Guest Post By: Margie Miklas
Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy and every year sees millions of tourists. You can easily spend several days here enjoying its attractions, appreciating its architecture and history and tasting its food and wines. I was fortunate enough to be able to spend three days here recently and here are the top 5 attractions to see in Verona.
The Verona Arena
The Verona Arena is the oldest and most famous landmark in Verona. Located on one side of the large Piazza Bra, the Arena, as it is called by the Italians, cannot be missed. This first century Roman amphitheatre, resembling the Colosseum, holds 20,000 spectators. This completely preserved amphitheatre now is the home for the highly acclaimed Verona Opera.
Piazza delle Erbe and Torre dei Lamberti
This is what you think of when you think of Italy, a large rectangular piazza lined with outdoor restaurants and little shops, and lots of activity day and night. It is one of the most attractive piazzas in Italy with its pink marble, and there are always rumors of American celebrities interested in buying homes here but to date none of those rumors has become fact.
The famous thin tower, Torre dei Lamberti is located on the north side as you enter the piazza and at 275 feet high, is Verona’s highest landmark and can be seen from a distance. You can climb it or take an elevator and have fantastic views of Verona from this vantage point. In the center of the piazza is an awesome 14th century fountain with a Madonna statue on top.
Casa Giulietta
Probably the most touristy site in Verona, judging from the continuous crowds, Juliet’s house and balcony is definitely one of the main attractions in Verona. It is not even clear whether this was in fact the house of Juliet but visitors flock to the courtyard to see the balcony where Juliet supposedly stood while Romeo courted her.
Beneath the balcony there are lines of tourists waiting to be able to touch the breast on the famous statue of Juliet and have a photo taken. It is something to see while you are in Verona but more a tourist attraction than anything else. If you want to enter the house there is a fee and I decided the courtyard and balcony were enough for me.
Castel San Pietro
Castel San Pietro is across the Adige River but you can easily reach this spot by taking the Verona Hop On Hop Off bus for 18 euros, good for 24 hours. I did this and it is a great way to learn about the city as well as get around and see the highlights. Castel San Pietro is high on a hill above the Roman Theatre and originally served as barracks for the Austrian army. The panoramic view of Verona from this terrace is truly picture perfect and would make a great postcard.
Castelvecchio
Another monument from the 14 th century is this huge old castle, which is where it derived its name. Castelvecchio means “old castle.” Inside the red brick castle is a museum with many Gothic and Renaissance paintings and sculptures and guided tours are available.
Verona has so many other attractions, all the churches, the bridges and more. These are my recommendations and I am certain that when you go to Verona you will have your own first-hand suggestions. Don’t miss this beautiful piece of Italy.
Guest Post By: Margie Miklas
Follow Margie on her blog at margieinitaly.wordpress.com
