What to know about Verona
Verona is a city located in the Veneto region of northern Italy, situated on the banks of the Adige river. The city has a rich history and has been the site of many significant events throughout the centuries.
Today, Verona is a culturally, historically, and economically significant city in Italy. The city has a population of nearly 260,000 and is a significant economic player in the region. Verona is an industrial city, with many industries represented such as food processing, automobile manufacturing, and textiles.
Tourism is also a significant source of income for the city, with millions of visitors coming to Verona each year. The city has many attractions, and visitors can experience the city’s rich history, delicious food, and excellent wines.
As mentioned above, Verona is also renowned for its cuisine and wines. It is a mecca of Italian food, and visitors can sample many dishes such as gnocchi, risotto, and polenta. The Valpolicella wine, which is produced near Verona, is a standout wine in the region. There are many wineries in the area where visitors can taste and purchase local wines.
How to get to Verona?
Verona is located in the heart of northern Italy, with very good transport connections.
Both the A4 and A22 highways pass close to the city, making it very easy to reach by car. From Milan and Venice it takes around 1.5 hours to reach Verona via the A4 highway. From Bologna take the A22 motorway to Verona, which also takes about 1.5 hours. From the north, you can also reach it from Austria or South Tyrol via the A22 highway.
If you are arriving by car, however, remember that ZTL operates in the city, so you will need to park your car outside the zone.
Verona is also easily accessible by public transport. There are several daily connections from Milan, Venice and Bologna. From Milan or Bologna, the easiest way is to take the train. The average journey time to Verona is 1.5-2 hours. From Venice (more precisely from Mestre), the most direct way to get to Verona is by FlixBus.
When is the best time to travel to Verona?
A visit to Verona is recommended all year round, anytime you are in the area, the city is a great destination. Perhaps the only days to avoid are the coldest in winter and the hottest in summer, and public holidays because of the crowds.
The very best times to visit Verona are spring and autumn, specifically April, May, September and October.
How much time is needed to visit Verona?
Verona is an ideal place to stop for a day or two while traveling in Italy to explore the city and its attractions.
One of the reasons Verona is a good destination for a day or two is that the city centre is easy to explore on foot. The main attractions are relatively close together, so you can get around quickly.
Things to see and do in Verona
Almost everywhere you go in Verona, you will find beautiful buildings, ancient and medieval sights, colorful houses and the Italian atmosphere.
Nevertheless, it is important to highlight the most popular places in Verona that are visited by the most tourists.
So here are the top things to see and do in Verona that you shouldn’t miss when you visit the city.
Verona Arena
One of the city’s most notable attractions is the Arena. Verona Arena is a Roman amphitheater located in the heart of Verona, Italy. It was built in the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. The arena is famous for its stunning architecture, impressive size, and for being a prominent venue for cultural events, particularly operas.
The arena was originally built to host gladiator games and other public spectacles. The arena could seat up to 30,000 spectators and had a variety of features to accommodate these events.
Today, the arena is used primarily as a venue for operas, concerts, and other cultural events. During the summer months, the arena hosts the famous Verona Opera Festival, which draws thousands of visitors from around the world. The acoustics of the arena are exceptional, making it an ideal location for musical performances.
Visitors to the Verona Arena can take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the structure and its many uses throughout the centuries. Visitors can also attend an opera or other cultural event, which is a unique and unforgettable experience due to the historical and cultural significance of the venue.
Overall, the Verona Arena is an iconic symbol of Verona’s rich history and cultural heritage. It continues to be an important venue for cultural events, drawing thousands of visitors each year who come to experience the beauty and grandeur of this ancient Roman amphitheater.
Juliet’s House
Another well-known attraction is Juliet’s House or Casa di Giulietta, which is the house that inspired Shakespeare’s famous tragic love story, Romeo and Juliet.
The house was originally built in the Gothic style, and its most famous feature is the balcony that overlooks the courtyard. The balcony was added to the house in the 20th century and was designed to resemble the balcony described in Shakespeare’s play. Visitors can go onto the balcony and take pictures, which is a popular activity.
Inside the house, there is a small museum that showcases various artifacts from the Renaissance period, including paintings, sculptures, and furniture. Visitors can also see the famous statue of Juliet in the courtyard, which is said to bring good luck to those who touch it.
Juliet’s House is a charming and romantic destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a significant part of Verona’s cultural heritage and has become a symbol of enduring love and romance.
Piazza delle Erbe
A Piazza delle Erbe is a beautiful square located in the historic center of Verona, Italy. The square is one of the most picturesque and lively areas of the city, and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, many of which are centuries old. The three most spectacular buildings are the Palazzo Maffei, the Case dei Mazzanti, the Torre dei Lamberti and the Palazzo della Ragione.
The Piazza delle Erbe is a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere of Verona. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants on the square where visitors can enjoy a coffee or a meal while taking in the beautiful surroundings. The square’s rich history, beautiful architecture and lively atmosphere make it one of the most popular and beloved places in the city.
Castel San Pietro
The Castel San Pietro is a historic castle located in Verona. It is situated on a hill overlooking the city and provides breathtaking views of Verona and the surrounding countryside.
Castel San Pietro is a popular tourist attraction and is open to visitors. The castle can be reached by climbing a steep path that winds up the hill from the city center. Along the way, you can enjoy amazing views of the city and the river Adige.
If you do not want to climb too many steps, there is also a lift from the west side of the castle. Its name is Funicolare di Castel San Pietro.
One of the highlights of a visit to Castel San Pietro is the sunset view over Verona.
The Castel San Pietro is also home to a restaurant that serves traditional Veronese cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a meal while taking in the beautiful views of the city.
Overall, the Castel San Pietro is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Verona. Its stunning panoramic views make it one of the most unique and memorable attractions in Verona.
Castelvecchio Museum
The Castelvecchio is a medieval fortress, built by the Scala family in the Middle Ages to protect the town from enemy attacks. The Castelvecchio Museum is one of the most important history and art museums in Verona, and has preserved many interesting stories and works of art over the centuries. The museum is a must for anyone visiting Verona who wants to discover the city’s history and culture.
Ponte Scaligero
The Ponte Scaligero is a famous medieval brick and marble bridge spanning one of Verona’s main rivers, the Adige. It is located near the Castelvecchio Museum. Crossing the bridge from the Castelvecchio you come to a lovely park where it is worth taking a short walk.
What else can be visited near Verona?
As Verona is located quite centrally in Italy, there are many other cities and attractions to visit on a trip to Verona.
Here is a short list of the following, all within about 2 hours distance from Verona.
Milan
Milan is one of the most vibrant and fashionable cities in Italy. Known as the fashion capital of the world, Milan is also a hub of design, art, and culture. Visitors can admire the stunning Duomo di Milano, stroll around the chic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, or explore the beautiful Sforza Castle and its art collection. Milan also boasts a bustling food scene with numerous restaurants serving delicious local cuisine, and is home to some of the best shopping in Europe.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, located in the northern part of the country between the regions of Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, and Veneto. Surrounded by picturesque villages, olive groves, and vineyards, Lake Garda is a popular holiday destination known for its stunning natural beauty, mild climate, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the historic towns and castles along the lake’s shores, such as Sirmione and Malcesine, or take a ferry ride to discover hidden coves and scenic views. The lake’s clear waters also offer opportunities for swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and other water sports. The surrounding hills and mountains provide hiking and biking trails for those seeking a more active adventure.
Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range located in northeastern Italy, and are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. Known for their breathtaking beauty, the Dolomites have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site for their unique geology and scenic landscapes. The range is characterized by rugged peaks, soaring cliffs, and jagged rock formations. Visitors can explore the many picturesque villages nestled among the mountains, such as Cortina d’Ampezzo and Ortisei, or take advantage of the area’s many outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing. The Dolomites are also home to numerous nature parks, where visitors can experience the area’s rich flora and fauna. Additionally, the region is known for its delicious local cuisine, including dishes such as Spatzle Tirolesi and apple strudel.
Venice
Venice is one of the most unique and romantic cities in the world, built on a series of small islands in a lagoon in northeastern Italy. Known for its beautiful canals, historic architecture, and stunning views, Venice is a popular destination for tourists from around the globe. Visitors can explore famous landmarks such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge, or simply wander the narrow streets and alleys to discover hidden squares and picturesque corners.
So that’s it about Verona and its surroundings. Of course, the city of Verona offers many other attractions, but the most famous are those listed above and they cover a day or two in Verona.
We hope you enjoyed our description of Verona and that you decide to visit this popular Italian destination soon.
