10 Best Things To Do In Verona (Italy)

Are you wondering what are the best things to do in Verona, Italy? I went to Verona with my husband and friends during our 2-week train journey around Europe with Interrail. Verona is one of the most significant cities in the Veneto region of Italy, nestled on a U-bend on the Adige River. It is renowned for its historical district and a wide variety of beautiful structures and architecture.

With a population of 269,000, Verona ranks behind Venice as the second-largest city in the area. Verona became a Roman settlement in 89 BC, and due to its strategic location at the junction of two major roads, it held a significant position in Northern Italy.

Other factions and ruling parties, such as Alboin of the Lombards, Mastino II, and Maximilian I, ruled Verona as time went on and the Roman Empire fell. Due to its important historical significance and abundance of historic structures, including the Arena and the Ponte Scaligero, Verona is a popular tourist destination today.

Read more: Beautiful Places To Visit In Italy For The First Time

Here are the best things to do in Verona, Italy.

1. House of Juliet

One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Verona is Juliet’s House, also referred to as Casa di Giulietta. It is well-known because it serves as the backdrop for Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet.” And yes, even if you choose not to go inside the house, you can still see the renowned Juliet’s Balcony from here.

Despite the fact that Shakespeare never went to Italy, this building from the 14th century and its balcony are associated with one of history’s most enchanting tales. Because of this, Casa di Giulietta draws tourists from all over the world.

The Casa di Giulietta is accessible via a covered pathway and is situated on 23 Via Capello in the very center of Verona. You’ll find all kinds of love-themed graffiti, handwritten letters, and post-it notes left here by visitors. However, don’t attempt to add one yourself as this is now prohibited.

The balcony where Romeo declared his love for Juliet is, of course, the main draw. Here, you can reenact your own rendition of “Romeo, Romeo, where art thou Romeo?” and have a photo taken from below. Unfortunately, this balcony isn’t quite as genuine as it appears to be; it was actually added in the 1930s to breathe new life into Shakespeare’s play and draw in more visitors.

In addition to Juliet’s House, Verona also has Juliet’s Tomb. One of the top attractions in Verona for admirers of the tragic love story is Tomba di Giulietta, also referred to as Juliet’s Tomb. The G.B. Cavalcaselle Museum of Frescoes is housed in the former convent of San Francesco al Corso, where the red marble sarcophagus is located.

The City of Verona restored and relocated Juliet’s sarcophagus to the complex’s underground crypt in 1868, where it is still kept today. Today, a lot of local and international couples travel to Juliet’s Tomb to get married because the complex also serves as a location for civil weddings.

In the empty sarcophagus, visitors to the underground tomb who have experienced romantic failure leave letters addressed to Juliet to express their sorrow or find comfort. Since the pains experienced by men or women in love are real and touching, many secretaries gather these messages and respond. Juliet’s story may be a legend.

Everyone in love will have a unique experience visiting this unusual site. You can read more about it in another article that I wrote about Verona Was Not As I Expected It To Be.

2. Piazza delle Erbe

The Piazza Delle Erbe is among the most charming squares in Verona, which has many of them. The town’s forum used to be located in Piazza Della Erbe during the Roman era. In modern times, the square is a great place to relax, eat lunch, buy souvenirs from street vendors, and people-watch.

The Piazza delle Erbe’s masterpiece is a fountain that Cansignorio della Scala built in 1368. It is one of the hubs of activity and is located in the city’s historic district. It has a Roman sculpture from 380 AD called Madonna Verona.

During the Roman Empire, this piazza would have been the principal gathering place for settlers. The Torre Lamberti, the Palazzo Maffeia, and the Case dei Giudici are just a few of the significant structures that line the square.

When you arrive at the square, keep an eye out for a large whalebone that is suspended from one of the nearby arches that lead to Piazza della Signori. The whalebone is supposed to fall on the first honest and just person to pass through, but so far, the old bone has remained in place. Nobody is really sure how or why the bone ended up there in the seventeenth century.

There are also a variety of cafes, eateries, fountains, and marble statues. The Torre dei Lamberti, which dates to the second half of the 12th century and is tall enough to be seen from all over the city of Verona, cannot be missed while you are in the square, whether it’s on a walking route, to stop for a typical Italian coffee, or even for a long lazy lunch.

3. Verona Arena

Forget about the Colosseum in Rome; Verona has a similar structure that is equally impressive and might even be in better condition. Meet Verona Arena, also referred to as Arena di Verona.

One of the top attractions in Verona is without a doubt the magnificent Arena di Verona, which is an amphitheater.

Many people are unaware of this national monument, despite the fact that it is a marvel of Roman engineering. The Arena, a sizable Colosseum with its original seating and exterior arches, is situated in the heart of the historic town.

It is incredible that this structure, which was built in the year 30 AD, has endured for so long in such good condition. Given how well-preserved it is, it is in some ways even more impressive than Rome’s fabled Colosseum.

The amphitheater would have held 30,000 spectators at its maximum capacity and would have hosted a number of performances and sporting events, including the Roman Ludi. Even though concerts and musical performances are still held here, you can still visit the Arena and admire its architecture. It is a true spectacle.

Here is a hint. Make sure to grab a candle from the sizable unmarked box by the gate before you enter the theater for a performance. These are offered without charge in remembrance of “the tradition of the candles,” which is presumably how the stage was lit in the past.

4. Ponte Scaligero

Ponte Scaligero or Scaliger Bridge, also called the Ponte di Castelvecchio, is celebrated by historians as “the most audacious and wondrous works of the Middle Ages in Verona.”

Completed within three years, almost certainly between 1354 and 1356, it was built by order of the Cangrande, which aimed to ensure its stronghold on the river rising a separate escape (od’accoglienza relief) to the Tyrol, where he reigned his son Louis of Bavaria.

For almost five centuries, the bridge remained undamaged despite several floods. In 1802, the French destroyed a tower, ground down most of the battlements, or bricked them up. A few years later, the bridge was restored and reopened to the public.

In 1945 the German troops destroyed this beautiful building during their retreat. Fortunately, the Ponte Scaligero was rebuilt completely and true to the original. Only one tower was not replaced.

The bridge is 133 meters long and over 7.55 meters wide. The segmental arches span 24 meters, 27 meters, and 48.7 meters. Most travelers think that walking over this beautiful bridge is an essential part of a visit to Verona.

Since it is only a pedestrian bridge, you can enjoy the view undisturbed. But enjoying the view will not be that easy because the edge with its battlements is very high. Thankfully, there is a small raised stone ledge along the whole bridge. You can walk along it and look.

You can also use the ledges with the small wall openings and enjoy a beautiful side view of the bridge over the Adige. Some people found the side opposite the Castell not so spectacular. The way back over the bridge is nicer!

5. Verona Cathedral

Built in a manner that is comparable to that of the Basilica of San Zeno, the Verona Cathedral is an impressive structure that is significantly larger and more ornate than its predecessor. When you are in the city, another thing that you absolutely have to do is visit this magnificent cathedral.

The front facade of the building has a similar shape and composition to the rest of the building, but it is extremely ornate and contains wonderful artwork as well as stained glass windows.

The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary is one of the oldest places of worship in Verona. It was consecrated in 1187, making it one of the city’s oldest buildings. While the exterior is beautiful in its own right, the interior is every bit as lavish and elaborately decorated as the exterior.

A breathtaking fresco depicting a religious scene can be found above the main altar, and additional Renaissance frescos can be found in the main chapels throughout the building. In addition, there is a massive gold organ to the right of the altar, and columns made of red Verona marble can be found lining the main knave.

6. Piazza Bra

The Piazza Bra is the largest piazza in Verona and one of the most popular tourist destinations. It has a lot of historical structures, public spaces, and restaurants. Most likely, you entered this location through the magnificent Verona city gates, I Portoni della Brà. There is a tiny statue of William Shakespeare located underneath the gate.

The Arena di Verona, which is unquestionably the centerpiece of Piazza Bra, is situated on the outskirts of the city and is surrounded by open space that makes for some amazing photo opportunities.

Additional historical structures include the Gran Guardia and the Palazzo Beriberi, two magnificent structures in and of themselves. The statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, the second Italian king, is located in the middle of the square. Part of Verona’s medieval city walls and the aforementioned city gate surround the piazza’s southern end.

Aside from the main structures, there are numerous charming commercial and residential buildings that are painted in a variety of colors and have charmingly decorated shutters and balconies. It is a great location for coffee and people-watching because it is surrounded by terraces and cafes.

Before supper, you will probably see families and groups of friends strolling around as part of their daily passeggiata. This is the custom in Italy of going for a walk before a meal.

One of the best places to begin your tour of Verona is the Piazza Bra.

7. Pallazo della Ragione

One of the first public structures in Italy, the Palazzo della Ragione (or Palace of the Reason) dates to the 12th century. It was initially utilized to house the city’s magistrates and was known at the time as Palazzo del Comune.

It has served a variety of functions over time. An art gallery is currently located there. The courtyard is frequently used for events as well. Conveniently, the structure has public restrooms as well (there is a 50-cent fee to use those facilities).

The complex has a courtyard, several halls, and the 84-meter-tall Torre dei Lamberti tower. Only the corner towers facing Piazza del Erbe remain of the palazzo’s original four corner towers. Alternating rows of brick and tuff stone give the building’s facade a striking striped appearance.

In this Veronese Romanesque design, arches are prominently featured as well. The most destructive fires to ever occur on the property occurred in 1218, 1541, and 1723. Numerous renovations and restorations have taken place over the years as a result of the fires and the changing requirements of the building.

8. Visit various museums in Verona

Ancient and contemporary art galleries, collections of sculptures, archaeological museums, frescoes that have been removed from the walls, Roman inscriptions, natural history, collections of old manuscripts, antique furniture, wine, and oil are some of the cultural attractions. There is a museum in Verona for every interest. Here are some museums you can visit in Verona.

• Pallazo Maffei Casa Museo

Palazzo Maffei, which opened on February 15, 2020, is the newest addition to the Veronese museum landscape.

One of the most extraordinary private collections of fine and decorative arts has been amassed over the course of fifty years by the Veronese businessman Luigi Carlon, who has chosen to open it up to the public in the illustrious Palazzo Maffei.

Paintings, sculptures, drawings, furniture, reliquaries, home decor, additional books, and prints are among the valuable artworks that span a wide time period, from the end of the 15th century to the present.

Within the more than 1000 square meters of the exhibition space, there are 350 works spread across 18 rooms.

This museum, also referred to as Museo di Castelvecchio, is the most visited in Verona. The castle’s name, Old Castle, refers to its completion in 1356. The building, which has seven towers, a charming courtyard, and an amazing view of the Adige River, was renovated in the 1960s by renowned Italian architect Carlo Scarpa. The castle is exquisite and unique due to the marriage of the medieval and baroque architectural styles.

Weapons, pottery, jewelry, sculptures, and paintings from the Middle Ages are just a few of the things you can find inside the Carlo Scarpa Museo di Castelvecchio collections. One of the famous works of art inside is Pisanello’s Madonna of the Quail from 1420. Additionally, you can view artifacts like the sepulcher of Saints Sergius and Bacchus from 1179 and a crucifix from Saint Anastasia from the 14th century.

• National Archaeological Museum of Verona (Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Verona)

In the vicinity of the Teatro Romano, on the grounds of the former San Gerolamo convent from the fifteenth century, the Archaeological Museum was established in 1923.

Greek vases, mosaics, sculptures, glassware, and everyday utensils from necropolises, sacred, and sepulchral inscriptions discovered in Verona and her province are on display. The Teatro Romano, which dates back to the first century A.D., was built over the site of the museum building, and the stage, orchestra, and cavea remnants there are among the best preserved in all of northern Italy.

The nearby San Girolamo church preserves paintings from the XV and XVI centuries.

9. Castel San Pietro (St. Peter’s Castle)

The Castle of Saint Peter is a hilltop structure that has been inhabited since Roman times and occupies a key location on the Adige’s eastern bank. One of the most stunning views of the city can be found at this location. Below, you can see the layout of the entire city, complete with its numerous red rooftops, domical churches, and historic towers.

Here once stood a church honoring Saint Peter, which is how the castle got its name. The castle, which was constructed in the 1300s to fortify the city, stood firm for more than 400 years.

Even though the castle is no longer accessible to the general public, you can still stroll through its grounds, marvel at its incredible architecture, and take in the breathtaking views of Verona’s Old Town.

The Castel San Pietro Funicular is another option. In less than a minute, the funicular will take you from the center of Roman Verona to the Colle San Pietro viewpoint, where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful and romantic views of the city. The historic center with its bell towers and architecture from various eras can be seen from the panoramic Terrace, as well as the Adige river that runs beneath the Ponte Pietra.

The Funicular is the best place to start exploring all the nature trails in the Verona-area hills. Visitors have the option of using the cable lift, which is available year-round, to ascend or descend the hill.

10. Visit some wineries

If you enjoy wine, visit some of the local wineries while you’re here! You can spend days here savoring the Northern Italian culture, and this is one of the best things to do in Verona.

At the Monte Baldo, for instance, you can hike while tasting wine. Beautiful views of Lake Garda and the surroundings are provided by this mountain range. It’s a fantastic location for wine tasting and hiking as well.

There are numerous trails you can choose from, ranging in difficulty. There are many options available for hikers of all skill levels, so don’t worry if you’re not one yet.

After you’ve worked up an appetite, go wine tasting at one of the many vineyards nearby. At one of the restaurants, you can also eat lunch or dinner while taking in the view.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British – Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our missions are to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.