A day in Verona

Verona, the city of love. The city were Romeo and Juliet fell in love and lived one of the most tragic and romantic love story of all times. But also the city of music, Opera and wine. If you happen to be near, and you want to pay a visit, but you don’t have a lot of time, this small guide is right for you if you want to spend a day in Verona. I’ll tell you the best of the city and how to see it in only one day.

You itinerary starts from the main and biggest square, Piazza Brà. The square is in between of gorgeous ancient palaces and is home of the Roman Amphitheater, the Arena di Verona. It is the third biggest amphitheater after the Coliseum and the amphitheater of Capua. But it is indeed the best preserved, as it is still used for the Opera Festival and several shows and concerts.

Follow then Via Mazzini, the shopping alley of the city, where you’ll find the shops of the best Italian fashion and beauty brands. At the end of the street, you need to choose where to go next. On your left you’ll reach Piazza Erbe, the most beautiful for me. Surrounded by ancient painted palaces, the square is full of life, bustling especially during aperitivo, the Italian happy hour.  On the right side of the square, passing through the arch with the whale bone, you’ll reach another, but smaller, beautiful square, Piazza Dante, where you can see the Arche Scaligere (the ancient tombs of the masters of the city) and the Lamberti tower. Take the elevator, or climb up the stairs, to reach the top and have a wonderful sight of the city from above.

Take a break now and have a typical lunch at one of the Osteria hidden in the lateral streets near Piazza Erbe. Now you are ready to pay a visit to Juliet, the young romantic Shakespearean heroine, following the street on the right when arriving from Via Mazzini, or going straight at the end of Piazza Erbe. Juliet’s House is constantly full of lovers, that leave Juliet love messages and small gifts, as you can see on the walls before entering in the courtyard. Play being Juliet for a moment, while appearing on the balcony. Before leaving the courtyard, touch one of Juliet’s boobs, it is said to bring good luck.

Walk again across Piazza Erbe and reach Castelvecchio through strolling along Via Porta Borsari, another area full of shops. Enjoy the gardens of the castle or cross the ancient bridge over the Adige river, where you can have a beautiful sight of the city on the riverside.

If you still have some time and you are not tired, I suggest you to continue your visit reaching Ponte Pietra, the most ancient bridge of the city. The view of the city from there is stunning, especially at sunset. For the athletic, tireless ones: climb the stairs at the end of Ponte Pietra and reach Castel San Pietro, the castle on the hill in front of you. The top offers a beautiful and romantic landscape of the city from above.

This is the best you can do in a day in Verona, but there is more than this to see. Stay tuned for more suggestion. A weekend full of love and history is coming soon.

Have you ever visited Verona? What did you love most? Share it with us!