Verona, Italy—Cultural immersion in the city of love

Benvenuti a Verona, Italy—The City of Love. The piazzas dell'Erbe to the left and dei Signoria on the right. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Benvenuti a Verona, Italy—The City of Love. The piazzas dell'Erbe to the left and dei Signoria on the right. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

In just a few weeks, I depart on a journey of cultural discovery in Italy. It all begins at the Travel Blogger Destination Italy conference, aka #TBDItaly, in Rimini along Italy's eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea. I'll be one of 30 travel writers comprising the Culture Cluster—a company of travel bloggers who thrives on exploring cultural connections in the places we visit. We'll be meeting three additional clusters of travel bloggers recruited for their expertise as well: Food, Fashion and Travel; and together, we'll engage with representatives from all points of the compass.

An aerial view of River Adige in Verona, Italy. Photo: Martha Jong-Lantink.
An aerial view of River Adige in Verona, Italy. Photo: Martha Jong-Lantink.

Following the conference, I'll be heading to the City of Love—Verona by invitation of the Council of Verona to explore not only the city of love, but Mantua, Lake Garda and some of the smaller villages in the region as well. Visiting this part of Italy has long been at the top of my bucket-of-dreams list and now the stuff of those dreams will transport me on a journey of cultural immersion beginning in Rimini and ending in Verona. Now that's amore!

Having never traveled to northern Italy, I began to research the city's secrets—the best of Verona. We'll begin our journey in the south at the Arena and travel north to the heart of the city centre, the piazzas dell'Erbe and dei Signoria, and beyond; all the while reveling in my surroundings—cobbled lanes lined with medieval and Renaissance architecture, magnificent cathedrals and towering campanile—truly a feast for all senses from sublime vistas and smiling faces to the pealing of church bells and of course, the epicurean indulgences. Be sure to follow along on all the networks, so to speak, as my adventure unfolds beginning October 8.

A brief history of Verona, Italy


Understanding Verona's past—only the last four arches of the Arena's exterior wall remain after 2,000 years. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Understanding Verona's past—only the last four arches of the Arena's exterior wall remain after 2,000 years. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

To understand the Verona of today, we need to understand its past—where they've been and how they've survived. Founded by the Romans in 49 B.C. and located smack dab in the middle of Milan and Venice, Verona is rich in Roman history of which a plethora of artifacts remain after 2,000 years. Prized by many an invading army through the centuries because of its strategic location along the River Adige, Verona fell under the rule of one foreign power after the next not to mention ruling families as well, chief among them, the Della Scala (Scaligero) family who had a major influence on the city from fortifying it against marauding invaders to patronizing its arts. After the Della Scala family fell from power in 1387, Milan's Visconti family moved in for a brief spell but only until 1405 when Verona was annexed by the Venetians. Venice controlled the city until 1797 when another foreigner moved in—Napoleon followed by Austria a year later. Finally in 1866, Verona bid farewell to foreign powers when they joined the Kingdom of Italy after its unification in 1861.

Bella Verona


The Piazza Brà and 2,000-year-old Arena in Verona, Italy. Photo: Alessandro Caproni.
The Piazza Brà and 2,000-year-old Arena in Verona, Italy. Photo: Alessandro Caproni.

The Arena


The Arena and Piazza Brà in Verona, Italy. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.
The Arena and Piazza Brà in Verona, Italy. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.

At first glance, Verona's Arena looks like a miniature Roman Colosseum but believe it or not, it is the largest amphitheatre in northern Italy. Dating back to A.D. 30, it was large enough to accommodate 25,000 spectators, more than the city's population at the time. Built entirely of pink marble, the arena measures 456 feet (139 meters) by 364 feet), and despite the fact that it suffered greatly from the earthquake that struck in 1117, it remains in excellent condition because of the immediate attention by the city. You can still see some of the effects today, just look for the four arches towering above, remnants of an exterior wall that once surrounded the entire structure. Today, this is THE place to see the opera during the summer season.

Interior view of the Verona Arena. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Interior view of the Verona Arena. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Castelvecchio


Ponte Scaligero and the Castelvecchio, Verona, Italy. Photo: Gengish Skan.
Ponte Scaligero and the Castelvecchio, Verona, Italy. Photo: Gengish Skan.

A sprawling medieval fortress that was once home to ruling family Della Scala (Scaligero) who rose to power during the 13th century, the Castelvecchio, completed in 1376, is now an art museum and exhibition hall housing 13th- and 14th-century statuary; paintings by some of Italy's greats—Tintoretto, Gianbattista, Tiepolo—among others.

Castlevecchio and the River Adige in Verona, Italy. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Castlevecchio and the River Adige in Verona, Italy. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House)


Juliet's house? Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.
Juliet's house? Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.

Although the Montagues and Capulets never existed, fans of Shakespeare's beloved play will delight in reading about the histories of Montecchhi and Capellis, two political factions whose origins may or may not have been tied to actual families (a complicated story), but nonetheless, fascinating. If you're still curious, check out the report from Ohio University, However, don't tell the hoards of visiting tourists who converge upon what now has become Verona's top attraction—Casa di Giulietta. Hopeless romantics from around the world come seeking Juliet's guidance with their own romantic affairs. Look upon the walls for the evidence.

Entrance archway into Juliet's House and Courtyard in Verona. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.
Entrance archway into Juliet's House and Courtyard in Verona. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.

Don't be fooled by Juliet's balcony, it was added only recently in 1928 by the Verona City Council. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com
Don't be fooled by Juliet's balcony, it was added only recently in 1928 by the Verona City Council. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.

As far as the house, it dates back to the 14th century and was probably an inn. Although Juliet never lived here and certainly has never stepped one foot upon on the balcony added by the city council in 1928, this romantic courtyard southeast of the Piazza Erbe is nevertheless worth a visit if only to rub Juliet's right breast on the bronze statue for good luck.

Letters to Juliet scribbled on the courtyard wall. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.
Letters to Juliet scribbled on the courtyard wall. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.

Piazza dell'Erbe and Piazza dei Signori


Aerial views of the Piazza dell-Erbe to the left and Piazza dei Signoria on the right.  Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Aerial views of the Piazza dell-Erbe to the left and Piazza dei Signoria on the right. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

The heartbeat of Verona's city centre is its piazzas dell'Erbe and dei Signori, bustling with cafés and souvenir shops, and filled with remnants of the past.

The heartbeat of Verona is in the Piazza dell-Erbe. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
The heartbeat of Verona is in the Piazza dell-Erbe. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Piazza dell'Erbe has been the city's marketplace since medieval times and before that, the site an ancient Roman Forum! Today, it blends the past with the present and quite harmoniously too. Among the cafés that line its northeastern edge, ancient artifacts abound, some of which date back 2,000 years. At the northwest corner stands the Torre Gardello, Verona's first clock tower completed in 1370 and nearby, rising high above the square is the Venetian Lion reminding us of when Verona was part of the Venetian Empire. As we move toward the piazza's center, we find Madonna Verona, a ancient Roman fountain 2,000 years old. Over time, she lost her head and arms but thankfully, a medieval sculptor came along and restored her missing parts and when he finished, she became the Madonna Verona. In the center of the piazza, the four-columned stone canopy marks the location where medieval merchants weighed their goods. So grab a coffee and watch the ebb and flow of humanity through this timeless square.

Grab a table and watch the sea of humanity pass before your eyes in the Piazza dell-Erbe. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.
Grab a table and watch the sea of humanity pass before your eyes in the Piazza dell-Erbe. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.

The Madonna Verona in the Piazza delle Erbe is 2,000 years old. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.
The Madonna Verona in the Piazza delle Erbe is 2,000 years old. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.

Linking the Piazza dell'Erbe with the Piazza dei Signoria is the Palazzo della Ragione, a 12th-century medieval town hall built upon the site of an ancient Roman residence. After the devastating earthquake in 1117, the city redeveloped the vestiges of these blocks and erected Verona's town hall—Palacium Communis Veronae—one of Italy's first public buildings.

Homage to exile. Dante stands proud in the Piazza dei Signoria. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.
Homage to exile. Dante stands proud in the Piazza dei Signoria. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.

Close-up view of Dante. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.
Close-up view of Dante. Photo: Gail Keller, WineTrekkerTV.com.

Within the adjacent Piazza dei Signoria, seek out the 15th-century Loggia del Consiglio, the city's introduction to Renaissance architecture, and one place I'll be stopping for sure. In the center of the square, a statue of Dante reminds us of the time when he lived in exile at the Della Scala palazzo. For amazing views of Verona and the River Adige, climb up 245 steps or take the elevator [I vote for the latter] to the top of Verona's tallest tower—Torre de'Lamberti built in the 12th century. And once you're grounded again, follow along the eastern end of the piazza to the Della Scala family tombs (Arche Scaligere).

The Duomo—Santa Maria Assunta


Verona's Duomo - Santa Maria Assunta. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Verona's Duomo - Santa Maria Assunta. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Although the Duomo cathedral is an amalgamation of architectural styles, it's stunning nonetheless. Blending Romanesque architecture with Gothic infusion on its upper story and topped off by a Renaissance bell tower, the cathedral we see today dates back to the early 12th century. Once you're inside, head to first chapel on the left to find the exquisite "Assumption" by Titian. Back outside and to the right as you exit, seek out the Romanesque cloister filled with ancient artifacts, and the remains of Sant'Elena, an ancient fourth-century church including a basilica and Roman baths.

Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano)


Roman Theatre in Verona is 2,000 years old but only recently discovered in the 19th century. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Roman Theatre in Verona is 2,000 years old but only recently discovered in the 19th century. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Located on the other side of the River Adige, find your way across the Ponte Pietra, the city's oldest bridge, to the Roman Theatre. Dating back to the 1st century B.C., this ancient theatre was buried beneath medieval buildings until the 19th century.

A model of the Roman Theatre as seen in the musuem at the top of the amphitheatre. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
A model of the Roman Theatre as seen in the musuem at the top of the amphitheatre. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

At the top of the amphitheatre is the archeological museum filled with artifacts and a model of the theatre as it appeared in its heyday. But another reason to venture to the top, especially at sunset, is for the spectacular views of Verona and the River Adige. During the summer months, the seats are filled with theatre goers attending the Shakespearean plays performed on a stage that's more than 2,000 years old.

San Zeno Maggiore


San Zeno in Verona, Italy, is home to the city's patron Saint. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
San Zeno in Verona, Italy, is home to the city's patron Saint. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

San Zeno, the patron saint of Verona, peacefully rests inside on one of the city's most dazzling Romanesque churches built in the beginning of the 12th century. San Zeno Maggiore is the final resting place of an African who became Verona's first bishop in 362. The western façade is decorated in exquisite marble sculptures by Nicolò and Guglielmo depicting scenes of the Old and New Testaments. The main portal's doors are comprised of 48 panels, those on the left dating to the 11th century with those on the right coming a century later.

Inside, the walls are decorated with 12th-14th-century frescoes but pay particular attention to the 15th-17th-century graffiti asking San Zeno for his blessing and protection against the rampant famine and earthquakes. And you'll find Verona's beloved saint to the left of the aspe, just look for the statue a huge smile on his face. Finally, you can visit his tomb by following the middle stairway between those leading up to the altar.

Stairway leading to the crypt in San Zeno. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Stairway leading to the crypt in San Zeno. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Western Portal of San Zeno in Verona, Italy. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Western Portal of San Zeno in Verona, Italy. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

San Zeno himself - is that a smile on his face? Photo: WikiMedia.org.
San Zeno himself - is that a smile on his face? Photo: WikiMedia.org.

Papa del Gnocco


Celebrating Papa del Gnocco! Photo: Verona Tourism.
Celebrating Papa del Gnocco! Photo: Verona Tourism.

Have you heard of Papa del Gnocco? I haven't either until I read about him in a Rick Steves guide to Italy. Every year, the San Zeno neighborhood elects one of its residents to become Papa del Gnocco. Dressed in his royal attire and carrying a spear with a giant gnocco at the end, he parades through the neighborhood paying homage to a prince who lived five centuries ago reputed to have bestowed gifts of gnocchi to the people during the time when Verona was close to starvation. For each of the following Fridays during Lent, it is customary for the Veronese to dine on gnocchi.

Discovering Verona


Verona by Night. Photo: WikiMedia.org.
Verona by Night. Photo: WikiMedia.org.

So this is where I'll start once I arrive in the City of Love and who knows what other discoveries I will make or who I will meet along the way. Regardless, Verona beckons with her secrets.

What's your favorite sight or Verona experience? Do you have any recommendations?

If you go:

The VeronaCard—your key to the city of love. Two options are available for admission to most of Verona's sights:

  • 1-day ticket: € 15
  • 3-day ticket: € 20

Arrivederci!

Comments

  1. Lucky you, my friend Jeff, to get the chance to visit the lovely Verona! Hope you have fun!

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    1. Hi there Marlys!! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your kind wishes! I really can't wait to leave.

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  2. Sounds like a wonderful trip you have coming up, Jeff! I have always wanted to visit Verona because of the Shakespeare connection and, I have to admit, since seeing the movie Letters to Juliet, I have wanted to see Juliet's house as well! Bon voyage!!

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    1. Hi Lisa! I LOVED "Letters to Juliet" too and can still watch it over and over again. Absolutely one of my all-time faves and I understand completely how this movie can leave anyone yearning for a visit to Bella Verona! Perhaps one day soon, you too will embark on your journey to the City of Love. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!!

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  3. Buon Viaggio my dear friend! I know you will have a fabulous time....hope we can cross paths next May in Itay! Hugs!

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    1. Grazie mille amica mia!! I really appreciate that!! And likewise about crossing paths next May...who knows?! Thanks so much for stopping by to share your thoughts too!!

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  4. Oh how wonderful that you get to go there! Have a wonderful time soaking up all of that history and beautiful sights!

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    1. Hi there Lauren! I still can't believe I am going! It's been a dream of mine for so long to visit this area and how it's going to come true. Thanks so much for your warm wishes and for stopping by as well!

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  5. Wow - Looks like it 's going to be a wonderful trip!! I'm eagerly awaiting posts about your trip. I'm in the process of trying to decide which city to plan a mother/daughter get away (My mother & I). We will be going in early January for 4 days - and Italy keeps popping up as a possibility - I'm just not sure which city ...neither of us have been to Italy...so many choices!! Enjoy your trip!

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    1. Hi there Jennifer and thanks so much for stopping by. Italy is wonderful and Rome, Florence and Venice are sublime! I would select one of those cities and stay there especially if you only have four days. Personally, Florence is my FAV but Venice and Rome are up there too!

      I have an idea for you to consider. How about calling Venice home for the duration with a day visit or two? You could take 90-minute train ride to Verona and other places close by. Maybe Venice is your ticket??!!

      Good luck and be sure to stop back here to let me know which you decide upon!! Arrivederci!

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  6. One of my very favorite cities! I'm so jealous!

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    1. Hi Neala and thank you so much for stopping by. I believe this is the first time you've commented on my site. I love it! Thank you! Now, if Fair Verona is one your faves, tell me about the not-to-miss sights? What was your favorite? Thanks again!

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  7. Jeff, I'm so excited for us! Yes, "us" because while you're there, I will be "virtually" with you and although I love the Arctic, Italy is special. YAY!

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    1. Hi Maria and thank you so much for all of your inspiring and very kind words! Yes, we'll be traveling together and hopefully, sharing the magic of "fair Verona" together! Thank you for stopping by to share your thoughts!

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  8. Fantastic blog! Looks so good, I'm off there next month can't wait.

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    1. Thanks so much Sam for stopping by and for your kind compliments. I am there next month too! When specifically are you going?

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  9. Jeff, Have fun! You will love northern Italy and Verona. Gorgeous places! If you get a free moment and like wine go to the Tommasi Vineyards! Yum.

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    1. Hi Corinne! Thanks so much for your comments and your wishes. I really can't wait to this part of Italy! And thanks for the tip on the winery too! Going to research that now.

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  10. What a beautiful place Verona is, Jeff! Great photos, like always.

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    1. HI there Anda and thanks so much for stopping by!! I really can't wait to see it in person.

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  11. How cool Jeff! I'm so excited for you and look forward to your posts from Italy! (I've tried to post this several times, hope it gets to you.) I hope to swing by Italy next year when I return to Germany to visit my daughter. ~ AnnieMd

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    1. Ciao Marcia!! Grazie mille for all of your kind words! I am over the moon about the trip and can't wait to get there. Thanks for following along too my friend!!

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  12. We can never get enough of Italy! Enjoy your time there.

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    1. Hi Tim and Nat!

      I couldn't agree with you more my friend!! One can never have enough Italy!

      Thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind wishes!!

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  13. I look forward to following you while you are there and would love to chat with you offline about it. Verona is a beautiful city. I've been a couple times and will be heading back at the end of January for the 2011 Amarone release event. I'm also building a trip to include Vinitaly in March and would love some wonderful places that you may come across.

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    1. Hi there Jennifer! Thanks so much for stopping by and for following along my upcoming trip. Let's plan to chat after my return on Oct 15. In the meantime, I'll be posting updates on the social networks and then back on this site upon my return. Thanks again.

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  14. What a great opportunity and trip, Jeff! Have a great trip and wish I could tag along but would love to virtually follow you for now. Safe travels!

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    1. Oh Mary, I am thrilled beyond belief! Visiting this area of Italy has long been on my bucket list and now it's almost here. Thanks for following along too!!

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  15. I look forward to your posts and photos, Jeff--buon viaggio and enjoy!

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  16. Hi there Freya and thanks so much for stopping by!! You have just sent my spirits soaring my friend...I can't wait to get there. Thanks for your compliments on photos too but these are borrowed images from those credited above.

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  17. What a great post on my home-town! Apart the "usual" informations about the historical spots, my congratulation for the Papà del Gnocco's mention: not everyone knows the history of the Papà del Gnocco :). The new one, for the 2015 carnival, will be elected the next Sunday (25th of Gen.), if someone is in Verona, don't miss to participate in Piazza San Zeno.

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    1. Hi Michele and grazie mille for your wonderful comment about your hometown! Oh yes, Papa del Gnocco just begged to be included in this article ;) . I think it's important to share cultural elements as well as historical and geographical. Wish I were there to meet this year's Papa del Gnocco! Thank you for stopping by and sharing your tips as well!

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  18. What a wonderful detailed post about the city of love. Beautiful Jeff! Grand experience. I hope to visit Verona this year. Ciao!

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    1. Thank you so much Ishita, I really appreciate you stopping by and your kind words! You must try to visit Verona and the surrounding area as well. I think you'll fall in love with the Veneto region just as much as I did. If you like, check out A Day in Borghetto. I think you'll like it!

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