Verona: More Love Than Romeo and Juliet

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Dina Essawy

The Italian city of Verona is a city on the Adige River in Veneto, Italy. It is one of the main tourist destinations in the region of northern Italy, and even Italy as a whole, due to its artistic heritage and the fact that it hosts numerous annual fairs, shows, and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheatre. Perhaps its main draw is the fact that it is the setting of two of William Shakespeare’s plays: Romeo and Juliet and The Two Gentlemen of Verona, which has attracted millions of tourists to the city over the years.

The city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its unique urban architecture.

History of Verona

Not much is known about Verona’s early history. Some speculate that it was a city of the Euganei, a Proto-Italic ethnic group that lived an area among the Adriatic Sea and the Rhaetian Alps, who were forced to give it up to the Cenomani, an ancient tribe of the Cisalpine Gauls (550 BC). The Veronese territory became Roman about 300 BC. Verona itself became a Roman colony in 89 BC.

In 489 AD, Verona was conquered by the Ostrogoths and the Gothic domination of Italy began. In 569, it was conquered by the Lombards. Verona then became the residence of the kings of Italy.

The city continued to experience turbulent political events until medieval times.

During his rule, Cansignorio (1359–1375) beautified the city with palaces, established bridges and founded the state treasury.

From 1508 to 1517, the city was under the power of Emperor Maximilian I. There were numerous outbreaks of the plague, and from 1629 to 1633, Italy was struck by its worst outbreak in modern times, as over 60% of the population perished (around 33,000 people during 1630–1631.

Verona was occupied by Napoleon in 1797, but the people of Verona rose against him and drove him out. However, the Venetian Republic ended and Verona became Austrian territory when Napoleon signed the Treaty of Campo Formio in 1797. It was taken from Austria again in 1805 and became part of Napoleon’s Kingdom of Italy, but was returned to Austria following Napoleon’s defeat in 1814 when it became part of the Austrian-held Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia.

In 1866, Verona and the rest of Venetia became part of United Italy, following the Third Italian War of Independence.

Top Attractions in Verona

Because of its world-renowned historical buildings, Verona has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Verona preserved many ancient Roman monuments (including the Verona Arena) which date back to the early Middle Ages, but many of its early medieval edifices were destroyed or damaged by the earthquake in 1117.

Admire the Impressive Verona Arena

In the centre of the city of Verona, in its largest Piazza, Piazza Bra, you’ll find the Roman military settlement which is now referred to as the Verona Arena. Verona is famous for its Roman amphitheatre, including the Arena which was completed around 30 AD. It is the third-largest in Italy after Rome’s Colosseum and the arena at Capua. It could seat some 25,000 spectators. The interior is very impressive and remains intact. It is still used today for public events, fairs, theatre and open-aired opera during the summer.

Visit the Fresh Market at Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe (Herb Square) is Verona’s main town square. It was rebuilt by the lords of Verona, using material from Roman spas and villas. It does a great job of highlighting Verona’s historic charm with its 14th-century Madonna statue and fountain surrounded by unique historic buildings. The square is also lined with several bars where you can sit down, relax and enjoy people watching over coffee or gelato. The piazza is also known as a shopping centre due to its market stalls and the Borsalino designer boutique. Various important buildings line the square including the Case dei Giudici, the Torre Lamberti, and the Palazzo Maffeia.

Remember Shakespeare’s Classic at Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House)

Possibly one of the most well-known attractions in Verona, Juliet’s House draws in thousands of crowds to the city every year, who hope to catch a glimpse of the house and the famous balcony which serves as the setting for Romeo’s declaration of love for Juliet.

However, what is the real history behind the famous house?

In fact, while the house dates back to the 13th century, the famous balcony wasn’t added until the 20th century. In 1905, it was bought from the Cappello family by the city of Verona. The similarity of their name to Capulet (Juliet’s surname) resulted in the dubbing of the home as ‘Juliet’s House’, thus turning it into a tourist attraction.

Visitors don’t only go there to walk around and admire the house itself; they also leave love notes in the courtyard walls. According to the popular legend, if you leave a letter declaring your everlasting love at Juliet’s House, then you will be together forever. However, the practice has now been forbidden due to the damage it has caused to the structure of the house.

So, be careful! You may be fined up to 500 Euros if you’re caught sticking a note to the walls.

Although the practice of sticking notes has been forbidden, people still write letters to Juliet, asking for her advice on love. A team of volunteers dubbed as ‘Juliet’s Secretaries’ answer these letters out of an upstairs room in the house.

The house and the letters became the subject of a film called ‘Letters to Juliet’ starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave.

Another myth connected to the house concerned with the statue of Juliet in the courtyard, as its thought that if you touch the right breast of the statue, it will bring you luck in finding your own true love.

Inside the house, you’ll find authentic pieces from the time of Romeo and Juliet, allowing you to really get an idea of life in a rich house in Verona in their lifetime. The museum has Renaissance-era costumes and the actual bed used in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica of San Zeno is one of the most important churches in Verona, due to its stunning architecture, but also because it was the fictional place where the marriage of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet took place.

Located west of the River Adige, the Basilica can be found in the Piazza San Zeno.

The front façade of this church has a large central circular window and a beautiful ornate wooden door.

Inside the Basilica marble columns hold up the arches and the ceiling has a series of decorative tile-work.

Roam the Famous Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is the largest square in Verona, some say it is even the largest in Italy and Europe. The piazza is lined with numerous cafés and restaurants, along with several notable buildings; the Verona Arena, Verona’s town hall, and the Palazzo Barbieri.

The centre of the piazza is dominated by the Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II, the first ruler of a united Italy. The fountain in the park (Fontana Delle Alpi) was constructed on the occasion of Verona’s pairing with Munich and was built by the Germans. In return, a statue of Juliet was erected in the ancient town hall in Munich. You can also find a memorial for the displaced Italians in German concentration camps under the trees at Piazza Bra.

Some of the buildings surrounding the Piazza Bra are over 2,000 years old, including the Verona Arena, which was built two centuries ago by the Austrians and is now a world-renowned music venue with. You can have a seat on its sprawling steps to enjoy a view of the Piazza Bra.

The Roman can be seen around the northern corner of the square. The Portoni del Bra archway and remnants of the ancient city wall enclose the Piazza to the south. Right by the city walls is the Palazzo Gran Guardia and the Museo Lapidario Maffeiano.

Palazzo Barbieri, on the eastern side of the Piazza, was built in the 19th century by architect Giuseppe Barbieri. It has been the offices of the municipal administration since 1869.

Built in the seventeen century and designed by Domenico Curtoni, the Grand Guard is an impressive building, with a stone stairway leading to a grand porch, supported by twelve pillars with full centre arches.

Other attractions you can see on the Piazza Bra include the Palaces on the Listòn. The Ottolini Palace, designed by architect M. Castellazzi, is on the corner of Via Roma, near the Guglienzi-Brognoligo Palace, which is in the Renaissance style of the 15th century. The 16th century-style Fracasso-Gianfilippi Palace can be found nearby as well. The Guastaverza Palace was also built in the mid-sixteenth century according to a design by Sammicheli.

The Piazza Bra has an abundance of excellent restaurants and cafes. If you have enough time, you should certainly relax for a while and enjoy the views of this beautiful and historic square.

Enter the Old Town Through Portoni della Bra

The Portoni della Brà are the two arches of the town gate to the south of the Piazza Bra. If you step through the arches, you will find the Porta Nova, which connects the old town with the fortifications in the south. The Portoni della Brà were not originally designed as a city gate but were intended as a passageway between the Castelvecchio and the Citadel.

 

Witness Dante’s Inspiration at Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

Built from 1123–1135, the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is Romanesque style church, constructed over the 4th-century shrine to Verona’s patron saint, St. Zeno (died 380). The façade dominates the large square and is bordered by a 72-metre-tall bell tower, which is mentioned by Dante in Canto 18 of Purgatory in the Divine Comedy. Each side of the doorway is ornamented with 18 bas-relief panels of biblical scenes, and the inner bronze door panels have 48 depictions of Biblical scenes and episodes from the life of St Zeno. The interior walls of the church are covered with 12th and 14th-century frescos and the ceiling of the nave is a magnificent example of a ship’s keel ceiling. The crypt contains the tomb of the first Bishop of Verona, St. Zeno, and tombs of a number of other saints, and the tomb of King Pippin of Italy.

Go Back to Roman Times at Porta Borsari

The Porta Borsari is an ancient Roman gate that was built in the 1^st century AD as the southwestern entrance to the ancient Verona. The gate’s name came in the middle ages when customs officials (i.e bursarii) were stationed there to tax the goods. The original building contained an inner court. It was rebuilt in 265 AD with a new limestone facade. The gate also leads to the Corso Porta Borsari shopping centre.

If you move from the Porta Borsari south on the Corso Cavour, you’ll find yourself walking on a 2,000-year-old road, which, in Roman times, connected Genoa, Verona and Trieste. Numerous palaces line the road to the Castelvecchio, such as the Palazzo Bevilacqua and the Palazzo Canossa, which were both built in 1530. Interestingly enough, the high-water marks of the Adige river, which flooded Verona several times in its history, can be seen on many buildings.

Other nearby attractions include the Galleria Officina d’Arte, the Church of Sant’Eufemia, the Foro Romano in Piazza Erbe, the Monumento alle vittime del 1915, Torre dei Lamberti, La colonna di San Marco, the Case dei Mazzanti, the Museo d’arte, La fontana di Madonna Verona, and the Fondazione Museo Miniscalchi Erizzo.

Visit the Former Town Center at Piazza dei Signori

The Piazza dei Signori was the former centre in Verona. Many beautiful buildings belonging to the former city government line the Piazza, including the court and the seat of power of the Scaliger family. A large statue by the famous Italian poet Dante Alighieri is situated in the square where it was erected in 1865, giving the square the nickname “Piazza Dante”.

One of the most significant buildings there is the Loggia del Consiglio, opposite the Palazzo del Comune. It was built by Fra Giocondo in 1476 and is a magnificent example of the Venetian Renaissance style. The building features many statues by Alberto da Milano of famous Italians born in Verona, such as Gaius Valerius Catullus, Pliny the Elder, Aemilius Macer, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio and Cornelius Nepos.

The Casa della Pièta can be found left of the Loggia. Its unique façade depicts a seated woman with a flag, which was the symbol of the city of Verona during the rule of Venice.

The Palazzo del Podestà, also called Palazzo del Governo, right next to the Loggia del Consiglio was once the seat of power of the Scaliger family. The Arco della Tortura, named after the torture instruments of the Veronese judges hung here, connects the Palazzo del Podestà with the Palazzo dei Tribunali.

The Palazzo dei Tribunali (the court) is connected by an arch to the Palazzo del Comune and dates back to 1575. The Porta Bombardiera, decorated with two cannons in the palace courtyard, contains a courtyard where you will find excavations of the Roman foundations with parts of a mosaic floor. The last palace in the town centre is the Palazzo dei Giudici where the court of Verona has been based since 1731.

Marvel at Ancient Roman Architecture at Castelvecchio

Built around the middle of the 14^th century after the Verona amphitheatre, it is one of the largest monuments in the city.

Castelvecchio is a very large fortress, accentuated by the battlements along the walls and the seven towers. It was erected between 1354 and 1357 by Cangrande II della Scala, who, in an era of tumultuous wars wanted to transfer his court to a secure manner. The complex consists of two parts, divided by the imposing thirteenth-century walls. In the centre stands the high main tower (Torre del Mastio) from which the fortified Scaligero bridge with three arches rises over the river, which integrates the defensive system of the castle, constituting a magnificent example of fourteenth-century engineering. On the right side of the structure there is a large rectangular courtyard, originally intended as a parade ground; in the centre is a curious dog-shaped fountain, a Scaligerian symbol of fidelity. Under the Venetian domination, it was used as an arsenal and garrison; during the Napoleonic occupation the structure was modified and the building along the river was built; with the Austrians, it was used as a barracks for the occupying troops.

During the first decades of the twentieth century, Castelvecchio was subjected to a first major restoration and transformed into a museum (inaugurated in 1923), the prestigious seat of the civic art collections that were previously kept in Palazzo Pompei. In January 1944, it hosted the Verona Process (Verona Trial) through which Benito Mussolini condemned to death the traitors of the regime, and at the end of the war, it was damaged by bombing by the Anglo-Americans.

In 1923, it became the Verona Museum. In 1957, a restoration process began, led by Carlo Scarpa, making Castelvecchio one of the most interesting exhibition structures in the world. To this day, architects and architecture students from all over the world travel to Castelvecchio to study its magnificent architectural solutions.

The museum starts with the ground floor where you’ll find an incredible exhibition of romanesque and gothic sculpture. The art collections are exhibited around the rooms and passageways inside and outside Castelvecchio courtyard, walls and battlements, while the old Scala family residential building hosts the paintings gallery.

In Castelvecchio, you will also find many precious 14^th century jewels, ancient weapons, among which you’ll encounter the sword of Cangrande, taken from his tomb in 1927 when his sarcophagus was opened for the first time.

Cross the Castelvecchio Bridge (also known as Ponte Scaligero)

The Castelvecchio Bridge is a fortified bridge built over the River Adige. The bridge was built around 1354 by Lord Cangrande II in order to facilitate escape from his fortress. The bridge remained intact until the end of the 18th century when French troops destroyed the left bank tower.

It is a magnificent bridge with three arches, which perfectly integrates and completes the defensive system of the great medieval castle. Originally the bridge was accessible only from the internal courtyard of the castle and, even during the years of Austrian domination, the military use of the latter was allowed only after 1870, when a new arch was opened near the Tower of the Clock. Just over one hundred meters long (101.84), it was built on a project by the Veronese architect Guglielmo Bevilacqua.

In 1945, during World War II, the bridge along with Ponte Pietra was totally destroyed by the Germans. Reconstruction began in 1949 and was completed two years later on all but the left tower.

Legend has it that the designer of the bridge, Guglielmo Bevilacqua arrived at the inauguration ceremony riding a horse, ready to flee in case it came crumbling down. When the bridge was seen to be a success Bevilacqua was reportedly presented with a sword belonging to Saint Martin by Cangrande.

The Ponte Scaligero is certainly one of the most impressive and ingenious achievements of the Italian Middle Ages. Even today, one remains entranced admiring its very daring arches which cross the Adige where the river makes an impetuous curve.

Walk along Ponte Pietra

Built in the 1^st century BC to replace a pre-existing wooden bridge, Ponte Pietra is the oldest Roman monument in Verona and it connected the original route of the via Postumia with the hill in front of a ford that has been used since the dawn of time.

At the time of the Roman Empire, there were seven bridges that crossed the Adige River in various parts of the city, and two did so near the Roman Theater: Ponte Pietra Bridge and Ponte Postumio. However, in the year 905, the Postumio Bridge was half-destroyed by a flood and in in 1239, it finally gave way to the rush of the river.

Ponte Pietra is an imposing and rustic structure, due to the succession of different materials and styles matched to each other and harmonized in a “suggestive and scenographic whole, characterized by a particular chromatism for whites and the reds mixed with ingenious randomness, so as to obtain a romantically spectacular construction in which Roman classicism and the sumptuous simplicity of the medieval Romanesque blend “.

You can visit this lovely monument during the day, or at night, when it is beautifully lit, making it one of the most romantic places in the entire city.

Castel San Pietro

Originally a church dedicated to Saint Peter that is how the castle gained its name. It is located on the eastern bank of the Adige, on a slightly elevated hill and has been inhabited since Roman times.

The castle was built in the 1300s for fortification for the city. Although the castle itself is no longer open to the public, you can still walk around its vast grounds and take in the fantastic views across to the historic centre of Verona.

If you’re there, you might as well take a ride in the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro, a cable railway, to admire the stunning views of Verona and the surrounding hills. The funicular comes out by 14th-century Castel San Pietro.

Another magnificent view can be taken in from the top at Ristorante Re Teodorico. The journey only takes a few minutes and then walk back down is through zigzag stairs that lead to the Ponte Pietra.

Appreciate the Gothic Style of Sant’Anastasia

Sant’Anastasia is a Gothic-style church in Verona. It is located near the Ponte Pietra. The current church was designed by the Dominican friars Fra’ Benvenuto da Imola and Fra’ Nicola da Imola and started in 1280 and completed in 1400. The church was built on the site of a previous temple built by King Theoderic the Great. The church also has a 72-meter bell tower.

Enjoy the View from Torre dei Lamberti

At 84 meters over Piazza delle Erbe, Lamberti’s Tower (Torre dei Lamberti) is one of Verona’s tallest towers. Construction of the tower originally started in the 1100s, however, it wasn’t until the 15th century that the tower was enlarged and renovated.

The 12th-century tower features a large clock, and at its top are 2 bells, one of which plays the hourly chimes. You can climb the well over 200 steps up to the top via a spiral staircase, after entering the adjacent Palazzo della Ragione for around €6. It’s well worth it for the panoramic view along the way.

Arco dei Gavi

Located in the center of pizzata del Castelvecchio, the Arco dei Gavi was constructed during the 1^st century AD. It was commissioned by the noble Roman Gavi family. Triumphal arcs were used by the Romans to remember important events. The inscription on the arch originally read “Lucius Vitruvius Libertus”. During the Napoleonic era, the arch was actually demolished and it was not properly rebuilt using original designs until the 20th century.

You can now marvel at the arch next to the Castle Vecchio and it is also worth visiting at night with the magnificent lighting.

The Arch is a very popular spot for tourists and graffiti artists. You can also enjoy a good meal or a cup of coffee at one of the restaurants nearby.

Biblioteca Capitolare

As the oldest library in Europe, dating back to 517 AD, the Biblioteca Capitolare contains a vast collection of manuscripts and illustrated documents. It is one of the most interesting cultural sights in Verona. Located next to the Verona Cathedral, it houses the Canonical Museum and the Capitular Library, one of the oldest and most important ecclesiastical libraries in Europe.

The library was active until the seventeenth century, when the oldest part of the collection was lost, which had been moved while waiting to be reorganized: in 1630 the Plague struck Verona, killing almost two-thirds of the inhabitants, including the librarian who had hidden the precious manuscripts. They were found only in 1712 after meticulous research carried out by Scipione Maffei. The interest aroused by the rediscovery led to the construction of the new headquarters of the Library, which in 1781 was enlarged to accommodate the donations that continued to arrive.

The Biblioteca Capitolare is a sight to behold and a must-visit for anyone interested in seeing the written history of Verona.

Verona Cathedral

Consecrated in 1187, the Cathedral is one of the oldest religious buildings in Verona and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Created in a similar style to the Basilica of San Zeno, Verona Cathedral is somewhat grander and more decorative. The facade features some fantastic artwork and stained glass windows.

The interior is just as opulent and decorative as the exterior. At the main altar, there is a stunning fresco depicting a religious scene, and more Renaissance frescos can be seen in the main chapels. Furthermore, a huge gold organ stands to the right of the altar.

Pay your Respects to the Arche Scaligeri (The Scaliger Tombs)

A monumental tomb, which for over 700 years has housed the bodies of the ancient Lords of Verona, the Arche Scaligeri (or the Scaliger Tombs) is where the Princes of the Della Scala family rest.

Situated a few steps from Piazza Erbe and Palazzi Scaligeri, next to the church of Santa Maria Antica, the site is externally protected by a massive stone fence topped by a fourteenth-century wrought iron gate, formed by rings that surround the heraldic symbol of the family, supported by marble columns surmounted by statues.

The oldest tomb is bare and devoid of ornaments; it was built in 1277 to house the mortal remains of Mastino I, ancestor of the dynasty. A little further on is the sarcophagus of his brother Alberto (1301). Precious and elaborate is the funeral monument of Mastino II (1350) which is equipped with a small quadrangular enclosure, on whose corner pillars rest statues of female figures depicting some of the Virtues.

Cangrande is depicted on the top of his monument, in what has been described as the most beautiful equestrian statue in history (although the statue is a copy while the original being kept at the Castelvecchio Museo).

His figure is perhaps most famous thanks to Dante Alighieri who had been his guest between 1312 and 1318, during his exile from Florence. His visit must have had quite an impact since he also mentioned him in “Paradise” and even dedicated the whole book to his patron, the “magnificent and victorious lord of Verona”:

“So recognized shall his magnificence / Become hereafter, that his enemies / Will not have the power to keep mute tongues about it.”

Santa Maria in Organo

The 8th-century church was designed by Michele Sanmicheli. It used to be a Benedictine abbey and parish of the Patriarchate of Aquleia. The church was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1117 and also during the 15th and 16th century. Located on the Piazzetta Santa, it is the oldest house of worship in the city and a very popular tourist attraction.

The interior of the church contains the artwork of Girolamo Savoldo, Domenico Morone, Francesco Morone, and Antonio Balestra. It has one of the oldest organs in the region.

Enjoy the Natural Landscapes in Giardino Giusti

The Giusti Gardens are located in the grounds of the Giusti palace on the eastern bank of the Adige River. Built in the Neo-Classical style, the gardens are some of the lushest landscapes in Verona.

The Giusti Gardens are separated into eight different squares; with each containing a different design and a central fountain or decoration.

The gardens are still preserved and maintained with a lot of care, and you can also have some fun in the hedge maze and a small wooded area to walk through.

Shop along Via Mazzini

Connecting two of Verona’s main piazzas: Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe, Via Mazzini is a narrow marble-paved street over half a kilometre long that is also considered the city’s main shopping street, with rows of modern fashion shops and boutiques, such as Gucci, Zara, Swarovski, Stradivarius and Michael Kors.

It is a must-do if you’ve just finished a visit to Juliet’s House, which is just down the street.

Relax by the Adige River

When you finish your tour around the city, you should definitely find a spot by the Adige River to relax, wind down and enjoy the magnificent view of the flowing river. The area is littered with cafes, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy your time.

If you still have some energy in you after a long day, you may also go rafting. For €25pp, you can raft from one end of the city to the other, paddling under a dozen beautiful bridges, catching a glimpse of the Castelvecchio from a new vantage point, and end your trip at the ruins of the 300-year-old Venetian customs house.

Top Attractions Near Verona

Just in case you’re staying in Verona for a couple of days and are looking for something to visit nearby, here are other choices for great day trips.

Have an Adventure at Lake Garda

You can’t visit Verona without going on a day trip to Lake Garda to enjoy its mild climate and perfect water temperature. The lake between the Alps and northern Italy’s Po River Plain, bordering the three Italian Regions of Lombardy, Trentino Alto Adige and Veneto, is surrounded by palms oleander, olive trees and vines, in addition to the picturesque villages, beaches and little ports, parks and nature reserves.

Lake Garda is ideal for a tailor-made vacation, whether for nature lovers, athletes, or history and culture buffs.

If you want to get to know the history of the area, you can explore the numerous castles, monasteries, monuments and museums lining the lake’s shores, such as the prehistoric settlements in the Valtenesi and on Monte Baldo, or the remains of Roman villas in Desenzano and Toscolano. You can also visit the medieval castles and Scaliger fortresses, the Sanctuaries of the Madonna del Frassino, Madonna di Montecastello and Madonna della Corona.

For a stroll among the gorgeous gardens with a view, you can head to the majestic Vittoriale, and the André Heller Botanical Garden with more than 2,000 plant varieties.

For some relaxation, visit Sirmione for its abundance of thermal spas.

If you‘re looking for more activity-based outings, here are some options:

You can go swimming, sailing, mountain-climbing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, rafting and hang-gliding.

The beauty of Lake Garda has also been immortalized in the literature of Latin poet Catullus, whose family had a villa in Sirmione, and later by Dante, Goethe, Ugo Foscolo, Lord Byron and Stendhal. James Joyce; Ezra Pound; and Franz Kafka, all also resided in the area for some time. To this day, artists, poets, and writers choose Lake Garda as their holiday destination in order to get some inspiration for their upcoming works.

Climb Up to the Madonna Della Corona (Sanctuary of the Lady of the Crown)

Madonna della Corona is located just over 45 kilometres north of Verona, approximately an hour away and very close to Lake Garda as well. This church actually is situated right on the side of a cliff on Mount Baldo. Its position is so unique that it looks as though it is nearly hanging in mid-air.

The church was built in 1530 and is so secluded that it was home to a hermitage where holy men would come for silent reflection, away from the rest of the world.

Thanks to its secluded location, the church managed to survive into the 20th century in a well-preserved state. Today the once dangerous mountain path to the chapel has been renovated to allow for easier accessibility and the church remains a popular pilgrimage site for visitors coming to step on the Scala Santa, a duplication of the stairs up to Pilate’s palace that Jesus climbed before he was sentenced to be crucified.

Verona is not only a beautiful Italian city, but it is also rich in culture and arts, attracting tourists and visitors from all over the globe. If you’re ever there, make sure to check out some of the spots we listed in this article, and then come back and let us know how your experience was! We’d love to hear back from you.

As always, make sure to take your time while exploring each monument and we guarantee you’ll have a fantastic time no matter where you go.