Verona, the town of Romeo and Juliet and the Roman Arena

Itinerary: Verona, Arena, Amphitheatre, Juliet's House

Verona, this beautiful town of the Roman Arena is also known as the city of lovers due to Juliet's House located here

Verona, located in the Northern part of Italy in region Veneto, is considered to be one of the most beautiful Italian art cities and it is an absolute must-see and visit destination. It is universally known as the town of Romeo and Juliette. In fact, the Arena and Juliet’s House are the two real and indisputable symbols of the city.

The Amphitheatre of Verona (Arena in Italian) (pic n°1) was built during the Romans era between the Empires of Augustus and Claudius in the first century A.D. It is the third largest amphitheatre after the Colosseum in Rome and the Amphitheatre in Capua. For about 400 years, the Arena of Verona was home to gladiator bloody fightings. When it was built it was located outside the wall of the ancient city and it was included it only in the third century.

Today Arena stands in the main square (Piazza Brà) of the historic centre of Verona. This impressive monument, rather well preserved even today, is still in use. Today, this Amphitheatre is the natural setting for the famous Opera Festival of the Arena of Verona held here every year between June and August. Renowned opera singers such as Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, Giuseppe Di Stefano, Luciano Pavarotti, or Andrea Botticelli among many others have delighted here the Arena's audience. If you are an opera-lover do not miss a spectacular "Carmen" (directed by Franco Zeffirelli) or the historical version of 1913 of Aida (pic n°2) in the next season (2016). No words can describe how exciting and unforgettable will be any great shows like those in this unique environment of the Arena of Verona.

Just enjoy here the 'Air du Toreador' of Carmen by Bizet at the Arena Verona, in 2013:

Also, many national and international rock and pop concerts were hosted here: Pink Floyd, Rod Stewart, Sting, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney, Duran Duran and many others held concerts here.

Verona is also known as the "city of lovers" because of the William Shakespeare’s play "Romeo and Juliet". In fact, not far from the Arena of Verona, in Via Cappello, 23 is located Juliet's House (pic n°3) with the famous balcony. Under this balcony, Romeo had declared his love to Juliet. Hundreds of people every day come here to take pictures, to swear fidelity or simply to admire the location of the two lovers. Even though, and it does not matter, Rome and Juliet did never really exist in the real life!

When you enter Juliet's house, in the small courtyard you will find the statue of Juliet. It is said, touching her right breast will bring luck to those who search for their true love. You can visit Juliet's House and the small museum inside it from Tuesday to Sunday, (please check before going), and stand even on the famous Juliet's balcony.

Verona offers many other places to be visited such as the picturesque bridge "Ponte Scaligero" (pic n°4) over the river Adige, or the several other monuments from the Roman time among them 'Arco dei Gavi', a very well preserved Roman arch, the Roman Theatre, still in use today, or the bridge Ponte Pietra (pic n°6) , the only Roman bridge that has survived till now.

The late Medieval period and the Renaissance style have left an impressive heritage to Verona as well. Apart from Roman Verona, almost every important monument of the town comes from that period. Let here mention 'Piazza dei Signori' (pic n°5), a beautiful square surrounded by the late medieval Loggia del Consiglio (the building where the city council had its meeting in the past) and the elegant edifice of Palazzo del Governo (the town hall) that shows many Venetian influences. Torre del Gardello (Gardello Tower), Scaligeri's tombs, and the Church of Santa Maria Antica are other interesting monuments of this period.

Some pictures of Verona:

Arena of Verona (pic n°1); Aida, the famous Giuseppe Verdi opera at the Arena of Verona (pic n°2); Juliet's House with the famous balcony (pic n°3); Bridge Scaligero (pic n°4); Piazza dei Signori (Signori Square) (pic n°5); Ponte Pietra (pic n°6)