In Veneto in the northeast of Italy lies the romantic city of Verona. It is the capital of the province of the same name and enchants its visitors with its Roman history, its buildings worth seeing and its picturesque charm.
Verona is one of the most popular destinations in the Italian northeast and is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the region. It also gained fame as the setting of the famous Shakespeare work “Romeo and Juliet”. Verona’s historic centre has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
History of Verona
Verona has a long history. As early as the 1st century BC, the city was a Roman colony. In 49 BC she was granted Roman citizenship. Verona was also fortunate to be located at the crossroads of three important Roman roads, which helped it to rise economically and culturally.
After the end of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century, Verona rose to become the capital of the Ostrogoth king Theodoric the Great. Since the 12th century, Verona was considered a free city. In 1117, however, the city was hit by a devastating earthquake, which destroyed numerous buildings and cultural assets.
In 13. and In the 14th century, Verona was rebuilt and shone in new splendour. Even today, there are some buildings that remind us of the glorious era of the Scaligeri. Between 1405 and 1796, Verona was part of the Republic of Venice, which made it a cultural center.
Until 1866, Verona changed hands several times, then it and its surroundings became an Italian province.
How to get to Verona
Airplane
The fastest way from Germany to Verona is by flying. Verona has an international airport, Verona Villafranca Airport. All major German airports offer direct flights to Verona .
Train
A more environmentally friendly and scenic alternative is to travel by train. There are direct trains from Germany to Italy, and with one change you can reach Verona. Deutsche Bahn and Italian rail Trenitalia offer various connections.
Car
A trip by car to Verona is more recommended for German citizens from the southern provinces. Because even from Frankfurt, the net travel time to Verona is just under 9 hours by car. However, if you live near Munich, you can reach the most romantic city in Italy in just over 5 hours.
Long-distance bus
Long-distance buses are a cost-effective alternative. Companies such as FlixBus offer regular services from various cities in Germany to Verona.
Verona’s Attractions
Verona is a classic and highly interesting destination for a city trip. Families with children are also welcome there. There are some family-friendly attractions such as the Parco Zoo Safari with its varied variety of animals, the Termo dei Giunone adventure pool, the Parco Aquatico Villabella and the Pico Verde water park.
Arena di Verona
One of Verona’s most famous sights is the Arena di Verona. It dates back to Roman times and was built in the 1st century. However, the severe earthquake of the 12th century caused extensive destruction to the Roman amphitheatre, so that only four arcades remain of the old outer wall. Nevertheless, the Arena of Verona is still in good shape. By the way, it is the third largest amphitheater in Italy.
Because the arena has wonderful acoustics, it has also served as a venue for theatre performances, concerts and operas since 1913. Every year, the opera festival is held at this location.
Stroll through Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe is one of Verona’s lively centres. Visitors can expect daily market stalls, cafes and bars. There are also many imposing buildings to see, such as the Palazzo Maffei. Also worth a look are the statue of the lion, the clock tower Torre de Gardello and the fountain Fontana dei Madonna Verona.
San Zeno Maggiore
One of the most important churches in Verona is San Zeno, which dates back to the 12. and 13th century. It combines Romanesque and Gothic styles. The extensive round window and the bell tower (campanile) are admirable.
Castelvecchio
One of the most impressive historical attractions of the city is the Scaliger castle Castelvecchio, which was built between 1354 and 1356. In addition, a tower was added above the archway in 1375.
Over the centuries, Castelvecchio Castle has been used alternately as a fortress, arsenal or barracks. Several renovations were carried out in the 20th century. In the meantime, the building is used as a museum. Paintings are exhibited, mainly from the Renaissance, so that art lovers get their money’s worth there.
Die Piazza dei Signori
The Piazza dei Signori in the heart of Verona is full of magnificent buildings. The buildings are connected by many gates and arcades. Administrative life took place in the buildings, especially during the time of the Scaligers. Because more and more buildings were built around the piazza over time, it looks like an inner courtyard.
Also worth seeing is the Dante Monument made of fine marble, which rises to a height of three meters. It was built in 1865 to commemorate the great poet Dante Alighieri on his 600th birthday. To honor his 100th birthday.
Museo Lapidario Maffeiano
If you want to get an insight into the lives of Verona’s former inhabitants, the Museo Lapidario Maffeiano is the right place for you. It is one of the oldest museums of archaeology in Europe and presents its visitors with exhibits from the Etruscan, Greek and Roman periods.
The Casa di Giulietta and Romeo and Juliet
In Via Capello is the Casa di Giulietta, dating back to the 14th century. This building, also known as the House of the Capulets, with its Juliet Balcony, is said to have served William Shakespeare as a model for his famous tragedy “Romeo and Juliet”. However, the balcony was not built until the 30s of the 20th century. Before that, this part of the building was used as a sarcophagus. Historical models for Juliet did not live there either, but the Casa di Giulietta still gives an insight into Verona’s former life.
Shopping in Verona
Shopping enthusiasts are in good hands in Via Mazzini. There are a variety of shops for a wide variety of interests. At the church of San Zeno Maggiore there are weekly markets every Tuesday and Friday.
