Verona is a gorgeous city situated in the northeastern region of Italy. It’s often referred to as the “City of Love” due to its romantic history and picturesque setting. Verona has plenty of things to do and see, from historic city sites to beautiful natural attractions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Verona is a great destination for all types of travelers. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 10 things to do and see in Verona. From cathedrals to river cruises, there are lots of exciting activities for everyone to enjoy! Let’s take a look at some of them now.
Piazza delle Erbe
Verona’s Piazza delle Erbe is one of the most beautiful and vibrant squares in all of Italy. Lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops, the square is a great place to spend an afternoon people-watching or doing some shopping. In the center of the square is a fountain with a statue of Madonna Verona, which is said to bring good luck to those who touch it. At night, the square comes alive with locals and tourists alike, making it the perfect place to start or end your evening.
The Piazza delle Erbe is also home to many of Verona’s popular attractions, such as the Roman Arena, the Torre dei Lamberti, and the ancient Roman ruins. Other historical sites in the area include palazzos, churches, and museums that offer insight into Verona’s past. Whether you’re just passing through or spending a few days in Verona, the Piazza delle Erbe is a must-see destination.
Roman Arena
Verona is home to one of the largest and best-preserved Roman arenas in existence. The arena, built around 30 AD, could originally seat up to 30,000 spectators and was used for gladiatorial contests, public speeches, animal hunts, and other entertainment. These days, it still hosts a variety of events such as operas, ballets, and concerts. You can also take a tour of the arena to learn more about its history.
Torre dei Lamberti
The Torre dei Lamberti is a medieval tower that offers stunning views of Verona from its 84-meter height. The tower was built in 1172 and was part of the city’s fortifications until 1798. It has been restored many times over the centuries and now contains a lift, making it easier for visitors to climb up for breathtaking views.
Ancient Roman Ruins
Verona is filled with ancient Roman ruins, including the Arco dei Gavi, a medieval bridge that dates back to the 1st century BC. Other ruins include two Roman theaters, an amphitheater, and several statues and monuments scattered around the city. A few of these relics are located in the Archeological Museum of Verona, where you can learn more about the city’s rich history.
Ponte Pietra
The Ponte Pietra is one of the most iconic landmarks in Verona. This ancient bridge spans the Adige River and is made entirely of white marble. It was constructed by the Romans in the 1st century BC and is one of the oldest bridges still standing in Italy today. Visitors can admire the bridge’s impressive architecture and take in sweeping views of the river and city from its pedestrian walkway.
The Ponte Pietra is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It serves as an important gateway from the city center to the district of Prà di Rivoli and nearby neighborhoods. On special occasions, the bridge is illuminated in vibrant colors and adorned with decorations, making it an even more beautiful sight to behold. The bridge is also a popular spot for weddings, with couples often exchanging their vows in front of its majestic arches.
Castelvecchio
Castelvecchio is a medieval castle located in Verona, Italy. The castle was built in the 13th century and has been well-preserved. Visitors can explore the castle grounds and learn about its history. There are also several museums inside the castle, including the Museum of Arms and Armor.
The castle is located on the banks of the Adige River and it commands a view of the entire city. Castelvecchio is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Verona and it is a great place to take pictures from. There are also many restaurants nearby where visitors can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine.
Castelvecchio was built in the 13th century by Cangrande II della Scala, the ruler of Verona at the time. The castle was built to protect the city from potential enemies and was a symbol of power for the della Scala family. It was later used by other powerful families such as the Visconti and Gonzaga families. In 1823, Castelvecchio became part of the Kingdom of Italy. During World War II, it served as a refuge for local citizens who were trying to escape air raids by Allied forces.
Castelvecchio consists of two main courtyards and two towers, which are connected by a bridge over a dry moat. Inside, visitors can explore many well-preserved rooms including bedrooms, kitchens, and even dungeons. There are also several museums located inside the castle grounds such as the Museum of Arms and Armor and the Museum of Lapidary Art. Visitors can also walk around the ramparts which offer stunning views across Verona and its surrounding hills.
Museo Civico
The Civic Museum is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the Arena. The museum houses an extensive collection of Roman artifacts, as well as a number of sculptures and paintings. Highlights of the collection include the statue of Marcus Aurelius, the bust of Julius Caesar, and a number of mosaics. The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Museo di Castelvecchio
The Museum of Castelvecchio is a medieval fortress in the heart of Verona, dating back to the 13th century. The museum houses an extensive collection of artwork and artifacts from that era, including sculptures, frescoes, and pottery. Highlights include the “Wedding Chamber” with its frescoes depicting the marriage of Romeo and Juliet, as well as an impressive collection of weapons and armor. The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Casa di Giulietta
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Verona is Casa di Giulietta or Juliet’s House. The house is said to be where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet fell in love. Visitors can see Juliet’s balcony, which is now surrounded by a bronze statue of Juliet. The house also has a museum dedicated to the famous story.
The house is located in an old building on the Via Cappello and was bought by the city of Verona in 1905. It was renovated and opened to the public as a museum. Visitors can explore the courtyard where Romeo waited for Juliet, as well as rooms filled with artistic reproductions of different scenes from Shakespeare’s play. The house also includes a balcony where visitors can pose for romantic photos.
The house is open to visitors daily from 9 am-7 pm.
Porta Borsari
The Porta Borsari is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Verona. The Roman gate was built in the 1st century and is a great example of ancient architecture. The Porta Borsari is also a good place to start your exploration of the city as it is located near many other popular sights.
The Porta Borsari is a great place to take pictures and admire its architecture. It’s also one of the best spots for people-watching, as it is located near many busy streets and squares. The gate also has two towers, adding to its dramatic look. Inside the gate, you will find a small museum that showcases the history of Verona.
The Porta Borsari is open every day from 9 AM to 7 PM. There is an admission fee for adults and discounted rates for students and children. Guided tours are also available if you would like to learn more about the history of the gate and Verona itself.
Chiesa di Santa Maria in Valverde
The Chiesa di Santa Maria in Valverde is one of the most beautiful churches in Verona. It was built in the 12th century and has a stunning Romanesque facade. The interior of the church is very simple, but it is worth taking a look around. There are some beautiful frescoes on the walls and the ceiling.
The church is located in the Valverde neighborhood, which is on the east side of Verona. It can be reached by taking the Corso Cavour bus from the train station. The church is open to visitors every day except Monday and Sunday morning.
The Chiesa di Santa Maria in Valverde is a great example of Romanesque architecture. The church is renowned for its beautiful facade and elaborate frescoes. It is also a popular destination for visitors to Verona, and it is definitely worth checking out if you are in the area.
Palazzo Te
Palazzo Te is a beautiful Renaissance palace in Verona, Italy. It was built by the Duke of Mantua, Francesco Gonzaga, in the early 16th century as a summer residence. The palace is set on a hill overlooking the Adige River and the city of Verona. It is one of the most important examples of Renaissance architecture in northern Italy.
The exterior of Palazzo Te is decorated with high-quality stucco work and stone trims. The main entrance is located on the north side of the building and leads into a large courtyard. From here, you can access the various rooms and chambers of the palace including the Great Hall, which is decorated with frescoes by Andrea Mantegna.
In addition to its architectural importance, Palazzo Te is also significant for its historical association with some of Italy’s most famous figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Cesare Borgia. Leonardo da Vinci spent several months at Palazzo Te working on plans for an ideal city. Cesare Borgia stayed at Palazzo Te during his time as Governor of Romagna.
Today, Palazzo Te is open to the public as a museum and it is definitely worth a visit if you are interested in Italian Renaissance art and architecture.
Parco Sigurtà
The Parco Sigurtà is one of the largest parks in Italy and covers nearly 1,200 hectares. Visitors can explore the park on foot, by bike, or even by horse-drawn carriage. There are also a number of lakes and ponds where you can go for a swim or go boating. The park is also home to a wide variety of plants and animals, making it a great place for nature lovers.
The park is split into two parts, the high park, and the low park. The high park is located on a hill and has lovely views of the surrounding countryside. It also features historic gardens, such as the Garden of Love and the Labyrinth of Time. The low park is in an area with a lower elevation, and it’s more open with meadows, streams, and wetlands.
The park hosts many events throughout the year, such as concerts, exhibitions, theatrical performances, and workshops. There are also several restaurants in the area that serve traditional Italian cuisine. Parco Sigurtà is a great place to relax and enjoy nature in all its glory.
Conclusion
Verona is one of Italy’s most beautiful cities and its sights, sounds, and attractions make it a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the best that Italy has to offer. With so much to see and do, we hope this list of the top 10 things to do in Verona has helped you decide where you should go first. Whether you explore ancient ruins or take in some breathtaking views, there truly is something for everyone here in Verona!