Nestled between Milan and Venice, Verona captivates visitors with its seamless blend of ancient history, Renaissance artistry, and literary romance. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting city offers far more than its fame as the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Begin your journey at the Arena di Verona, a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre that rivals Rome’s Colosseum. Today, it hosts world-class operas under the stars during the summer festival—an unforgettable experience where the acoustics still astound. Wander through Piazza delle Erbe, once the Roman Forum, now a vibrant marketplace where locals sell fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs under the shadow of frescoed medieval buildings like Palazzo Maffei. For history buffs, Castelvecchio Museum is a must-see. This 14th-century fortress-turned-museum showcases Verona’s medieval past, with armor, Renaissance paintings, and panoramic views from its ramparts. Cross the adjoining Ponte Scaligero, a fortified bridge spanning the Adige River, and admire its Gothic arches. Don’t miss Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta), where you can snap photos on the iconic balcony or leave love notes in the courtyard. For a quieter escape, stroll through Giardino Giusti, a Renaissance garden with labyrinthine hedges and hilltop vistas. Verona’s charm lies in its layers—Roman ruins, Venetian-inspired architecture, and bustling piazzas—all waiting to be explored.
Things to Do in Verona, Italy: Culture, Cuisine & Hidden Gems
Verona, Italy, is a treasure trove of cultural and culinary delights. Start your day at Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, a Romanesque masterpiece with bronze doors depicting biblical tales and Mantegna’s luminous altarpiece. Climb the Torre dei Lamberti for 360° views of terracotta rooftops and the Alps—opt for the elevator or tackle the 368 steps for a rewarding workout. Dive into local flavors at Piazza Bra, where cafés serve risotto all’Amarone (made with local red wine) and pastissada de caval (horse-meat stew). For literary enthusiasts, Juliet’s Tomb (Tomba di Giulietta) in a serene cloister offers a quieter alternative to the bustling Casa di Giulietta. Art lovers shouldn’t miss Sant’Anastasia, Verona’s largest Gothic church, adorned with Pisanello frescoes and quirky hunchback holy water fonts. Venture beyond the city with a day trip to Lake Garda, just 30 minutes away. The lakeside town of Sirmione enchants with its Scaligero Castle and Roman villa ruins, while Mantua (Mantova), a UNESCO site, dazzles with Palazzo Ducale’s Renaissance frescoes. Back in Verona, shop along Via Mazzini, a pedestrian street lined with luxury boutiques and hidden Roman ruins beneath the Benetton store. End your day with an aperitivo at a riverside café, sipping Aperol Spritz as the sun sets over the Adige.
Best Things to Do in Verona: Unforgettable Highlights
To experience the best of Verona, prioritize its crown jewels. The Arena di Verona Opera Festival tops the list—secure tickets early for performances like Aida or Carmen in the ancient amphitheater. For panoramic views, ascend the Torre dei Lamberti at sunset, when the city glows golden. Explore Piazza dei Signori, Verona’s “living room,” flanked by medieval palaces and Dante’s statue. Nearby, the Arche Scaligere tombs dazzle with Gothic spires and intricate carvings of Verona’s Scaligeri rulers. Dive deeper into history at the Teatro Romano, a 1st-century theater hosting summer jazz festivals, and the Duomo di Verona, where Titian’s Assumption altarpiece shines. For romance, Giardino Giusti offers a serene escape with cypress-lined paths and a hilltop belvedere. Foodies should book a wine-tasting tour in the Valpolicella region, famed for Amarone and Ripasso wines. Don’t skip Osteria al Duca for hearty Veronese dishes like bigoli con l’arna (duck pasta). Finally, wander the Adige River banks at dusk, crossing Ponte Pietra, a Roman-era bridge rebuilt stone by stone after WWII. Whether you’re tracing Shakespearean tales, savoring local wines, or marveling at millennia-old architecture, Verona’s magic lingers long after you depart.
1. Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero
Historical Context & Architecture
Built in 1354 by Cangrande II della Scala, Castelvecchio (Old Castle) was designed as a military fortress and royal residence to protect Verona from rebellions and invaders. Its robust red-brick walls, crenelated towers, and strategic position along the Adige River exemplify Scaligeri Gothic architecture. The adjoining Ponte Scaligero, a fortified bridge, is a marvel of medieval engineering. Constructed in 1355, its three arches—made from white Veronese stone and red brick—were designed to withstand sieges. Remarkably, the bridge was rebuilt after WWII using original materials salvaged from the riverbed.
Museum & Art Collections
Today, Castelvecchio houses the Civico Museo d’Arte, showcasing over 600 works spanning the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Highlights include Pisanello’s Madonna della Quaglia (1420), medieval armor, and Venetian Renaissance paintings by Bellini and Veronese. Architect Carlo Scarpa’s 1957–1964 restoration transformed the castle into a modern museum while preserving its historical essence. Glass walkways, minimalist steel staircases, and open courtyards contrast with ancient stone, creating a dialogue between past and present.
Visitor Experience
Climb the Mastio Tower for sweeping views of the Adige River and Verona’s skyline. Cross Ponte Scaligero at sunset to witness its golden hues reflected on the water. Nearby, the Arco dei Gavi, a 1st-century Roman arch, stands as a testament to Verona’s ancient Via Postumia road.
Why Visit?
A fusion of military might, art, and innovation, Castelvecchio offers insight into Verona’s medieval power struggles and artistic legacy.
2. Arena di Verona (Roman Amphitheater)
Historical Significance
Constructed in 30 AD under Emperor Augustus, Verona’s Arena is the world’s third-largest Roman amphitheater and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its elliptical design, spanning 152 x 123 meters, once hosted gladiatorial games for 30,000 spectators. The outer limestone facade, originally three stories tall, was partially destroyed by a 12th-century earthquake, leaving only four arches (the “Ala”) intact.
Opera & Modern Use
Since 1913, the Arena has hosted the Verona Opera Festival, drawing stars like Maria Callas and Plácido Domingo. The acoustics, engineered by the Romans, allow unamplified voices to reach every seat. Summer performances of Aida and Carmen under the stars are legendary. Off-season, explore the hypogeum—underground tunnels where gladiators and animals awaited battle.
Architectural Details
The seating tiers (cavea) follow a strict social hierarchy: marble lower tiers for elites, wooden upper tiers for commoners. The Arena’s pink-tinged stone, sourced from nearby Valpolicella, glows at dusk.
Visitor Tips
Book tickets via the Arena Foundation website. Arrive early to explore the Museo Lapidario Maffeiano, displaying Roman inscriptions. Avoid midday crowds; visit at 8 AM or during evening performances.
3. Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House)
Literary Myth & Reality
Though Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is fictional, this 13th-century house on Via Cappello became a pilgrimage site. The Cappello family (akin to “Capulet”) owned the property, inspiring locals to link it to the tale. The iconic balcony was added in 1936, and the bronze Juliet statue (by Nereo Costantini) in 1972.
Courtyard Traditions
Visitors leave love notes on the walls (cleared monthly) or rub Juliet’s right breast for luck. The Juliet Club, a volunteer group, responds to thousands of letters addressed to “Juliet, Verona.”
Interior Exhibits
Inside, the Museo degli Affreschi displays Renaissance frescoes, period furniture, and costumes from Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film. The “Juliet’s Bedroom” is a romanticized 20th-century addition.
Controversy & Tips
Historians emphasize the site’s fictional roots, but its cultural impact is undeniable. Visit at 7 AM to avoid crowds, or book a guided tour to uncover hidden details.
4. Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Historical & Architectural Grandeur
Dedicated to Verona’s patron saint, Zeno, this 11th-century basilica is a pinnacle of Romanesque architecture. Its façade, adorned with alternating cream and rose-hued stone, features a majestic rose window symbolizing the Wheel of Fortune, crafted by Brioloto in the 12th century. The bronze doors, known as the Porta dello Zodiaco, are a masterpiece of medieval art, depicting 48 panels of biblical scenes, zodiac signs, and secular life, crafted by local artisans between the 9th and 12th centuries.
Artistic Treasures
Inside, the nave’s wooden ship’s-keel ceiling and striking striped columns create a solemn atmosphere. Andrea Mantegna’s 1457–1459 triptych Madonna Enthroned with Saints in the apse is a Renaissance highlight, celebrated for its perspective and luminosity. The crypt, accessible via a marble staircase, houses the sarcophagus of St. Zeno beneath a starry vaulted ceiling.
Cloister & Cultural Legacy
The adjacent Romanesque cloister, with its double-columned arcades and 12th-century fresco fragments, offers serene contemplation. The basilica’s Abbey of San Zeno, founded in the 9th century, once controlled vast lands, shaping Verona’s spiritual and political landscape.
Visitor Tips
Visit on the third Sunday of the month for the San Zeno Flea Market, where antiques, vinyl records, and local delicacies like pandoro abound. Attend vespers (6 PM daily) to hear Gregorian chants reverberate through the nave.
Why Visit?
A harmonious blend of faith, art, and history, San Zeno encapsulates Verona’s medieval soul.
5. Piazza delle Erbe
From Roman Forum to Vibrant Hub
Built atop the ancient Roman Forum, Piazza delle Erbe has been Verona’s commercial heart for 2,000 years. The square’s Berlina, a stone podium from the Venetian era, once hosted public announcements and punishments. Today, market stalls sell fresh produce, spices, and souvenirs under colorful umbrellas.
Architectural Jewels
The Casa dei Mercanti (1301), with its Gothic arches and frescoed façade, reflects Verona’s medieval merchant power. The Baroque Palazzo Maffei (1668), adorned with statues of Roman gods, overlooks the Madonna Verona Fountain (1368), a Roman statue repurposed as a symbol of the city. The 14th-century Torre del Gardello, one of Italy’s oldest clock towers, chimes hourly.
Hidden Gems
Look for the Capitello (Capitol), a 13th-century stone canopy where merchants swore oaths, and the “Capitan’s Stone”, a Roman relic embedded in the square’s pavement.
Dining & Culture
Cafés like Caffè Dante and Liston 12 offer prime people-watching spots. Try torta sbrisolona (crumbly almond cake) with a spritz.
Why Visit?
A living museum where Roman, medieval, and modern Verona collide.
6. Piazza dei Signori & Loggia del Consiglio
Verona’s Intellectual Heart
Adjacent to Piazza delle Erbe, this trapezoidal square served as the political nucleus under Scaligeri rule. The Statue of Dante (1865) commemorates the poet’s exile in Verona, where he found refuge at Cangrande I’s court.
Architectural Ensemble
The Palazzo della Ragione (1193), Verona’s medieval town hall, features a Renaissance staircase and the Torre dei Lamberti. The Palazzo del Governo, a Scaligeri palace redesigned by Sanmicheli in 1533, boasts a Mannerist portal. The Loggia del Consiglio (1493), a Renaissance gem, showcases frescoes of Veronese scholars and a rooftop statue of Minerva.
Cultural Crossroads
Beneath the square, Roman cryptoportici (covered walkways) reveal ancient mosaics and foundations. Evening concerts often fill the piazza with music.
Dining Tip
Dine at Antica Bottega del Vino, a 16th-century wine cellar, for Amarone paired with pastissada de caval (horse stew).
Why Visit?
A testament to Verona’s Renaissance intellect and Scaligeri grandeur.
7. Arche Scaligere (Scaligeri Tombs)
Gothic Funerary Art
These 14th-century tombs, enclosed by wrought-iron gates bearing the Scaligeri ladder emblem, are among Europe’s finest Gothic monuments. The Tomb of Cangrande I (1329), atop Santa Maria Antica’s entrance, depicts the ruler grinning triumphantly on horseback. His sarcophagus, adorned with biblical reliefs, rests inside the church.
Artistic Details
Mastino II’s tomb (1351), a pinnacled canopy with statues of saints and virtues, reflects Venetian Gothic flair. The tomb of Giovanni della Scala (1359) features a rare double effigy, showing him both alive and deceased.
Nighttime Magic
Visit after dusk to see the tombs illuminated, casting dramatic shadows on the church’s façade.
Visitor Insight
Join a guided tour to decode the tombs’ symbolism, from winged dragons (eternity) to oak leaves (strength).
Why Visit?
A hauntingly beautiful ode to power, mortality, and medieval artistry.
8. Piazza Bra
Verona’s Social Epicenter
Piazza Bra, the largest square in Verona, is a vibrant hub framed by historic landmarks and lively cafes. Its origins trace back to the Roman era, but it gained prominence in the 16th century when the Venetian Republic expanded the city walls. The Liston, a marble-paved promenade, was added in the 18th century, becoming a favored spot for aristocrats to stroll. Today, the square buzzes with street performers, open-air markets, and festivals like the Vinitaly wine fair.
Architectural Landmarks
The western side is dominated by the Arena di Verona, while the Palazzo della Gran Guardia (1610), a neoclassical masterpiece, anchors the eastern edge. The Fountain of the Alps (1975) commemorates Verona’s twinning with Munich, and the Portoni della Brà, a medieval gate, marks the entrance to the old city. The Gran Guardia Nuova, a 19th-century military hall, now hosts art exhibitions.
Cultural Events
From Christmas markets to summer film screenings, Piazza Bra is a stage for year-round events. The Arena Opera Festival transforms the square into a pre-show gathering spot, with crowds sipping Prosecco under strings of lights.
Why Visit?
A dynamic blend of history, culture, and modern Italian life, Piazza Bra is the perfect introduction to Verona’s charm.
9. Duomo di Santa Maria Matricolare (Verona Cathedral)
A Tapestry of Architectural Styles
Verona’s cathedral, consecrated in 1187, is a fusion of Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance design. The façade features a 12th-century portal carved with scenes of Roland and Oliver, Charlemagne’s knights, while the rose window and side portals reflect 15th-century Gothic additions.
Artistic Masterpieces
Inside, Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin (1535) in the Chapel of the Madonna del Popolo is a Renaissance highlight. The Chapel of St. Agatha houses a 14th-century Gothic tomb, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Fonte contains a 12th-century hexagonal font adorned with biblical reliefs.
Cloister & Crypt
The Romanesque cloister, with its serene garden and ancient columns, connects to the Crypt of St. Elena, where 4th-century mosaics hint at an earlier Christian church.
Visitor Tips
Attend a Sunday Mass to experience Gregorian chants echoing through the nave. The €3 entry fee includes access to the cloister and baptistery.
Why Visit?
A journey through layers of faith and artistry, the Duomo embodies Verona’s spiritual legacy.
10. Sant’Anastasia
Gothic Grandeur
Built between 1290–1481, Sant’Anastasia is Verona’s largest church and a masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture. Its striped marble façade, though unfinished, features a stunning portal with 14th-century frescoes of the Last Judgment.
Artistic Treasures
Inside, Pisanello’s fresco St. George and the Princess (1433) in the Pellegrini Chapel captivates with its delicate gold leaf details. The Holy Water Fonts, held by hunchback figures (gobbo), are a quirky highlight. The Cappella Giusti boasts terracotta decorations by Michele da Firenze.
Bellringing Tradition
The church’s Campanile houses nine bells, rung in traditional Veronese style by the Scuola Campanaria. Climb the tower (€2) for views of the Adige River.
Why Visit?
Less crowded than the Arena or Juliet’s House, Sant’Anastasia offers an intimate glimpse into Verona’s Gothic soul.
11. Giardino Giusti
Renaissance Elegance
Designed in 1580 for the Giusti family, this garden is a UNESCO-listed gem blending symmetry and whimsy. The Avenue of Cypresses, immortalized by Goethe, leads to a hilltop belvedere with panoramic views of Verona.
Architectural Features
Geometric parterres, mythological statues (including a moss-covered Neptune), and a Mannerist Grotto adorned with shells and tufa stone create a fairytale ambiance. The Palazzo Giusti, with its frescoed halls, hosts rotating art exhibitions.
Historical Visitors
Mozart, Cosimo de’ Medici, and Emperor Joseph II all praised the garden’s beauty. Goethe wrote, “Here, nature and art coexist in perfect harmony.”
Visitor Tips
Visit in April for blooming wisteria or October for golden foliage. The €10 entry fee includes access to the palazzo.
Why Visit?
A tranquil retreat where Renaissance aesthetics meet timeless natural beauty.
12. Teatro Romano & Ponte Pietra
Ancient Performances
Carved into a hillside in 1 AD, the Teatro Romano hosted Greek tragedies and Roman comedies. Rediscovered in 1830, it now stages summer jazz concerts and Shakespeare plays.
Museum & Ruins
The Archaeological Museum, housed in a former monastery, displays Roman mosaics, Etruscan pottery, and a reconstructed Capitoline Temple. Don’t miss the Ponte Pietra, a Roman bridge rebuilt post-WWII using original stones.
Panoramic Views
Climb to Castel San Pietro for a bird’s-eye view of the theater and Adige River. At sunset, the bridge glows amber against the water.
Why Visit?
A testament to Verona’s layered history, from ancient spectacles to modern creativity.
13. San Fermo Maggiore
Dual Churches, One Legacy
This complex combines a lower church (11th-century Romanesque) and an upper church (14th-century Gothic). The lower level, with its rugged stone arches, houses a 14th-century wooden crucifix, while the upper church dazzles with frescoes of Dante’s Divine Comedy.
Artistic Highlights
The Brenzoni Chapel (1421) features frescoes by Pisanello’s pupil, depicting St. George and a dragon. The nave’s starry vaulted ceiling symbolizes heavenly ascension.
Roman Foundations
Excavations beneath the church reveal remnants of a Roman temple and road.
Why Visit?
A hidden gem where medieval devotion and ancient history intertwine.
14. Via Mazzini
Verona’s Fashion Artery
This pedestrianized street, linking Piazza Bra to Piazza delle Erbe, is a shopper’s paradise. Luxury boutiques (Gucci, Louis Vuitton) mingle with artisanal jewelers and gelaterias.
Roman Secrets
Beneath the Benetton Store, a glass floor reveals a 1st-century Roman domus with mosaic floors and fresco fragments.
Café Culture
Stop at Gelateria Impero for pistachio gelato or Enoteca Segreta for Valpolicella wine tastings.
Evening Passeggiata
Join locals for the traditional evening stroll, where fashion and history collide under strings of fairy lights.
Why Visit?
A blend of modern luxury and ancient secrets, Via Mazzini captures Verona’s cosmopolitan spirit.
15. Torre dei Lamberti
Historical Significance & Architecture
Verona’s tallest tower, Torre dei Lamberti (84 meters), was begun in 1172 and completed in 1463. Its striped façade combines Romanesque brickwork and Renaissance additions, including a clock added in 1779. The tower’s two bells—Rengo (for emergencies) and Marangona (marking work hours)—symbolize civic life.
Visitor Experience
Climb 368 steps or take an elevator to the top for 360° views spanning Piazza delle Erbe, the Adige River, and the Alps. Interactive displays detail the tower’s history, while the mid-level terrace offers close-ups of the clock mechanism.
Cultural Events
The tower hosts rotating art exhibitions and night openings during summer festivals. Sunset visits are ideal for golden-hour photography.
Why Visit?
A sky-high perspective of Verona’s terracotta rooftops and ancient layout.
16. Day Trip: Mantua (Mantova)
Renaissance Splendor
A 45-minute drive south, UNESCO-listed Mantua dazzles with Palazzo Ducale, a 500-room palace adorned with Mantegna’s Camera degli Sposi frescoes. The Palazzo Te, Giulio Romano’s Mannerist masterpiece, features erotic mythological art in the Sala dei Giganti.
Culinary & Cultural Gems
Savor pumpkin tortelli at Osteria dell’Oca and stroll the medieval Piazza Sordello. The Basilica di Sant’Andrea houses Renaissance architect Alberti’s tomb.
Why Visit?
A compact city where art, history, and Lombard cuisine converge.
17. Day Trip: Sirmione
Lake Garda’s Crown Jewel
Perched on a peninsula, Sirmione charms with Scaligero Castle (13th century), featuring a dock and tower views of Lake Garda. The Grotte di Catullo—ruins of a Roman villa—offer mosaics and olive groves overlooking the lake.
Thermal Wellness
Relax at Terme di Sirmione, a spa fed by sulfur springs used since Roman times. Boat tours explore hidden coves and the Vittoriale degli Italiani estate.
Why Visit?
A blend of medieval drama, lakeside serenity, and ancient luxury.
FAQs: Verona Travel Essentials
Q: What’s the best time to visit Verona?
A: April–June and September–October for mild weather and fewer crowds.
Q: Is the Verona Card worth it?
A: Yes! €20–30 for 24–48 hours covers transit and 15+ attractions.
Q: Can I climb Torre dei Lamberti?
A: Yes—368 steps or an elevator.
Q: How to get from Verona to Lake Garda?
A: Take a 45-minute bus or drive to Sirmione.
Q: Best local dishes?
A: Risotto all’Amarone, pastissada de caval (horse stew), and pandoro.
Q: Is Verona walkable?
A: Yes! Most attractions are in the compact Centro Storico.
Q: Where to buy opera tickets?
A: Book via the Arena di Verona Foundation website.
Q: Day trip recommendations?
A: Mantua for art, Sirmione for lakeside relaxation.
Q: Are churches free to enter?
A: Most charge €2–4, but the Verona Card grants free access.
Final Tips for Travellers
- Verona Card: €20–30 for free transit and entry to 15+ sites.
- Opera Tickets: Book via Arena’s official site for best seats.
- Local Eats: Try bigoli con l’arna (duck pasta) at Osteria al Duca.
- Dress Code: Cover shoulders/knees in churches.
- Transport: Buses #11/13 reach hilltop sites like Castel San Pietro.
- Language: Learn basic Italian phrases like “Dov’è il bagno?” (Where’s the bathroom?).
