Verona
We have visited Verona in 2005 and 2009. Verona is most famous for its very well preserved Roman Arena in the city's largest piazza (Piazza Bra). Completed around 30 CE, it is the third largest arena in Italy. The interior is very impressive and virtually intact. It is used today for public events, fairs, theatre and open-aired opera during warm summer nights. The Piazza itself is has a wonderful selection of shops, cafes and restaurants and is an excellent place to people watch. Another Roman Monument is the Roman Theatre of Verona across the Adige River from the city center. This theatre was built in the 1st century BCE and was restored in the 18th century by Andrea Monga, a wealthy Veronese merchant. Above the Theatre is Castell San Pietro (St Peter's Castle). This former Austrian barracks dates back to the Austrian occupation and while the building is not open to the public the views from the hill over Verona are spectacular, especially at sunset. Both are close to another Roman landmark, the Ponte Pietra (Peter’s Bridge). There are also other 1st century CE Roman ruins on displayed in the streets and integrated into buildings around town.
The Castelvecchio (“Old Castle”) was completed in 1376 CE by Lord Cangrande II della Scala to protect the city from the Viennese. It is compact for its size and with its red bricks and M-shaped merlons running along the castle walls is a good example of Gothic architecture. It has seven towers and a keep with four main buildings inside.
Church of St. Anastasia & St. Peter was completed in 1400 CE by the Dominican friars and is in the north end of town near Ponte Pietra. The façade is mostly red brickwork, but the interior has white or red Verona marble columns with Gothic capitals and very nice frescos.
Many people come to Verona to visit Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta), supposedly the location of the famous balcony love scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The tiny courtyard is normally packed with love struck teenagers photographing each other on the famous balcony. But in fact, the house has no connection with Shakespeare's fictional characters, and although the house is old, the balcony was added in 1936 and declared to be "Juliet's house" to attract tourists!
Read MoreThe Castelvecchio (“Old Castle”) was completed in 1376 CE by Lord Cangrande II della Scala to protect the city from the Viennese. It is compact for its size and with its red bricks and M-shaped merlons running along the castle walls is a good example of Gothic architecture. It has seven towers and a keep with four main buildings inside.
Church of St. Anastasia & St. Peter was completed in 1400 CE by the Dominican friars and is in the north end of town near Ponte Pietra. The façade is mostly red brickwork, but the interior has white or red Verona marble columns with Gothic capitals and very nice frescos.
Many people come to Verona to visit Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta), supposedly the location of the famous balcony love scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The tiny courtyard is normally packed with love struck teenagers photographing each other on the famous balcony. But in fact, the house has no connection with Shakespeare's fictional characters, and although the house is old, the balcony was added in 1936 and declared to be "Juliet's house" to attract tourists!
Verona - Castelvecchio Entrance S
