VERONA - ROMEO AND JULIET - DOLCEZZE D´AMORE -A CITY BREAK IN VERONA.

Thanks to the the proximity of Milan and Venice, Verona is a a great destination in Italy for who want to discover a city not very big but with a great historic patrimony,Verona is one of those cities really ideal  to enjoy in a weekend.We could write rivers of splendid words about the Scaligera city,it is simply wonderful..I would like to introduce you Verona,in a short city break and maybe decide to visit this unforgettable city,this is an itinerary to spend a city break a short break in this marvellous city of Veneto.

Verona is second most populated municipality of the region Veneto and the third of North East Italy.The city on the shores of River Adige awarded World heritage site by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture.Centre of different civilisations such as Euganei, Cenomani Verona became a Roman colonia in 89 BC.Often called “Piccola Roma” (Small Rome),it was the birthplace of the latin poet Catullus, and the town that the Emperor Julius Caesar choose for relaxing stays.Verona was an important city during the Imperial Age preserving many ancient Roman monuments, reaching anyway its climax during the 13th and 14th Centuries under the rule of the noble Scala family from that the name "Cittá Scaligera".Verona has influenced works of many distinguished artists one of the most important is of course William Shakespeare with his tragedy Romeo and Juliet about two young lovers,(Shakespeare also said "There is no world without Verona walls") but also many others such as Arthur Brooke,Johan Wolfgang Goethe, Stendhal and Giuseppe Verdi.The mysticism,the story and the interest making Verona a favourite destination for lovers and tourists.

1ST DAY - PIAZZA BRA - ARENA -PONTE SCALIGERO- CASTELVECCHIO-CASA DI GIULIETTA

When you are in Verona you can start your visit from the majestic and huge square Piazza Bra.The name of this square Bra derives from “Braida” which in ancient Veronese means “large open space”.This piazza has many important and charming buildings around its perimeter the main structure which dominates the square is the legendary Arena.

Piazza Bra is the pivotal point of the city, not only for the famous Arena, but also for many palaces that carry the names of the most important Veronese families In this beautiful square you can admire the Museum of Stones dated 18th century the Gran Guardia Palace (17th century) which was planned by the architect Domenico Curtoni and Palazzo Barbieri built by architect Giuseppe Barbieri ithe in neoclassic style.Another famous building in this square is the Palazzo degli Onori which was built by the famous architect Michele Sanmichelli built it in 1555.

Piazza Bra is mainly paved with small granite cobblestones and the colours of the stones are in various shades of gray to a red tinge.The majestic Arena the most important monument of Piazza Bra is the third largest remaining Roman amphitheatre in Italy.It was built in the first half of the first century AD.This amphitheatre could host more than 30,000 spectators in ancient time.It is the third in size after the Colosseo in Roma and the amphitheatre of Santa Maria Capua Vetere in Campania not far from Naples. Actually is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances and every year about 600,000 people coming to Verona to admire spectacular productions of the popular operas in this Arena.In summer you can enjoy the opera in Arena during the summer festival organized by Fondazione Arena di Verona, Aida or Boheme, Nabucco or La Traviata, Il Barbiere di Siviglia o Carmen.Later you can visit Castelvecchio, it is an ancient military fortress of the city,another emblematic symbol Verona.The castle stands,probably in the location of another building,a Roman fortress erected outside the original Roman City,possibly built as check point and defencive structure.This construction was transformed into an art museum,called Museo Civico D´Arte which contains an excellent picture gallery with works of 15th and 16th century of the great Veronese school.

Next to the castle you can admire and walking on it the beautiful Ponte di Castelvecchio (Castelvecchio Bridge) called also Scaliger Bridge ( Ponte Scaligero) it is a fortified bridge over the Adige River and it It was built by Cangrande II della Scala, a safe way of escape from the annexed eponymous castle in the event of a rebellion of the population.The bridge is in red bricks and white marble measuring 48.70 m.Apart the historic and relevant value of this construction,I recommend a stop at sunset the view is splendid,romantic,the lights of the Adige river are a great component for an unforgettable view in an unique atmosphere.Verona offers a wide variety of excellent restaurants,.you can enjoy Ristorante Accademia, Menu is mixed ,sea food and local dishes,excellent lamb chops and steaks, excellent wines, Bardolino, Valpolicella,Soave and so on..

After your lunch coming back to Piazza Bra, walking down Via Mazzini, a lively street full of shops and shop windows, you will reach Via Cappello, where you must visit “La Casa di Giulietta De’ Capuleti” As soon as you enter the small courtyard you can see Juliet’s balcony Juliet’s Balcony.This is supposedly the balcony where the tragic heroine cried out to her Romeo.On the right and Juliet’s bronze statue, a sculpture by Nereo Costantini. Juliet’s house is a jewel of Gothic art dating back to the 13th century.Numerous graffiti and stick notes can also be found on the walls and doors in the courtyard.The graffitis are not ovely to see, but it has a rather romantic origin, it’s the names and messages of other lovers in Verona marking their names in the fabled location of one of the greatest love stories of all time.Inside the house there is a small museum,frescoes, paintings, and ceramics from the 16th and 17th century.For dinner you can go to the Ristorante Il Desco, it is not so far from the Juliet House, excellent risotti,gnocchi, fish and seafood all that with a very good range of local wines.


2ND DAY - PIAZZA ERBE - PIAZZA DEI SIGNORI- SANT´ANASTASIA - DUOMO
After your breakfast start to visit another Verona symbol,the magnificent Piazza delle Erbe.located between the Via Mazzini and the Corso Porta Borsari where you can admire one of the most historical Verona gates, in local white limestone with two arches and above, a double row of windows.Piazza delle Erbe is literally translated as the Square of the Herbs.The Piazza was practically the place of the ancient Roman Forum during the Roman Empire this is still a focal point of the city.The square still has numerous market stalls and monuments remembering the medieval period when started these commercial activities.

Take a look here to the Torre de Lamberti,the Tower Lamberti.With its 83 meters high, it is the tallest tower in Verona.The square is famous because it was the centre of administration, the square also holds the municipal hall, known as the Palazzo del Comune,built in the middle ages but was given a new facade in the 19th century.You can also see the Torre Gardello, which was built in 1370 but was not finished till 1626,besides There is Palazzo Maffei, which is actually a Baroque structure. At the top of the building are five beautiful sculptures of the old gods Jupiter, Venus, Apollo, Hercules, and Minerva.Actually, you can find assistance within the Palace through the tourism office.Piazza delle Erbe Contains the 'Virgin of Verona' fountain,built in 14th century,it is the highlight of this square is which was created by Cansignorio. No visitor should pass out the chance of seeing this fountain, which is located in the middle of the square.Art lovers will be sure to appreciate the Cavalli frescoes dating back to the 16th century on Casa Mazzanti another prestigious Palace of this beautiful square.Next to Piazza delle Erbe, it is localted Piazza dei Signori, a statue of Dante Alighieri adorns the centre.

On the right you can admire Palazzo del Comune o Palazzo della Ragione the Town Hall Building built in the 12th century and also The Palazzo dei Tribunali (Courts/Tribunal Building) with a massive della Scala tower and a portal by the architect Michele Sammicheli.This piazza, the Lords’ Square, was the seat of the city’s public institutions, especially during the della Scala family period.On the other side of the square is located the beautiful Loggia del Consiglio (Loggia of the Council), one of the most stylish Renaissance Verona work and another important building The Palazzo del Governo (Palazzo of the Local Government) is an old della Scala family palace and welcomed Dante and Giotto among its guests.In Piazza Signori if you want you can enjoy your lunch in Trattoria Impero, excellent spaghetti all´astice, orata or branzino alla griglia (grilled fish),you can enjoy also a very good pizza and Mediterranean salads.

After your lunch walking on Corso Sant´Anastasia,you will come to the Sant´Anastasia Church one of the most important in Verona, In Gothic style,completed in 1400 but started around 1280 was designed by the Dominican friars Fra' Benvenuto and Nicola da Imola.The interior has several masterpieces such as the marvellous Fresco by Pisanello “St.George and the princess” unique sample of courtly Gothic art.The work by Gabriele Caliari,Paolo Veronese's father and The Pellegrini Chapel with terracotta statues by Michele di Firenze.From Santa Anastasia, crossing Ponte di Pietra (Stone Bridge) the Roman Theatre on Castel San Pietro hill, in the heart of the old roman city with a beautiful view on Adige river.Not so far from the bridge you can visit the Verona Cathedral (:Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare or Duomo) Built in Romanesque style,very interesting to look at the interior the mix of Baroque and Gothic in a Romanesque Church with renaissance works too. (The Gothic windows,the Baroque addition at the upper part of the facade and the Renaissance chapels).Coming back to your hotel or take a drink in one of the bars in Piazza Bra.

Ideas for your dinner tonight ? Yes, you can choose Ristorante il Cenacolo.It is located in the very heart of the old town of Verona, far no more than 50 meters both from the Arena and the Filarmonico Theather.You can eat here excellent Tortellini di Valeggio al burro e salvia (Tortellini with butter and Salvia herb)or Risotto tartufato ai funghi porcini (yellow rice with mushrooms) a great Chateaubriand or a Carpaccio di manzo con sedano e champignons.A lot of tastefully local wines and about Dessert ..An excellent  homemade Tiramisù.This restaurant is the meeting point of a selective clientele especially with Ente Lirico's guest...So the right place to have your last dinner in Verona..Buon appetito, buona cena e buona serata a Verona.

3RD DAY - VERONA - YOUR TOWN
After your breakfast departure to Verona Airport.Two great days in this charming town,a great destination for your experience, for your memories, for your special someone..Un bacio  and Verona you will remember  for ever.

Francesco Mari



RECOMMENDED HOTELS

HOTEL GABBIA D´ORO
DUE TORRI HOTEL
HOTEL ACCADEMIA
HOTEL SOGNO DI GIULIETTA
HOTEL PALAZZO VITTORIA
HOTEL ANTICA PORTA LEONA
HOTEL LA GROTTA
GRAND HOTEL VERONA

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