access to the Juliet’s Tomb is free with the Verona Card.
Gaddo by Torre
Astianatte by Torre
Last but not least, for the tech-savvy travelers, did you know that you can buy a podtour of the city for just $9.99? Go here to buy! And for those who enjoy riding segway, there’s an option to tour the city on a segway here!
That’s all for this short city guide to Verona! I hope this post will give you a bit more travel ideas when you’re traveling in Europe. I sincerely wish that you will have more options in terms of places to visit now that you know a bit more. Be a bit more adventurous! Try the off beaten tracks! At the end of the day, the fact is you live only once!