Best 9 Things to Do & See in Romeo & Juliet’s Hometown; Verona, Italy!

Located in Northern Italy’s Veneto region, the previously Roman city of Verona is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its extreme significance across centuries, whether geographically, historically, or culturally. 

Verona was established as a Roman Settlement in 89 B.C. by Hugging the Adige River’s banks. Thanks to its importance during Roman times, the city earned its nickname ‘Piccola Roma,’ which means Little Rome. However, that’s not all that gave this Italian gem worldwide fame. Most people know Verona as the city of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. 

Aside from its cultural and historical significance, Verona offers plenty as a world-class tourist destination and the perfect Italian getaway spot. 

Best Things To Do & See in Verona, Italy

There are too many sights to see, places to visit, and experiences to enjoy in this ethereal Italian city. Therefore, you can easily get overwhelmed by its Shakespearean beauty if you don’t plan your trip well and thus miss out on some of Italy’s Verona’s best attractions. So let us help you by taking you on a virtual tour of Verona’s best attractions… 

Castelvecchio Bridge, Museum, and Gallery 

Castelvecchio is a square fort that dates back to the Middle Ages and is located on the banks of the River Adige. At its establishment, Castelvecchio was the most critical and powerful military construction in the area. 

The Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte Scaligero) extends from the fort. When it was built, it was the longest bridge in the world. 

Although built for practical purposes and military use, Castelvecchio fort and bridge, like most of Verona’s old historic buildings from this era, were made from red brick, which helped them stand out among the city’s beautiful natural landscape. 

This middle-aged castle is now the home of the Castelvecchio Museum and Gallery, which depicts the castle’s history through a collection of medieval artefacts, factual displays, and an impressive collection of paintings by Pisanello, Giovanni Bellini, Veronese, and Tiepolo. 

Basilica of Saint Anastasia

The Basilica of Saint Anastasia is the city’s largest church. It is named after Saint Anastasia, a martyr who lived in the 4th century A.D. This gorgeous basilica was where most of Verona’s ruling families usually went to worship. 

Today, the Basilica of Saint Anastasia is one of the city’s most famous and most visited attractions because, aside from its historical significance, this centuries-old church is visually astonishing. Walking inside, you will see the church’s beautifully decorated vaulted ceiling with ornate side chapels, the colourful tiles on the floor, and 15th-century artist Pisanello’s famous fresco just above the entrance to the Pellegrini chapel. 

Juliet’s Balcony

Whether you are a romantic or not, chances are you will probably be at least intrigued to visit Juliet’s House, Casa di Giulietta, and see firsthand the famous and iconic landmark of Juliet’s Balcony. 

The balcony overlooks a small courtyard where a bronze statue of Juliet stands. The Juliet statue, which stands today, dates back to 2004. However, this one replaces the original statue from 1969, which is now in the museum’s atrium. 

Juliet’s house’s beautiful setting makes it the perfect location for a romantic photoshoot with your loved ones or even a reenactment of one of Romeo and Juliet’s famous balcony scenes.  

Juliet’s Tomb at San Francesco al Corso Monastery

To complete your Shakespearean Literature adventure, you should visit San Francesco al Corso Monastery, where Juliet’s empty tomb, where she was laid to rest after ingesting the poison, is located.

This old monastery has been transformed into the Museum of Frescoes G.B. Cavalcaselle, which houses frescos from Medieval Veronese buildings and 19th-century sculptures. 

Casa di Romeo (Romeo’s House)

You can’t round out this Shakespeare tour without visiting the one and only Casa di Romeo or Romeo’s house. A short walking distance from Juliet’s house is all that stands between the two star-crossed lovers’ residences. 

Although the house is not currently open for visitors, just passing by it and taking a picture or two of the romantic and ethereal entrance, as well as the Shakespearean inscription on the house’s facade, is enough for you to say that you have officially completed your tour around Romeo & Juliet’s Verona. 

Piazza Delle Erbe

Piazza Delle Erbe, or Square of Herbs, is one of the city’s most lively piazzas. The diamond-shaped Piazza Delle Erbe is located in the heart of Verona’s historic centre; it holds great historical significance as during the Roman Empire, it would have been the location of the main forum of the settlement. 

Piazza Delle Erbe is now surrounded by important buildings such as the Torre de Lamberti, the Casa de Giudici (Judes’ Hall), and the Mazzanti houses. 

 However, the masterpiece of the Piazza Delle Erbe is its fountain. This gorgeous historic monument dates back to 1368, when Cansignorio Della Scala built it with a Roman statue called Madonna Verona, dating back to 380 AD. 

Roman Arena (Arena di Verona) 

The most iconic and oldest monument in Verona is, without a doubt, the ancient Roman Arena, or Arena di Verona.

This architecturally gorgeous Roman Amphitheatre was built in the 1st century A.D. around the end of the Augustus empire and the beginning of the Claudius empire.

The astonishing Arena di Verona is one of Italy’s largest and oldest amphitheatres. Thanks to its elliptical shape, it offers some of the world’s best acoustics, which is why the biggest names in the music industry and opera have hosted some of the most unforgettable live performances there over the past few decades. So try your hardest to catch a live show while there; it promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Verona Cathedral (Complesso della Cattedrale Duomo)

The Verona Cathedral is the city’s most decorative and gorgeously detailed religious building. Featuring a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, the Verona Cathedral or Complesso Della Cattedrale Duomo is one of the city’s most beautiful churches. 

On the main altar, you will see a stunning fresco depicting a religious scene; to its right, you will see a substantial gold organ and the red marble columns lining the main knave.

Verona Cathedral, dating back to 1187, is one of the oldest religious buildings in the city. Surrounding the cathedral is a complex of buildings that includes San Giovanni in Fonte, Santa Elena, and the Canon’s Cloister. 

Lake Garda 

Just 40 minutes from Verona is Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda or Lago di Garda. Fringed by villages, mountains, vineyards, and citrus groves, Lake Garda is one of Italy’s most beautiful and suitable spots to relax and enjoy a picnic outdoors.  

On Lake Garda and quite close to Verona is the town of Sirmione, which contains one of Italy’s most well-preserved castles: Castello Scaligero, a 13th-century fortress built by the Scaliger family. 

Along the shore of Lake Garda, you can find many beautiful beaches, picturesque alleys, and several cafes and restaurants, so you can unwind and relax in some cosy spot while overlooking the breathtaking beauty of Italy’s largest lake, Lake Garda. 

When is the best time to visit Verona, Italy? 

The best time of year to visit Verona is between late May and early October. The weather is at its best, and the Verona Arena Opera House hosts the best performances. 

However, if you are looking for a less crowded scene, aim to visit Verona during the spring and fall seasons. 

Whenever you decide to go, one thing is guaranteed: you will have time in the gorgeous Italian city of Verona.

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