Be Seduced By The Beauty Of Verona
Let Italy’s City Of Love Awaken Your Passion!
It may have been the classic tale of feuding families that put Verona on the map but a trip to this seductive city is far from a tragedy.
Verona was indeed the setting for William Shakespeare’s fictional star crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet and references to the story are all over this beautiful ancient city.
Verona is very likely to awaken all your passions and melt even the hardest of hearts. Romance is everywhere! Canoodling young lovers stroll hand in hand across the city and throngs of tourists line up to see Juliet’s balcony in the hope of adding some amore to their day. The popular landmark of Juliet’s house on Via Capello, immortalized in the famous play is a great photo opportunity. There is a bronze statue of our tragic heroine in the courtyard of her house and legend has it that if you touch her breast, you will find true love.
Situated in northern Italy, in the Veneto region, Verona is a compact city, easy to navigate and most of the highlights are within easy walking distance…the perfect way to work off an indulgent lunch and too much Valpolicella!
Much of the city action happens around the bustling yet elegant Piazza Bra and Piazza delle Erbe. Both spots are lively by day but explosive when night falls and the handsome locals come out to play.
The Veronese enjoy their evening stroll with typical Italian flair. It’s entertaining to sit in a pavement café, indulging in some people watching while sipping a frothy cappuccino or a bubbly Prosecco. To really get a flavor of this enchanting city, allow yourself to be completely drawn into its magical atmosphere. Embrace the sights, the sounds, the smells, the beauty and simply take it all in.
Every hour on the hour, you will hear the peel of church bells calling the faithful to prayer. A blissful sound which reminds me of Italy, regardless of where I am in the world.
Stunning medieval palazzos and ornate churches add to the make up of the city skyline keep watch over a maze of ancient alleyways and cobbled streets.
Dominating the view is the beautifully preserved Roman Amphitheatre that is a mecca for opera lovers. During the summer months, the arena hosts an impressive line up of classic opera and should be at the very top of your ‘to do’ list when in Verona. Even if you think you don’t like opera, even if you hate it…you must experience this spectacle. I was left spellbound by the dazzling, lavish performances that take place under the stars. I’d dare even the most cynical of tourists to sit through Verdi’s La Traviata and not fall in love all over again!
So far, so highbrow but Verona is more than just a haven for culture vultures. This is a vibrant, intriguing city and thankfully has not been overwhelmed by mass tourism. Sure, there are many visitors but it doesn’t feel over commercialized nor is it teeming with tourists the way Rome and Venice often are.
If the injection of all that culture has left you thirsty and hungry you will find Verona a gastronomical delight. Italians have a glorious tradition of good food and you can sample it in abundance in the delightful trattorias dotted around the city. Food and drink is a little cheaper than pricey neighbour, Venice. Don’t be shy in sampling the local vino either. The Veneto region produces some of Italy’s finest wines.
Verona will also appeal to shopaholics. There’s an array of designer stores such as Gucci, Armani and Louis Vitton, testimony to the fact that Verona is one of Italy’s most prosperous cities.
Don’t worry if you’re on a tight budget though, you can spend your euros in the bustling market that has an assortment of souvenirs and nick-nacks to suit every pocket.
Verona is also well placed for exploring the surrounding area too. Venice, Florence and the pretty towns of Lake Garda are within easy reach.
Many people opt for the busy coastal resorts of Italy out of sheer habit but take a tip from someone who has been to many parts of this fascinating country. Give Verona a whirl and be seduced by Italia at her very best…Buon viaggio!
Useful info:
Check out opera dates and performances
I love travel. I’ve been fascinated by other countries and cultures since my first foreign trip in 1985 and I’ve had serious wanderlust ever since.I also love to write about where I’ve been and tripsology lets me indulge that passion. I’m thrilled to be a regular contributor and editor. When I’m not writing I also run my own PR and publicity company.