What to do in Verona. What is worth seeing in Verona? Church of St. Anastasia

Capital Rome is usually called the heart of Italian history, and Venice is the city of bridges and canals. Verona is spoken all over the world as a city of romance and great love. Naturally, William Shakespeare played an important role in this, immortalizing this city as the home of Romeo with his beloved Juliet. However, Verona is rich in more than just this: there are many amazing sights, architectural monuments and breathtaking landscapes. To better experience the unique atmosphere of Italy, you must visit the main attractions of Verona.

1. Arena di Verona

Arena di Verona is the most famous architectural landmark of Verona. This amphitheater was built in 30 AD by the ancient Romans. This building is 50 years older than the famous Roman Colosseum, but has managed to survive almost completely to this day. It is difficult to explain why this pink marble arena has proven timeless.

Thousands of spectators still gather at the Arena di Verona to see theatrical performances. Many of them agree that “Romeo and Juliet” looks best in Verona in its “native” arena.

Every year this amphitheater hosts the summer festival of world opera. Stars of the first magnitude gather at the two-century-old Arena di Verona, and thirty thousand spectators listen to them with pleasure. In winter, the building is empty, and all productions are shown in the indoor concert hall “Ente Lirico Arena”.

2. Sconce Square

One of Verona's most popular attractions is Piazza Bra. It also serves the city as a community center. To get here, you need to go through two arches of the ancient Portoni della Bra, which in former times were the main link of the fortress wall. The Torre of the Pentagon, located very close and representing a pentagonal tower, has also been preserved from it.

In the middle of Piazza Bra there is a coniferous square, in which you can see a bronze statue of Emmanuel II. There is also a monument to the partisan movement in Italy during the Second World War.

The façade of the buildings Palazzo del Gran Guardia and Palazzo Barbieri, where the municipality of Verona is now located, overlooks the square. Also located here are the buildings of the Amphitheater and the Church of San Nicolò. The numerous cafes and restaurants in Piazza Bra are almost always full of visitors enjoying a taste of Italy in such an amazing place.

3. Piazza delle Erbe

During the daytime, this square looks more like a market: it is very crowded and sellers persistently offer their goods to all passers-by. And when darkness falls, you can calmly stroll through the empty square or pop into one of the local cafes.

Translated from Italian, “Piazza Delle Erbe” means “grassy square”. In its center there is a delightful fountain with the Virgin Mary, and on all sides Piazza del Erbe is surrounded by various attractions. Among them, the 13th century Aedicule, the Giudici House, the Palazzo del Comune, the Merchants' House and the People's Bank are particularly noteworthy.

Also located here is the Palazzo Maffei, which amazes all guests of the city with its luxurious view. There are many statues of ancient gods on the building, and right in front of the palace stands a majestic column with the famous winged lion. This is the main symbol of Verona, which is known to everyone far beyond Italy. Another interesting attraction is the Lamberti Tower, whose height reaches 83 meters.

4. San Zeno Maggiore

When visiting the sights of Verona, be sure to pay attention to the Church of San Zeno Maggiore, which is the best example of Romanesque basilicas. The patron of the city, who was its first bishop, is buried here. The remains of the saint today rest in the crypt of this building, carefully stored in a crystal reliquary.

The building has managed to survive to this day, thanks to several reconstructions in the 12th and 14th centuries. The final renovation was carried out in early 1993, and now the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore has become one of the main architectural monuments of Verona. Volcanic tuff interspersed with marble combines very interestingly with bas-relief decor made on the theme of the Apocalypse. The entrance to the basilica is decorated with a Gothic portal by master Nicolo, also known for his work on the Verona Cathedral. The portico of the basilica is decorated with amazing sculptures of the 12 months, John the Baptist, and its columns rest on lions tearing their prey. It is also worth paying attention to the gate of San Zeno Maggiore, which is lined with biblical panels made of bronze from a thousand years ago.

The interior of the church also looks luxurious, so you should definitely get inside the basilica. In addition to the relics of Saint Zeno, there is the famous Mantegna triptych, a carved stone altar, a marble font and much more.

5. Castelvecchio

The next place that we recommend every tourist to visit in Verona is the ancient Castelvecchio castle, included in the UNESCO list. It was erected by the Scaliger dynasty back in the 14th century and was the main link of the city’s fortress wall. Initially, the castle was called San Martino al Ponte after the name of a small church located nearby.

Castelvecchio played a different role during its existence: it reliably defended Verona during the reign of the tyrant Cangrad II, was the residence of Napoleon and a garrison for the Austrian army. The entire amazing history of this building can be learned today within its walls. There is a historical museum here with many sculptures, paintings and various exhibits dating back to the time periods of the castle’s life. And the guides are happy to tell visitors about all the details.

In addition to its history, this Verona landmark also has aesthetic interest. Together with the Scaliger Bridge, which connects the castle with Left Bank Verona, they create a unique ensemble of medieval architecture. Both buildings are made in the Romanesque style with sharp battlements and loopholes.

6. Giusti Garden

Silence and complete tranquility in Verona can certainly be found in the Giusti Palace and Garden, which are located on the east coast of the Adige. Having been here, the words of the famous traveler Thomas Coriat from England, who called Giusti “the second earthly paradise,” become clear.

Giardino Giusti welcomes its guests with obelisks and graceful gates. A beautiful alley, decorated with statues, fountains, huge trees and green labyrinths, runs through the entire park complex. The garden terraces offer an amazing panorama of Verona. Here you can simply sit on a bench and enjoy complete privacy. When you are in Verona, be sure to visit this place.

7. Lamberti Tower

This landmark of Verona is located directly on Piazza Delle Erbe, on the northeast side. It will be extremely difficult to miss it, since the height of the Lamberti Tower reaches 84 meters! Today it is adjacent to the building of the House of the Commune, but originally it was an independent structure, serving as a home for an entire Veronese family. The tower began serving the needs of the city much later.

The history of this building dates back to the 12th century, when in Verona the prestige of a family was measured by the height of the house, as well as its location in the city. The Lamberti family at that time was considered one of the most powerful, so they decided to build themselves a corresponding tower. The site chosen for construction was adjacent to the city's Great Square (the old name of the current Piazza Delle Erbe). Construction began in the spring of 1172 and was completed three years later.

45 years later, construction began around the Lamberti Tower of the House of the Commune and it became part of this building. It was repaired several times and some details were added, but the original style was still preserved. The last restoration was carried out in the fall of 2007 and now tourists can visit the Painting Gallery here. And after climbing 368 steps, you will find yourself in a chapel at the top of the tower, which will offer amazing views of Verona.

8. Church of St. Anastasia

The Basilica of Santa Anastasia is considered the largest church in Verona. It is located near Ponte Pietra and is very popular among locals and visitors. Few people know that this temple has a completely different name, since it was consecrated in honor of St. Peter. The basilica was built on the site of the old church of Anastasia the Destroyer, so the townspeople continued to call it by its old name. Over time, this name stuck.

The appearance of the attraction is made in a strict Gothic style. A simple window rose remained unfinished, but over time a tall bell tower with a sharp spire was added to the apse. The interior decoration amazes those entering with its luxury: there are many amazing statues, marble columns, frescoes and carved ornaments. The main altar, decorated with frescoes “Renaissance” and “The Last Judgment”, stands out especially.

9. Ponte Pietra

In Verona, Italy, there is the only arched bridge, which was built back in the 1st century. Ponte Pietra (“Stone Bridge”) connected the banks of the Adige in 90. Initially, ancient Roman architects built it in the form of 5 spans of pure marble, made in the form of arches. Ponte Pietra is approximately 120 m long and almost 4 m wide.

Over time, the bridge was repaired several times and other materials were added. This is how Ponte Postumio (“Marble Bridge”) received its modern name. During the years of fascist occupation, the bridge was blown up and completely destroyed. Until the end of the war, his remains rested at the bottom of the Adige.

The reconstruction of Ponte Pietra was carried out on the basis of surviving photographs, so it was possible to almost completely preserve its original appearance. Part of the bridge was taken out from the bottom of the river, and the rest was laid out with red bricks. The original appearance of the new Ponte Pietra became its highlight and today it is one of the best attractions in Verona. Adding interest to the bridge are the many nearby ancient buildings: the Roman Theater, the Church of St. Stephen and the monastery of San Girolamo.

10. Juliet's House

Every year, thousands of romantics come to Verona from all over the world to see with their own eyes the legendary balcony, standing on which Juliet listened to the passionate confessions of her beloved Romeo. William Shakespeare immortalized this scene from his play in the hearts of millions of people, past and future generations.

The building was built back in the 13th century, and it was owned by the Del Capello family for a long time. Inside Juliet's House there is a museum displaying relevant exhibits. Here you can see a huge number of costumes and decorations for the play “Romeo and Juliet”. The interior of the room is presented in a classic medieval style. All rooms are furnished with luxurious furniture of the 16th - 17th centuries, and stunning frescoes by famous authors look out at visitors from the walls.

To visit this attraction of Verona, it is better to choose early morning, when there is not such a large flow of visitors. There is an entrance fee to the museum, but access to the courtyard is absolutely free.

Who can tell about the city and its sights better than any guidebook? Of course, a local resident in love with his city. Moreover, if this city is Verona, a global symbol of love and romance. And even more so if the narrator is a girl who moved to the city of Shakespeare’s lovers too... because of love :)

May all people, while Verona stands,
That statue reminds me again
Juliet's poor fidelity and love.

Meet the charming #unarussainitalia - Mila Pagliarecchi.

We decided to find out from Mila all the most useful information about Verona for tourists, because this city is famous not only for the houses of Romeo and Juliet. From this article you will learn secret Verona sights, interesting and unusual places, secret paths on which Verona will open up to you from an unusual side, shopping streets and the most beautiful squares in Italy. But first, let's get acquainted.

— Mila, tell us a little about yourself: how did you move to Italy and what are you doing now?

I moved to Italy in 2013 out of love. My husband Filippo is from Verona. This is where we live. On July 9, 2014, I created my blog, its name translates as “Russian in Italy.” Initially, my articles were devoted to documentary issues: how to organize a wedding, how to obtain a residence permit and medical card, and obtain a driver’s license. Then I realized that my favorite activity is traveling. We travel a lot around Italy, mainly to places that are unknown to the mass tourist. I started telling my readers about this. Relatively recently I began to develop my Instagram profile @unarussainitalia , where I publish not only photographs, but also useful information that may be useful to those planning a trip to Italy. I have several projects to launch ahead, but it’s too early to talk about it.

— Mila, let’s talk briefly about the main thing: what to do in Verona?

Unfortunately, for a very long time Verona treated as a city for half a day on the way from Venice to Milan or from Milan to Venice. Over time, tourists discovered the beauty of this city. Many of my readers return here more than once and stay for several days, or even weeks.

In Verona you need to walk, turn into small streets, absorb the atmosphere of this city and often look up, because this is how you can discover beautiful palazzos with frescoes, statues or bas-reliefs, of which there are a lot in the city center.

Evening in Verona If you are lucky enough to be here on Sunday, you should definitely go for an aperitif at Osteria al Canton, which is located in the most beautiful square of the city (and one of the most beautiful in Italy) - Piazza delle Erbe, and enjoy the splendor of the frescoed houses with a glass of Valpolicella red wine. I call Piazza delle Erbe the living room of Verona. You may ask why on Sunday? Because it is on this day that the trading stalls are removed from the square, and you will have the opportunity to see it in all its glory: Palazzo Mazzanti, one of the main symbols of Verona Madonna fountain, Palazzo Maffei and Lamberti Tower.

If you are planning a trip from the end of June to mid-August, then be sure to book tickets for the opera, which is performed almost every evening in the Roman amphitheater Arena di Verona as part of the opera festival. Tickets can be viewed on the website

— What to see in Verona?

— What non-tourist, but interesting places are there in Verona?

There are many similar places, it is enough to go off the beaten tourist routes. I'll name the ones I like.

Dante Square and the square next to it Cortile del Mercato Vecchio (Old Market) with Verona's most photographed staircase - Scala della Ragione. 10 meters from this place, opposite the Palazzo, where the prefecture of the city is now located and where the famous Dante Alighieri lived for several years, are the tombs of representatives of the Scaliger family. This family ruled in Verona throughout the 13th – 14th centuries. If you go even further, you will come to the most beautiful street in Verona - via Sottoriva. If you take away all the cars, it looks like you're in the Middle Ages.

I recently discovered the fact that many do not reach the most beautiful observation deck in the city, Castel San Pietro! This is the main one Verona landmark, especially in the morning, when there are no people. From there you have a breathtaking view of the capital of love.

Foto @Roberto Taddeo

Few people know that in the very center of Verona there is a beautiful park Giardino Giusti, which can be visited by paying 7 euros. There is one of the oldest labyrinths in Italy, centuries-old cypress trees, statues and another panoramic platform.

And finally, very I advise you to take a walk along the streets near Piazza delle Erbe, for example, via Duomo, via Pigna, via San’Egidio.

Tips and trivia useful for tourists.

1. While walking along the streets of Verona, constantly raise your head up.

2. Visit Via Mazzini only if you plan shopping in Verona, otherwise you will get tired of jostling in the crowd.

3. Turn onto small parallel streets.

4. If you are planning a trip to Italy at the end or beginning of the month, then remember that every first Sunday admission to museums is free or for a symbolic price.

5. If you want to visit more than 2-3 museums or churches, then purchase a VeronaCard: for 24 hours its cost will be 18 euros, for 48 hours - 22 euros. The savings are significant. Just think, the entrance to the famous Arena di Verona amphitheater costs 10 euros, to climb the Lamberti Tower - 7 euros, a visit to the house and tomb of Juliet - 7 euros, entrance to the main churches - 2.5 euros for each ticket.

— Does Verona have its own cuisine or special dishes that you should definitely try here?

I will not go into the intricacies of cooking, I will only list some traditional dishes of Verona.

• Bigoli al ragù di asino

Bigoli- one of the types of pasta, which is thick-walled and hollow inside spaghetti. In Verona they are prepared with the addition of minced donkey meat. Tasty? Incredible!

• Risotto al Amarone

This risotto prepared with local wine Amarone, which is very much appreciated here.

• Bollito con la pearà

One of the main dishes of Verona cuisine is boiled young beef on the bone. The meat is served with la pearà sauce. To prepare it, use broth, to which breadcrumbs, grated cheese (Parmiggiano Reggiano) and black pepper are added. By tradition, not a single Sunday family lunch in Verona is complete without this dish.

• Pastissada di Caval

Another favorite dish of local residents, which is prepared according to ancient recipes from horse meat.

The tradition of eating horse meat dates back to the middle of the 5th century AD. According to one legend, in 489, after one of the hardest battles between the king of the Ostrogoths, Theodoric, and the head of a detachment of barbarian mercenaries of the Roman Empire, Odoacer, and also because of the incredible cold, many horses fell dead. Exhausted by hunger and constant attacks from enemies, the city residents decided to marinate the meat in local well-aged red wine, seasoning it with spices.

Nowadays, meat is also pre-soaked in red wine and then stewed over very low heat.

• Risotto al tastasal

When preparing it, one of the prerequisites is the use of Vialone Nano rice, which is grown near Verona. Minced pork is added to it.

— Mila, where is the best place to stay in Verona? In which area would you recommend choosing a hotel?

Hotels in Verona It’s better to choose in the center - within the river. If you look at the map, everything inside the river is good for tourists. If you are traveling by car, check with the hotel in advance whether you can drive it into the center and whether they have parking.

You should avoid the Verona Porta Nuova train station area, via XX Settembre. Otherwise, the center of Verona is very calm and there are always police and military personnel who keep order.

Foto @Fabiano Lecce

— Okay, where is the best shopping in Verona then? 🙂

Large stores of world brands in Verona you will find fashionistas on the main street via Mazzini, also on via Stella there are some shops. On Corso Porta Borsari There are fewer people: there are good Italian shoe stores, as well as the multi-brand store Folli Follie. In Piazza delle Erbe and Corso Sant’Anastasia you can find boutiques with interesting collections of Italian designers.

With children in Verona you can go to the one that recently opened after restoration Archaeological Museum of Verona (Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano), Juliet's house It will definitely be interesting to girls. 30 km from Verona is the largest amusement park in Northern Italy and the third most popular in Europe - Gardaland. It is often called Italian Disneyland. There is also a Sea Life aquarium there. Located near Lake Garda Parco Natura Viva park, where you can see many interesting animals.

The fossil museum Museo dei Fossili (Bolca) is located 30 km from Verona. This place has been famous since the beginning of the 16th century; fossils of fish and plants dating back more than 50 million years have been found here.

Copies from the Fossili Museum are in natural science museums in many countries around the world - France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, the USA and even Russia.

In close proximity to the museum there is Pesciara is one of the richest and largest fossil deposits in the world, containing plant and fish fossils that are allowing scientists to make unexpected discoveries about the area's marine past. Pesciara is open from March to October on Sundays from 14:00 to 17:00. Here you have the opportunity to try your luck - break the stones and find one of the unique fossils!

— What to see in the vicinity of Verona (up to 100 km), what natural beauty attractions?

A must see in the Verona area Lake Garda. This the largest lake in Italy and very beautiful. It is often compared to fjords. On its eastern side, which is closer to Verona, pay attention to cities such as: Lazise, ​​Bardolino, Garda, Torri del Benaco, Cassone, Malcesine, Torbole, Riva del Garda. In the city Malcesine has a funicular, which will allow you to climb to an altitude of 1800 m above sea level on Monte Baldo. In clear weather, the view of Lake Garda is breathtaking from here! It is better to buy tickets for the funicular in advance on the website, otherwise you may stand in line for 1–1.5 hours. When planning such an excursion, do not forget about warm clothes; the temperature difference with the coast can be striking.

On the western shore of Lake Garda, towns worth visiting include: Limone and Tremosine. One of the most beautiful roads in Europe leads to them, offering incredible views of the lake, Gardone Riviera, Salo’ (emphasis on the second syllable), Sirmione and Desenzano.

From Verona you can get to cities such as Padua, Vicenza, Venice, Treviso.

If you love small medieval towns, then be sure to check out Borghetto sul Mincio, Asolo, Arqua Petrarca, Citadella, Bassano del Grappa.

There are very beautiful villas near Venice (for example, Villa Pisani in Stra, which is called the Venetian Versailles).

There are many villas near the city of Vicenza that were designed by the famous architect Andrea Palladio - Villa Godi-Malinverni, Caldogno, etc.

Photo: Mark Chatterton & Ornella D.

Mila, thank you very much for an interesting and very informative conversation!

Mila's Instagram — @unarussainitalia

See you in Verona! 😉

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Verona is an amazing city located near Venice and Milan. Filled with sights and architectural monuments, it attracts travelers from different parts of the world like a magnet. The beauty of natural landscapes and medieval buildings makes your heart beat faster every time, and after saying goodbye to the city, you come back here again and again.

What to see in Verona on your own?

Beautiful places and main attractions: photos with descriptions in Russian.

Juliet's House in Verona

Juliet's House is a small brick house in which, according to legend, lived the young heroine of the famous Shakespearean tragedy. The most interesting place in this house is the courtyard with a balcony, where Romeo confessed his love to Juliet. Near this famous balcony there is a bronze statue of Juliet. It is believed that touching the right breast of a Shakespearean heroine will bring happiness and good luck. In addition, there is another belief among tourists, according to which lovers who kiss under Juliet’s balcony will never part. Therefore, it is not difficult to imagine what is happening there, considering that this place is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year! While in this place, you can taste the extraordinary love story that Shakespeare showed us in his work!

Arena di Verona

Arena di Verona is a huge amphitheater, which has been preserved in beautiful and amazing condition to this day. This is amazing as it has survived world wars, earthquakes and floods. And sometimes it just doesn’t fit in my head how it’s possible to build and preserve this creation without any divine help. Now, as before, theatrical performances and operas take place here. It is believed that the best productions of Romeo and Juliet take place here. Many international voices come to perform on the thousand-year-old stage, and thousands of tourists come to see it.

Castelvecchio Castle

Castelvecchio Castle was built back in the 8th century as a defensive fortress. It has Gothic architecture and, by the way, is very similar to the Moscow Kremlin. This castle looks, as they say, very stern and angry. But at the same time, it is a strong and aesthetic structure. After all, the bridge in this castle stood without reconstruction, attention, for more than 500 years! The castle itself contains a large collection of paintings and sculptures and ancient weapons from various masters of the Middle Ages.

Giusti Garden

It is here, in the Giusti Garden, that an oasis of peace and tranquility reigns. And it is here that you can take your mind off the dusty streets, the noisy city, and the fast pace of life. There you can just stop and breathe in this fresh air of calm and understand how beautiful this world really is. Understand that there are places in this world where you can forget about everything. This park complex is decorated with fountains and statues. A wonderful alley with tall trees stretches from the very front gate. There are also terraces on the upper and lower levels, which offer amazing views of Verona. The warm air will make you feel the atmosphere of those times when Emperor Joseph II, Goethe and Mozart walked through this park.

Palazzo Maffei

One of the many palaces in the city, built in the 15th century in the Baroque style. The building is decorated with statues of ancient Roman gods, semi-columns and balconies. Inside the building there is now a hotel, the ancient interior of which allows guests to feel the atmosphere of antiquity. Next to the palace, the Gardello clock tower was erected, more ancient than the Palazzo Maffei, which has been reconstructed more than once.

Lamberti Tower

This building, located on Erbe Square, was built in the 12th century and was originally lower than it is today. Years later, its height reached 84 meters, and now it is the tallest building in the city. The observation deck offers stunning views of Verona. The architecture of the tower retains the imprint of the eras during which it existed; on its top there are bells, the size of one of them exceeds 4 tons - this is the second largest bell in Verona.

Verona Cathedral

The main cathedral of Verona, created in the 12th century, is an amazingly beautiful architectural monument in which two styles predominate: Romanesque on the outside, Gothic inside the cathedral. In the building itself you can see ancient works of art that are of great value. The cathedral's bell tower houses the city's oldest bell.

Arch of Gavi

This historical building, owned by the noble Verona family of Gavi, was erected by the hand of the architect Lucius Vitruvius Cerdon in the 1st century. n. e. In 1932, the monument was reconstructed, before which the arch changed its location more than once. Decorated with columns, elegant plant patterns, and statues that were later lost, the Gavi Arch served as an example of a classical ancient structure in the creation of other architectural monuments.

Merchants' House

Domus Mercatorum, or the House of Merchants, is an ancient building in the Gothic style, which retains traces of the Middle Ages and has been changed more than once by the hand of man, it is located in Piazza delle Erbe. Until the 14th century it was made of wood, and then its walls were rebuilt into stone. Even later, the Merchants' House was decorated with arches. Already from the name it becomes clear that historically the building belonged to craftsmen and traders. Today the building belongs to the People's Bank.

Arches of the Scaligers

The Arches of the Scaligeri, built in the 14th century, represent the majestic burial places of the rulers of the city, descended from a noble family: Cangrande I, Mastino II and Cansignorio della Scala. The arches are made in the Gothic style, each distinguished by its architectural features, each decorated with the image of the ruler resting in it. These historical monuments are located next to the Church of Santa Maria Antica.

Santa Anastasia

The church, created in the Gothic style, was built from the 12th to the 15th centuries in honor of St. Anastasia the Pattern Maker. The cathedral consists of three rooms with columns; The marble floor is tiled with mosaics. Santa Anastasia is a stunning work of art: it is decorated with ancient frescoes, bas-reliefs depicting the life of the great martyr herself, and many of them are dedicated to the life of the Apostle Peter. The inside walls are painted in the Renaissance style.

Forti Gallery of Contemporary Art

The ancient Forti Palace was restored in the 20th century, after which a museum of modern art appeared here. Originally, this place housed a private collection of art collected by Achille Forti, who donated it to the city. Then, due to constant additions to the collection, it grew and now amounts to 1,400 exhibits, of which only a small part are works of modern art, and the rest dates back to the 19th and 20th centuries.

Monument to Dante Alighieri

The monument, erected in honor of the 600th anniversary of the great poet who gave the world the Divine Comedy, is located in Piazza Signoria. After his expulsion from Florence, Dante spent part of his life in Verona, which served as the reason for the creation of a marble monument. The statue depicting Dante stands in deep thought, the poet holding a book in his hands. On the same square, very close to the monument, there is a cafe, also dedicated to Dante.

Church of San Fermo Maggiore

The modern church building, made in the Romanesque style and complemented by Gothic elements, was erected in the 11th century on the banks of the Adige River. Before this, there was another church in the same place, created in the 8th century in honor of the holy martyrs. The burial place of saints is also located here. The building is divided into two parts: the upper and lower churches. In the church you can see many ancient works of art and admire the rich decoration of the premises.

Fountain of the Verona Madonna

This is an architectural monument of the 14th century, erected by order of the noble Scaliger family and located in Piazza delle Erbe. Above the fountain rises the figure of the Madonna, holding the city's coat of arms in her hands. The bottom of the fountain is strewn with coins - people who come to this place believe that they will be provided with wealth if they only need to throw a coin into the fountain. This tradition dates back to the times when the traders and merchants of Verona concluded profitable trade deals with each other around the fountain.

Romeo's house

According to legend, passed from one admirer of Shakespeare's work to another, it was in this house that the Montague family lived. The building, built in the 14th century, combines two styles: Gothic and Romanesque. The house cannot be inspected from the inside, because... it is private property, part of the house is reserved for a hotel. Initially, this building belonged to the Counts of Nogarola, only after a long time it turned into Romeo's house. Not far from it there is another building - Juliet's house.

Juliet's Tomb

The tomb of the famous Shakespearean heroine is located in the monastery of San Francesco Al Corso, where the lovers died. The tomb is located among the exhibits of the archaeological museum. The coffin is covered with sweet declarations of love, and there are flowers at the bottom. Next to the tomb there is a picturesque monastery garden, decorated with bas-reliefs dedicated to Shakespeare; in the center of the garden there is a well into which tourists throw coins for good luck.

Captains' Palace

The Palace of Cansignorio, or the Captains' Palace, is a 14th-century building in Piazza Signoria. Initially, the structure was a fortress built by order of the ruler of Verona, Cansignorio della Scala. Later it housed the residences of the city governors, and then the city prison. Numerous reconstructions have transformed the Captains' Palace; very little remains of the previous architecture.

San Zeno Maggiore

The church, built over the tomb of St. Zeno of Veronia, was erected back in the 5th century. This ancient building has a long history: the basilica was moved, destroyed, and reconstructed many times until it became the way it can be seen now. The church building is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible, sculptures of saints, bronze panels showing the miracles of St. Zeno, and his relics can also be found in the basilica.

Palazzo della Ragione

Palazzo della Ragione is located between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Senorii. The building was built in the 19th century and has gone through several renovations since then. Over the course of several centuries, its premises have hosted many city institutions. Even time cannot destroy traces of luxurious exterior decoration. The attention of tourists is immediately attracted by the striped façade of the building. Inside you can admire both ancient and modern paintings.

Monument to Garibaldi

Giuseppe Garibaldi, who lived in the 19th century, is a national hero of Italy, a revolutionary liberator who did a lot for his country, so monuments to this great man can be found throughout Italy. One of them was built by grateful Italians in Verona, not far from Juliet’s house. Giuseppe Garibaldi sits here on horseback; tourists often visit the hero.

Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra is an arched bridge 120 meters long, spanning from one bank of the Verona River Adige to the other. Its construction began in the 1st century BC, when the ancient Romans lived in this place. Initially, the bridge was made of wood, but it collapsed into the river more than once, so later it became marble, and then, after several destructions and reconstructions, it turned into stone. Ponte Pietra offers stunning views of the picturesque landscapes of Verona.

Porta Borsari

This is the facade of an ancient Roman building, built in the 1st century AD. Previously, it housed the Verona barracks. Only the three-story facade has survived to this day; semicircular arches rise above the road. The historical monument is decorated with columns. Our modern name arose during the Middle Ages and is translated as tax; At that time there was a customs outpost here. The facade is quite well preserved and is an example of magnificent ancient Roman architecture.

San Giorgio in Braida

This Catholic monastery was built in the 11th century. And now you can admire its architecture: the building consists of one nave, there are five altars in the building. Previously, a bell tower rose above the monastery, but then a dome was created in its place. Among the objects of San Giorgio in Braida there are real works of art. The style in which the monastery was built can be attributed to Renaissance architecture.

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

In many places in beautiful Italy you can find similar monuments. The man in whose honor this building was erected on Slavyanskaya Embankment in the 19th century is the first king of a united Italy. On both sides the monument is decorated with figures of lions and women depicting Venice. On one side of the monument, the statues symbolize defeat in the uprising against Austrian rule, on the other, annexation to Italy.

Archaeological Museum

The museum was founded in 1923 in the monastery of San Gerolamo near the Roman Theater. Among the archaeological finds in the collection you can find many objects from the times of Ancient Rome: there are figurines and sculptures, household items, frescoes and mosaics, as well as a large number of other exhibits. The building itself is also a historical monument, a work of art. The collection of the archaeological museum is replenished thanks to donations.

Chapter Library

This is the ancient library of Verona, in which you can find many ancient books, the oldest of which is a book from Antiquity, written in 517 by the lecturer Ursicino. The library building was erected in the 18th century, where the precious manuscripts were transferred. During the war, the library was destroyed, some books were lost, others were damaged. Later the building was reconstructed. Now in the Chapter Library you can find a huge number of ancient and rare books.

Church of Santa Maria Antica

The Romanesque church is located in the city center and is one of the most visited places in Verona. The building was built in the 7th century, but was badly damaged after the earthquake, and over time it was reconstructed more than once. For some time the church belonged to the important Veronese family della Scala. Santa Maria Antica consists of three naves. The basilica preserves frescoes from the 13th century. Now tourists can see this building as it was back in the 12th century.

Church of San Lorenzo

The building of the modern Church of San Lorenzo was erected in the 12th century on the site of an older temple - as ancient documents report. Some fragments of the former building were found during restoration. The church immediately attracts attention with its facade: striped walls, columns built along the edges, and Romanesque style of architecture. Inside the building there are matroneas - places for women. The columns are decorated with eagles clutching their prey in their talons. The church has been reconstructed more than once.

Porta Leoni

Porta Leoni, or Lion's Gate, is a Roman gate that stood at the exit from the city. They got their name thanks to the sarcophagus with images of lions standing next to them, and before that they had been renamed more than once. Porta Leoni was built in the 1st century AD and served as a defensive outpost. The gate reached a height of 13 meters and was connected to the fortress wall and towers.

Roman theater

The ancient Roman theater was created in the 1st century AD and is located on the hill of San Pietro. It combines Ionic and Tuscan architectural styles. Previously, the height of the theater was 27 meters. The seats allocated for spectators are divided into lower and upper areas. The architecture of the Roman Theater was severely damaged due to floods of the nearby Adige River. The restored theater still hosts performances that anyone can watch.

Porta Nuova

The Porta Nuova gate was built in the 16th century and was the main front gate of the city and also served a defensive function. In the building you can trace the features of medieval architecture. In the 19th century the gate was rebuilt. Previously, a lion towered over the gate, and then was replaced by the Austrians with a coat of arms with figures of a double-headed eagle and griffins; the statue depicting an eagle was lost over time. Even later, the gate was reconstructed.

Podesta Palace

The palace was erected on Piazza Signorio in the 13th century by order of the noble della Scala family, ruling Verona. The great Dante once lived in this palace while in exile from his hometown of Florence. Podesta is the position of manager; such managers held political meetings in the palace, hence the name of the building. A bas-relief with a lion was installed above the castle portal. The top of the building is decorated with battlements, the walls and ceiling inside are painted by Italian painters.

Be sure to visit Verona - your time will be well spent and memories will remain in your memory for a long time, and the desire to return here will arise again and again.

What is the first thing we say when we mention Verona? That this is the city of Romeo and Juliet is likely. And what else? Is this city, located in the foothills of the Dolomites and part of the Veneto region, really not remarkable for anything else? Of course not.

Verona ( Verona) is a landmark of Italy on a global scale, a city with which the history of the country is inextricably linked.

It is located in the center of the Padan Plain in northeastern Italy, approximately midway between Venice on the Adriatic coast and Milan. This is a strategically important point, so from time immemorial the Etruscans and Veneti settled there, then the Romans took possession of it, and it was they who built the city of Colonia Augusta Verona, the present Verona, here 90 years before the birth of Christ.

For this reason Verona's sights span a period of history spanning two thousand years. By the way, in Italy it is also called “little Rome”. And not only because there is the Arena di Verona, which is not inferior in size to the Roman Colosseum, but also because of the preserved ancient layout of the streets of the historical center.

Let's try to cover all the sights of Verona in one day.“Is this possible?” you ask. If available - yes, it is possible, and you can do it yourself - without a guide. But it’s even better if you have a small list of the most significant places of this amazing city and choose the right place to stay in Verona.

The historical center of the city is located on the right bank of the Adige River, where it makes an intricate bend in the shape of the letter “S”. In the downstream “squiggle” of this letter, right in the middle, is the administrative center - Piazza della Signoria. There is one wonderful hotel next to this square.

Due Torri Hotel

Hotel Due Torri

Due Torri Hotel (Two Towers Hotel) is a modern tourist establishment with maximum comfort. However, it is also interesting because it is located in the 14th century palace of Dell'Aquila ( Palazzo dell'Aquila). By checking into the hotel you will have the opportunity to buy tickets to all opera and theater performances held at the Arena di Verona without queues or additional fees.

Next to the hotel is Piazza della Signoria, which is surrounded by the Scaliger Palace (you can recognize it by the battlements on the roof, they are very similar to the Kremlin), the palaces of the municipality and city council, and a small internal fortress (Palace of the Captains). In the middle of the square there is a monument to Dante, this is the place where lovers and lost tourists find each other. Not far from it is the main visual landmark of Verona - the Lamberti Tower.

Lamberti Tower

Lamberti Tower

Lamberti Tower ( Torre dei Lamberti) was built on Ebre Square, which has the second name “Herbs Square”, as all kinds of greens were sold there. The construction of the tower was paid for by the family after which it was named. Now its height is 84 meters. This is a quadrangular building that was built over several centuries. The stages of construction can be traced by the material of the walls. The first stone of its foundation was laid in 1172, and construction was completed with the construction of an octagonal belfry made of marble in 1464. It is allowed to climb the tower.

Address: Via della Costa 1, 37121 Verona, Italy.
Opening hours: Monday 13.30-19.30, Tuesday-Sunday 9.30-19.30.
Cost: ascent on foot – 2 €, ascent by elevator – 3 €.
How to get there: take buses No. 96, 97 to the stop P.za Erbe Fr. 21.
Phone: +39 045 927 3027

Juliet Capulet's House

Juliet's Balcony

Well, now from the Lamberti Tower we will go northeast along Capello Street ( via Capello). About three hundred meters later we will meet Juliet's house ( Casa di Giulietta).

The family estate of the Capello family, which was for Shakespeare the prototype of the Capulet family, lived on this street, in this house. This building is from the 13th century, but has been an inn since the end of the 17th century.

If it weren't for Cukor's film, released in 1936, he would have fallen into oblivion. The modern look of Juliet's house is completely copied from the movie set in Hollywood. The bronze figurine of Juliet was installed in the courtyard of the house in 1976. Her right breast has already been polished to a shine, since, according to legend, touching it promises a successful marriage and eternal love.

And the most popular element is balcony, was reproduced only in 1997. It was forbidden to go out on it long ago, but you can kiss under it as much as you like. The house can be visited; its medieval interiors have been recreated.

Address: Italy, Verona, Via Cappello, 23
Opening hours: Tue-Sun: 8.30-19.30, Mon: 13.45-19.30
Cost: 4 euros for adults, 3 euros for students, 1 euro for children.

Romeo Montague's House

Romeo's house

There is also in Verona Romeo's house ( Casa di Romeo). It is located on the street adjacent to Piazza della Senoria on the side opposite the Lamberti Tower.

Now he no longer has any historical connection with the Montague family. Tourists called it Romeo's house, to which none of the city fathers objected. This is a Gothic style mansion built in the 16th century. Along the top of the wall surrounding the courtyard there are battlements very similar to those in the Kremlin. Originally owned by the Nogarola family. The current owners of the building do not allow anyone inside.

Church of Santa Maria Antica

Church of Santa Maria Antica

Next to Romeo’s house there is another symbolic place for Verona, already quite real and historical - the Church of Santa Maria, usually Antica (old) is added to this name.

Apparently, one of the oldest buildings in the city, built in the 12th century. It has survived to this day almost in its original form, only it has lost its snow-white color. At the time when Verona was ruled by the Scaliger family, Santa Maria Antica ( Chiesa di Santa Maria Antica) was used by him as a “home church” and a tomb. The Verona Arches of the Scaligers (crypts with hipped roofs on carved stone pillars), located nearby, are precisely the family pantheon of this family.

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Ponte Pietra Bridge

Ponte Pietra Bridge

Now let's go out to the Adige embankment and walk along it to Ponte Pietra bridge ( Ponte Pietra). This building is worthy of attention only because it was built by the Romans before they founded Verona. This is a stone bridge of five arched spans. It was blown up in 1945 by German Wehrmacht troops during their retreat from Italy. Restored from original pieces in 1957.

Roman theater

Now let's cross the bridge, because there are also a lot of interesting things on the left bank. To the right of the bridge, almost on the river bank - accidentally excavated in the 19th century Roman theater ( Teatro Romano). This is a classic Roman building of this type in the form of a series of cascading steps forming an amphitheater. Despite its antiquity, and it was built at the beginning of our era, the structure is perfectly preserved. To this day it is used as originally intended - concerts and performances are held.

Next to the Roman theater is the Archaeological Museum of Verona, where you can get acquainted with artifacts of its thousand-year history. For example, see a mosaic from the wall of the country residence of a Roman patrician.

Address: Via Regaste Redentore 2, Verona
Opening hours: from 8.30 to 19.30 (on Monday from 13.30 to 19.30)
Entrance fee: € 4.50
Tel.: +39 045 800 0360

Giusti Garden and Palace

Giusti Garden

If you go right from the bridge along Santa Chiara street (you can take bus number 31 along it), you will reach Park Giusti ( Giardino Giusti). This is a regular park ensemble of the late 16th century, dating back to the Renaissance. In the center of the park is the Palazzo Giusti estate, U-shaped in plan, which belonged to the Giusti family.

The magnificent alleys of the park and its lawns, decorated with antique sculptures, inspired the work of Mozart and Goethe. The park offers breathtaking views of the Adige River and the historic center of Verona. Entrance to the park is free.

Now let's return along the Ponte Pietra bridge to the right bank and go to the main cathedral of Verona.

Verona Cathedral

Cathedral of Verona

Cattedrale di Verona S. Maria Assunta) stands a little north of the Church of Anastasia, right on the river bank. In fact, this is a whole complex of religious buildings that began to take shape in the 4th century AD on the site of an ancient Roman temple.

The first church to be built was St. Helena, and the cathedral itself began to be built in the 12th century, then it was completed and rebuilt until the 17th century. This is a Gothic structure, the vaults of which are supported by red marble columns, cross vaults and arches. It is decorated with paintings by painters who worked during the Renaissance. For example, in the altar there is a painting by Titian “The Assumption of the Virgin Mary”, painted in the first third of the 16th century.

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Church of San Lorenzo

Church of San Lorenzo

From the cathedral you need to go along the river upstream, and be sure to go to the very beautiful San Lorenzo embankment, where there is Church of San Lorenzo ( Basilica di San Lorenzo), built in a strict Romanesque style in the 8th century outside the city limits of Verona.

The most remarkable element in its appearance are the two round towers of the main facade. They were intended for women to enter the temple to the places specially allocated for them - the matroneum. This is an early Christian church, for parishioners in which there was still social division as in ancient Rome.

Scaliger Bridge and Castelvecchio Castle

Castelvecchio Castle

Walking further along the river upstream, we will reach the Scaliger Bridge ( Ponte Scaligero), built across the river to Castelvecchio Castle ( Castelvecchio) - residence of the Scaliger family, who ruled in Verona from the 13th to the 14th centuries.

The bridge is remarkable in that it is decorated with dovetail teeth, exactly the same as those on the walls of the Moscow Kremlin.

Behind the bridge, on the left bank of the Adige, stands the residence of the Scaligers - Castelvecchio Castle, also built in the 14th century. If it had hipped tops on the towers, then it would be very easy to confuse it with the Moscow Kremlin. In addition, the castle has another interesting Verona Museum, which is a must-see. There are many sculptures dating back to the Romanesque era and paintings by Italian masters. Such as Pisanello, Carpaccio...

Address: Corso Castelvecchio 2, Verona, Italy.
Opening hours: daily 9.00-18.30 (ticket office until 18.00), closed on Monday.
Cost: 6 €, for students, pensioners, groups of over 15 people – 4.5 €.
How to get to Castelvecchio Castle: by buses No. 72, 73.
Phone: +39 045 806 2611

Arena di Verona

Arena di Verona

When returning from the Scaliger Bridge to Piazza della Signoria, you must definitely go to Piazza Bra, where the Arena di Verona ( Arena di Verona) - an analogue of the Roman Colosseum. It was built one hundred years after the birth of Christ. It is not inferior in size to the capital’s one, but in terms of preservation it is much better. It was not dismantled to obtain stone for construction, but was used for its intended purpose for two thousand years.

Every year in the summer an opera festival begins in Verona. It is held in this ancient arena. Such opera masters as Placido Domingo consider it an honor to perform there, and the number of spectators it accommodates exceeds 10 thousand.

Do you think that seeing historical sights in Verona, Italy, is all that it can surprise you with? In vain. 30 kilometers east of it is the mountain lake Garda, so large (52 km long) that it is more like a sea.

Neighborhoods of Verona: Lake Garda

Lake Garda

Verona and Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) have a lot in common. It is this that produces the famous Verona winter fogs; the Adige River flows from it, which has more than once washed Verona off the face of the earth. Now the temper of the river has been tamed, and Lake Garda is a great place to relax.

There are many historical monuments on its shores, but there are also entire entertainment centers, such as the Gardaland amusement park, and next to it is the Oceanarium.

You can get to the lake by local train or bus, which runs from Venice to Milan.

You can learn all about Lake Garda by watching the video below.

Photo gallery of Verona sights

Palaces around a grassy square

Romeo and Juliet, in my opinion, is the very last thing worth going to Verona for. I will say more, I would recommend avoiding everything connected with them. Why? — I’ll tell you further about why it’s worth coming here)

About Romeo and Juliet.

Why do I recommend avoiding everything connected with them. Believe me, there is little pleasure from the raging crowd of tourists near Juliet’s house, the sight of people rubbing the chest of unfortunate Juliet. Someone is trying to take a “mind-blowing” shot on the balcony (in fact, it has nothing to do with Shakespeare’s play), and someone is sticking chewing gum and notes with dreams of great love on the walls. All this looks quite wild and unattractive.

As my friend said: “Juliet’s House is the least romantic place in Verona, otherwise it’s magical.”

There may be times when there are few tourists in this part of the old city, which I certainly doubt, but even if we assume this, except for a small courtyard with a house and a balcony (where the museum is now) and a statue of Juliet, there is nothing there, you will be disappointed , as we are. I don’t even want to attach a photo here. But, I don’t urge you not to go there, on the contrary, you can go, but don’t expect beautiful shots like in the movie “Letters to Juliet.”

BUT! Everything else in Verona is great! This is a wonderful Italian city, where real life is visible behind the tourist bustle!

We chose the route to Piazzale Castel San Pietro (the most beautiful observation deck). We didn’t plan Verona at all, so for us almost everything was spontaneous and unfamiliar. We went by intuition, there are big problems with free wi-fi, be prepared for this.

So, to get to Piazzale Castel San Pietro, you need to climb about 100m up the stairs. And this is the main one.

In good weather, it is very picturesque there. We were in Verona for two full days and managed to go up to the observation deck 2 times.

On Instagram you can use the hashtag to see my photos and interesting notes!)

And now the tiled roofs are slowly beginning to be visible...

And here is all of Verona in full view...

“You can take the whole world for yourself, but leave Italy to me”... 🇮🇹

This is what the great Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi once said, and now I understand him even more. I love cities madly, although I probably love nature even more.

Verona is stunning from above...

On the hill is the Castle of San Pietro. This place has always had an advantageous strategic position and was valued by the local inhabitants. During the Iron Age there was a fortified settlement on the hill, and during the Roman Empire there was a sacred site and a sentry post. As a result of the reconstruction carried out in 1393 by order of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the old buildings were demolished and a powerful military fortress appeared on the hill. The premises of the castle reserved for soldiers were rebuilt and expanded more than once over the centuries; in the middle of the 19th century, by order of the famous Austrian Field Marshal Radetzky, Austrian barracks were added to the castle. Today, there is a park on the castle grounds with magnificent views of the city.

In the distance you can see one of the defensive walls with towers. We walked along it, but I will say that, alas, there is nothing interesting there, you can’t even see the city (But the extent to which it has been preserved is amazing.

There are almost no tourists on this side of the Adige River, and walking here is a pleasure.

There are practically no new buildings in the area of ​​the old city; all new buildings are located quite remotely.

And you see a round building on the second hill - this is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes (Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes). It was founded in 1908 in Verona.

During the bombing of World War II, the sanctuary was destroyed. Only one statue of the Mother of God, created by sculptor Ugo Zanoni, miraculously survived. The sanctuary was restored by reconstructing an Austrian fortress built in 1838 (800 meters north of the cathedral). This fortress rose on a hill, dominating the northern approaches to the city. During the war, the fortress was a place of pain and sorrow - it served as a prison for military and political prisoners, but in 1958 it was transformed into a place for peaceful prayers. Inside the sanctuary there are several different rooms. There is a special chapel for worship and an exhibition hall with statues from the early 20th century. The windows of the sanctuary are decorated with stained glass. In 2003, the so-called “Way of the Rosary” was opened, along which believers walk, focusing on prayer. The platform near the sanctuary offers beautiful views of nature and the city, but we did not go up there.

There are a lot of bridges in Verona (if you know how many, please write). But there are two - the most famous and the most beautiful)

Ponte Pietra (“stone bridge”). It was once called pons marmoreus - marble bridge. When Ponte Pietra was built has not yet been determined exactly. For several centuries it was made of wood (about 90 BC), and then, in the first century, it was built of stone. The surviving part of the pilasters of the Roman bridge was built using the opus quadratum method, that is, from square stone blocks fastened with iron brackets. On the second pilaster, scientists see traces of restoration of the bridge back in ancient times. According to scientists, the first restoration took place in the second half of the 2nd century.

For a long time, the bridge was part of the Roman Postumian Way, which led from Genoa to the Alps.

The bridge was repeatedly destroyed by floods and in the 16th century its shape was changed to the one we see today - with five spans. Blown up in 1945 by the German occupiers, it was rebuilt in 1959.

Today it is the only surviving antique pontoon in the city.

Be sure to take a walk along the river.

On the Sunset..

Every n-hundreds of meters (kilometer) there is always a bridge.

The houses along the river are incredibly beautiful.

And we came to one of the main attractions of the city’s historical values ​​- Castelvecchio Castle and the Scaliger Bridge (Ponte Scaligero).

The Scaliger Bridge was built in 1355 according to the design of Guglielmo Bevilacqua, connecting Castelvecchio with the left bank of the Adige. It was built in order to give the Scaligers the opportunity to leave the castle at any time and escape from angry subjects. Since its construction, the bridge has existed for several centuries. Unfortunately, it has not survived to this day in its original form; in 1945, it was blown up, like the Ponte Pietra bridge, during the retreat of German troops. In 1951, the bridge was restored using materials remaining from the original bridge.

Castelvecchio Castle was built in the 14th century, during the reign of the Scaligerians (a noble Ghibelline family in Verona who ruled Verona from 1260 to 1387). The castle walls are built of red brick and topped with battlements. There are 6 towers along the perimeter, and along the wall there is a deep ditch, which has been partially preserved. Surprisingly, this fortification was not intended to protect against external enemies, but from the wrath of the local population. Ironically, the fortress fell after an invasion from outside, when the Milanese Visconti put an end to the Scaliger family. In 1923, the castle was restored and since 1925 it has housed the City Museum, with a collection of medieval paintings and sculptures.

Interesting: The most outstanding representative of the family was Cangrande I della Scala (1291-1329). Many scientists, artists and poets of that time lived at the Cangrande court. His courtyard also served as a refuge. Dante, expelled from Florence, also lived with him.

We didn’t go to the museum because we couldn’t spare half a day for it, so we’ll definitely come back.

On the left in the photo are the Arches of the Scaligers. Gothic tombstones of representatives of the Scaliger family. There are three arches in total - Can Grande I della Scala, Cansignorio and Mastino II. Next to them are the graves of some other representatives of the clan. The arches are considered an outstanding example of the Gothic architectural style. They are located next to the 7th century church of Santa Maria Antica, which served as a palace chapel during the reign of the Scaligers.

Arena di Verona. This is one of the first historical buildings you see when entering the old town. The ancient theater is still used for its intended purpose. Every year opera festivals are held here, bringing together the best troupes from all over the world, all kinds of concerts, festive performances, and large-scale musical events. The Arena di Verona was built before the Roman Colosseum - in the 40s. 1st century AD

Palace of Municipal Administration and Lamberti Tower (Palazzo del Comune con la Torre dei Lamberti). This palace (12th century) is the oldest municipal building in Italy. The city's Great Council once met in the large hall on the second floor. Three fires, in the 13th, 16th and 18th centuries, damaged most of the building and tower. Initially, the palace had four massive towers, but only the Lamberti Tower has survived to this day (in restored form). Numerous restorations were reflected in the building itself: the part of the building overlooking the Square of Herbs retained the classic façade, and the part facing the Signori Square (Piazza dei Signori) was made in the Renaissance style. The premises and courtyard of the palace host art exhibitions and performances as part of the Estate Teatrale Veronese festival. Entrance fee: €6. Via della Costa 1, Verona