Verona – Italy’s Popular Tourist Destination

Come to this popular travel destination in Italy that had once inspired William Shakespeare to write Romeo and Juliet. With its remains of Roman architecture, impressive medieval castles and wonderful inhabitants, the beautiful city of Verona beckons travelers from far and wide to visit its many attractions.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

UNESCO has declared Verona a World Heritage Site because of the many historical edifices that adorn the city. Some of these date back to the Roman era. Verona had many more ancient and medieval monuments that were destroyed or damaged by a devastating earthquake in the early 12th century.

Exploring the city

A good place to explore the city is to start from the rectangular Piazza delle Erbe that was once a Roman Forum. It is in the center of Verona and is surrounded by magnificent medieval buildings, castles and towers. Have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and watch the cafes, restaurants and shops built around the 14th century ornamental fountain with an elegant Roman statue.

From the Piazza walk up to Piazza dei Signori in the midst of old monuments with a statue of Dante placed in the center of the square. There are several other medieval buildings in the vicinity.

From the top of the Lamberti Tower travelers get breadth-taking views of the city and beyond.

Roman architecture

Verona abounds with excellent examples of Roman architecture. The amphitheater, built 2000 years ago, is Italy’s third largest arena, after the Colosseum in Rome and the one at Capua. Barbaric fights of gladiators have stopped long ago and public events now take place in this impressive and still in tact amphitheater.

Romeo and Juliet balcony

It is the city’s most popular site. The balcony is a part of Juliet’s house, built in the 13th century in Gothic architectural style. Inside the house is a museum furnished in period furniture. Now that Juliet’s balcony has been identified, Romeo’s house can’t be far from it. His family house is in the same vicinity on Via Arche Scalioere.

Nightlife

Verona has a very lively nightlife. Partying starts as the sun disappears in the western horizon. There are probably more bars and clubs here than Roman and medieval buildings. You don’t have to walk far to find a watering hole or a restaurant. The popular ones are the city center or on the outskirts. Caffe delle Erbe is one of the most popular and trendy cafés, popularly called the Mazzanti.

Hotels

Being a popular tourist destination, Verona abounds with hotels of various kinds. Villa Del Quar is one of the top hotels in Italy and charges 300 Euros a night. It is built within a 16th century Venetian Villa constructed over a 14th century foundation. Accademia Hotel is in the center of the city between the Bra Square and the Arena and costs 100 Euro. Many hotels offer attractive discounts. Consult websites and select one that you think you would like.

Shopping

Verona is a shopper’s paradise. Expensive designers shops and shoe stores are mostly located along the Via Mazzini and Corso Porta Borsari. Flea markets patrons will go crazy on a visit to Piazza San Zeno where a wide variety of items – ranging from pseudo antiques to just about anything – are on sale.

Whether for shopping or sightseeing you will enjoy your holiday in Verona.