A morning in Verona is enough time to get a feel for this beautiful city located on the Adige River in the Veneto region of northern Italy. You could of course spend longer, but if you only have few hours, here is a short round up of the City and its stunning architecture, rich history, and romantic atmosphere.
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We drove to Verona and found parking easy in one of the many carparks. Use Parking Piazza Cittadella, which is a great place to start a walk around the city. Be careful not to drive into the low emission zone around the centre of the city.
Arena di Verona
Our first stop was one of the most famous landmarks in the city; the Arena di Verona. This Roman amphitheatre built in the 1st century AD and is used today for concerts and performances. It is worth a visit inside for the great views from the top both looking down into the arena and out across Piazza Bra and beyond. Visit on the first Sunday of the month between October and April and it only costs 1 Euro for entry. Click here for information on the amphitheatre.
Juliet’s House
Another iconic attraction is Juliet’s House. This 14th-century building is believed to have been the home of the Capulet family, the fictional family in William Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet.” Visit the courtyard and balcony where Romeo declared his love for Juliet. There is a statue of Juliet in the courtyard. It is said to be good luck if you touch her breast!
Based on the film ‘Letters to Juliet’, there is a post-box where the broken hearted can send letters to Juliet, Verona. A team of volunteer’s makes sure the best advice is given to each sender. The courtyard gets busy, so go early. It is free to enter, but you have to pay extra to go into Juliet’s house.
Verona City Centre & Churches
From here amble though the streets and shops to reach Piazza delle Erbe. Torre dei Lamberti is situated in the square. Climb this tower for beautiful views over the city. This square also has a number of cafes and restaurants. We opted for a late breakfast at Caffe Anselmi, where we sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere of the square.
Verona also has many beautiful churches, including the 12th-century Cathedral of Santa Maria Matricolare and the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. You can visit them but we were here during service time, so admired them from the outside!
Castel San Pietro
Walk on towards the river bank which gives beautiful views of Castel san Pietro. The castle dates back to the 10th century and was built by the Lombards as a fortress to protect the city from invading forces. Over the centuries, it has been expanded and modified by various rulers.
Today, Castel San Pietro is a popular tourist attraction, with the opportunity to explore its ramparts, towers, and underground passages. The castle also houses the Civic Museum, which displays archaeological artifacts, ancient manuscripts, and works of art from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Cross over the river on the Ponte Pietra bridge. Reach the castle either using the funicular or by climbing up the hill on foot. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Castel San Pietro is also a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. It also offers breath-taking views over Verona and the landscape beyond.
Verona River Bank
After visiting the castle area, walk along the riverbank and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Eventually you come to the Ponte di Castelvecchio, a stunning bridge that leads across to the castle which is home to Verona’s most important museum. Here you will find an extensive collection of artwork and artifacts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The museum’s collection includes works by Italian masters such as Mantegna, Bellini, and Tintoretto. More information can be found here.
From this point it was an easy walk back to the car park. It was surprising how much of the city and its main attractions we had covered in a morning. Arrive by 9am to avoid any queues to the main attractions.
Overall, Verona is a fascinating city with a rich cultural heritage. With its history, art, and beautiful architecture is definitely worth a visit.
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