Verona Ohh-nana

48 hours in Verona

Walking tour of the city

Piazza Bra

Piazza Bra is the largest and main square in Verona, and for some, it is also one of the largest in Europe. Like Piazza delle Erbe, it is also lined with restaurants and old buildings with notable architecture. The square is cemented with pink marble from the Valpolicella region. In the centre of the square is a statute of King Vittorio Emanuel II, the first ruler of united Italy. The fountain found in the square is known as Fontana delle Alpi which was built by the Germans to celebrate Verona's pairing with Munich. The fountain is commonly referred by locals as Lemon Squeeze because it looks like one.

Piazza Bra

Also located in the piazza is the Arena di Verona - a Roman amphitheater which is now being used today for large-scale theatrical/opera performances. 

Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio

A castle in Verona, Castelvecchio was regarded as the most important military construction of the Scaliger dynasty that ruled the city during the Middle Ages. The castle is connected to the city by the Castelvecchio Bridge, both characterised by imposing M-shaped merlons running along the bridge and the castle walls.

Castelvecchio Bridge

The castle is now home to a the Castelvecchio Museum. Regular ticket price is €6.

Arco dei Gavi

Built by the Gens Gavia, an illustrious and noble Roman family who had their hometown in Verona, Arco de Gavi is located at the beginning of the Roman road, Via Postumia, which leads to the city. The gate is made of white Veronese marble and used to serve as a gate to the city in the Middle Ages.

Arco dei Gavi

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe at daytime

Once the town's forum during the Roman Empire, Piazza delle Erbe is a square in Verona now lined with cafes and buildings with quaint architecture. At day time, a market is set up in the centre, and at nighttime, it becomes a meeting place for people for drinks and evening meal as the restaurants occupy the sides of the plaza with their outdoor seating.

Piazza delle Erbe at night

Porta Borsari

Dating back to 1st century AD, Port Borsari is an ancient Roman gate in Verona. People used it as an entrance to the city if coming from Via Postumia.

Giulietta's House

Juliet's House

A Gothic style 1300s house with a stone balcony overlooking a small courtyard, Juliet's house is said to have significantly inspired William Shakespeare, and it is in this balcony where Romeo promised his beloved Juliet eternal love.

Rubbing Juliet's bosom

It is now a museum and every day, hundreds of tourists flock to see this house and rub the bosom of Juliet's statue for a stroke of good luck in finding the love of their life. Regular admission costs €6.

Juliet's Balcony

Romeo's House

Now a private home, Romeo's house is a bit tricky to find. Built in the 14th century, Romeo's house is made of crenelated walls with a Gothic door marked by a Shakespeare inscription.

Outside Romeo's House

Torre dei Lamberti

An 84 meter high tower near Juliet's house, Lamberti's Tower is the highest building in Verona. It was originally a tower house in the 12th century. With a lift or about 368 steps to reach the top, one can enjoy panoramic views of the city with a ticket (regular price of €8) that also includes entry to the Gallery of Modern Art. 

Piazza dei Signori

Located behind the busy Piazza delle Erbe, Piazza dei Signori is another large square in Verona which is dominated by a statue of Dante made in 1865, and hence, it is also known as the Piazza Dante. Two buildings built by the Palladio are also located in the square, the Palazzo degli Scaligeri and the Palazzo del Comune.

Scaligeri Tombs

Scaligeri Tombs

Situated next to the Piazza dei Signori is the Scaliger Tombs built by the Della Scalla family. It consists of five Gothic funerary monuments celebrating the medieval Scaligeri Family who ruled Verona from the 13th to the late 14th century. The tombs are separated from the street by a wall of iron grilles and are situated next to the church of Santa Maria Antica.

Verona Cathedral Complex

Verona Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Verona dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The cathedral is known by the name of S. Maria Matricolare.

Inside Verona Cathedral

It is the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Verona. The complex consists of the Duomo, Baptistery, Church of St. Helen and archaeological excavations. Regular ticket price is €3.

Verona Cathedral

Verona Cathedral - altar

Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra

Also known as Pons Marmoreus, Ponte Pietra (Italian for "Stone Bridge")  is a Roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River in Verona, and is the oldest bridge of the city.

Teatro Romano

Teatro Romano is an ancient Roman theatre set on a hillside in Verona constructed towards the end of the 1st century BC. It now has a museum which houses important artefacts of Verona's history. In summer, the theatre hosts various music shows. Regular ticket price is €4.50.

Castel San Pietro

City views from Castel San Pietro

Saint Peter's Castle is situated on top of the hill above the Teatro Romano. It can be reached on foot by a couple of staircases starting from Ponte Pietra and passing behind the theatre. During the Roman times, the hill had a religious function and was known as the Monte Gallo. Because of its high strategic location, it offers great panoramic views of the city and is perfect to be visited during the golden hour. 

Panoramic views from Castel San Pietro