Best things to do and see in Verona

What are the best things to do in Verona? This is a question you may pose before visiting this Northerneast city in Italy. Known as the town where William Shakespeare set Rome and Juliet, Verona has plenty of things to do and see. The town was an important center during the Roman Empire, as the Arena and the Roman Theater testify. The city continued to be a vibrant center during the Middle Ages, maintaining its essential role over the following centuries. Under the rule of Della Scala (Scaliger) family, Verona became a vital state city in northern Italy. Piazza delle Erbe, with buildings realized in several eras, shows the rich historical past of the city. Verona, set of Shakespeare’s love story of Romeo and Juliet, is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. In this post, I will show you all the best things to do and see in Verona.

1. Basilica di San Zeno

One of the best and most beautiful examples of Romanesque architecture in Northern Italy is the Basilica of San Zeno. The peculiarity of this church, compared to other stunning Romanesque churches in the South of Italy, are the façade’s colors. The use of two different materials, bricks and tuff stone, make San Zeno unique. The church is erected on the burial of Saint Zeno, among the first bishops of the city who converted Verona to Christianity. From the exterior, you can notice, a stunning rose window, known as the wheel of Fortune, and the bell tower. Inside you can see beautiful bronze doors and the walls with depicts by Giotto scholars. Among the artworks, there is the impressive Triptych (1457–1459) by Andrea Mantegna.

2. Piazza delle Erbe

Among the best things to do in Verona, there is a stroll around Piazza delle Erbe. This fascinating square reflects the layout of the Roman Forum maintaining for centuries a vital role in the city life. Here the political and economic life of Verona took place, and the toponymy reminds the market, still held on Saturday mornings. Several monuments remind the rulers of the city. The fountain with a Roman statue belongs to the Scaliger period, while a column with a Lion is the symbol of the Venetian Republic. Verona became part of it when at the end of the Scaliger’s domination. From the square, you can admire Lamberti Tower, while on it face several buildings. These belong to different centuries giving a profound sense of the history of Verona. Among them are the Baroque Palazzo Maffei, and the 16th century Casa dei Mazzanti.

3. Lamberti tower

Erected in the 12th century, the tallest tower of Verona offers one the best panoramic views of the city. For this reason, climbing the tower is one of the best things you can do in Verona. Visible from Piazza delle Erbe, the tower is accessible from the city hall’s courtyard or Palazzo della Ragione. The two bells, Rengo (for the army’s call) and Marengo (to prescribe working hours), are still ringing every half an hour and hour. After significant damage due to lightning in 1403, the tower was restored. The clock was added in 1798.

Top tip — You can take a lift to access the top of the tower quickly.r

But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?

It is the east and Juliet is the sun!

Arise, far sun, and kill the envious moon,

Who is already sick and pale with grief

That thou her maid art far more fair than she.

4. Juliet’s balcony

One of the main attractions of Verona, Juliet’s balcony is considered to be the famous one where Shakespeare’s tragic characters confess their love and plan their wedding. People from all around the world, curious to see the original set of the tragedy, flock here. The building, made in the 13th century, belonged to the Cappello family whose coats of the arm is carved in the inner arch. Thanks to the identification of this family with the Capulets, it is believed that this was Juliet’s house. Scenografically restored in the 1930s, Juliet’s house hosts the bed featured by Italian filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli’s Rome and Juliet. The courtyard hosts a bronze statue of Juliet by Nereo Costantini.

5. Piazza dei Signori

Monumental buildings linked by porticos and arcades creating the effect of a courtyard surround this Scaliger era square. At the time when I visited the square was occupied by a festival for Valentine’s Day and with a hearth maze at the center. Still wandering around this plaza is among the best things to do in Verona to get a sense of the rich ancient past of the city. From the square is it possible to access the Scaliger tombs.

6. Scaligeri’s Tombs

The Scaliger Arches are an impressive funerary complex showcasing one of the most excellent examples of Gothic in Italy. The site hosts the burials of some members of the family who lead the city of Verona during the Middle Ages between 1262 and 1387. To protect the site, there is a beautiful wrought-iron gate. The tombs are close to the small church of Saint Mary Antica who was the private chapel of the noble palace. The original horseback statues of Cangrande and Mastino II have been moved for conservation reasons and are on display in Castelvecchio.

7. Romeo’s house

Behind the Scaliger’s tombs, there is the house of the Cagnolo Nogarola, identified by historians as Shakespeare’s hero, Romeo. A plate on this private residence used to cite some verses from Romeo and Juliet. Unfortunately, this property has to face with a widely spread vandalism that affects Verona. People flock to this city and mark its buildings with graffiti. Because of this, it is impossible to read the inscription in memory of the two young lovers in the façade. This trend of marking with signatures historical places connected with Romeo and Juliet’s drama is a real plague. Maybe it is not one of the best things to do in Verona as you cannot visit its interiors. However, it’s so close to the Scaliger tombs that you can take a look.

Location via Arche Scaligere, 2, 37121 Verona VR

Good to know This is a private house, and it is impossible to visit inside.

Tut, I have lost myself, I am not here: This is not Romeo, he’s some other where

8. Sant’Anastasia

The largest church of Verona, Saint Anastasia is an excellent example of Italian Gothic architecture. The construction works for its realizations spanned for over two centuries. In detail, the construction site opened in 1290 and ended at the beginning of the 16th century. However, the façade, with a beautiful Gothic portal, was never completed. The importance of this church resides in the immense art treasure it displays in its interior. Artworks of old masters fill the wall decors, visiting one of the best things to do in Verona. Among all the most impressive works, there is Pisanello’s fresco depicting Saint George and the Princess. Notable at the entrance is the holy water fountains supported by hunchbacks.

9. Pozzo dell’amore

Aside from Romeo and Juliet, Verona is the city where another dramatic love history took place. At the beginning of the 16th century a soldier, Corrado, felt in love with a local young lady, Isabella Donati. The woman was very distant and seemed not interested in Corrado. One day when they met in a courtyard behind Piazza delle Erbe, Corrado complained that Isabella was “as cold as the water of the spring in the courtyard.” Isabella challenged his lover inviting him to jump into the spring and entering in its cold waters. Corrado followed her lover’s request dying into the wintery, cold waters. Isabella that until that moment never shown her love for Corrado decided to follow his beloved. The two of them died inside the spring known until now as the Pozzo dell’amore.

10. Volunteer a Juliet’s club

If you have already visited Juliet’s house, you might have discovered that exists a club take care of all the mails addressed to Juliet from around the world. Founded in 1972, the club relies on an older tradition of replying to letters sent to Juliet. In detail, in the 1930s the former guardian of Juliet’s Tomb, Ettore Solimani, began collecting the messages left on Juliet’s grave and replied to them. The club takes care of the mails addressed to Juliet, and its volunteers and members respond to them. Moreover, every year the club promotes prizes awarding the most beautiful letters and applying as a volunteer might be one of the best things to do in Verona if you are seeking for a unique experience.

Information You can book your experience on the official website of Juliet’s club

11. Cathedral and its complex

Dedicated to Saint Mary Assunta, the cathedral of Verona is widely famous for hosting Titian’s Assumption of the Virgin (1530). The church, built in Romanesque style, is part of a larger complex of buildings. This group of edifices includes the cloister, the Capitular library, and the bishop’s residence. Initially, the other churches in the area were built between the 4th and the 7th century and served as Cathedral of Verona.

Inside Saint Elena’s church as well as in the Canon’s cloister are visible mosaic floors of the first paleo Christian basilicas. The rich cultural heritage of the area makes a stroll around this complex one of the best things to do in Verona.

12. Stone bridge (Ponte Pietra)

This bridge is the most enchanting place that connects the two banks of the Adige, the river that crosses Verona. With a history of collapses and restorations, Stone bridge is the only Roman bridge that survived in Verona. Additionally, it was the protagonist of a dramatic page of contemporary history. While leaving the city of Verona at the end of WWII, the German troops destroyed this bridge. Thanks to a two-year-long restoration process (1957–1959) all the stones felt in the river after the explosion were recovered. The white marble constitutes the original part, while the red bricks are the portions restored during the Scaliger era.

Top tip — You can enjoy a fantastic view of the bridge and of the Saint Peter’s hill sitting at the terrace bar “al ponte” or eating on the outdoor picnic area of the next grocery store.

13. St. Peter’s Funicular

Walking through Bridge, on the left side of the Adige River, you can find the funicular. With a less than 2-minutes long ride you can reach San Peter castle with one of the most beautiful panoramic views over Verona. Realized in 1941, it closed during the WWII and reopened in June 2017. Taking this funicular is a fun and fast experience. If you are traveling with kids, it might be one of the wisest things to do in Verona.

14. St. Peter’s hill

This hill rises above the Roman Theatre, and it is easily accessible through the funicular. From the stone bridge, you can admire a beautiful view of the entire hilltop surmounted by the military Saint Peter castle. Know in the Roman era as Rooster Mountain, it had religious importance as a site where the theater and the temple were erected. The actual name derives from the Saint Peter church built in the Middle Ages on the remains of the ancient temple. During the Renaissance (14th-15th centuries) the lord of the town, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, connected several buildings to create its castle. You can view the castle only from its exterior.

15. Roman Theater

On the left bank of the Adige River lays the Roman Theatre. This vast complex, built during the Augustinian age in the 1st century BC, shows some of the buildings erected on the site in the following centuries. This is the case of the church of Saints Siro and Libera. An inscription above the portal recalls that here was celebrated the first mass in the city of Verona. Since 1948 the Roman theater host a summer festival with theatrical and musical performances. From the upper loggia is the entrance to the Archeological Museum.

16. Archeological Museum at the Roman Theatre

Established in the rooms of the former monastery of Saint Jerome in 1923, the museum was recently renovated. Inscriptions and sarcophaguses are visible in the cloister of the former Jesuit convent. Visiting the museum is an experience itself as you can walk through the cloister to explore the area adjacent to the theatre where many pieces are left in situ. From the upper level of the museum, there is also a lovely terrace overlooking the city of Verona.

Good to know — To visit the Roman Theater and the archeological museum you need to purchase the combined ticket

17. Giardino Giusti

Among the best things to do in Verona, you cannot miss this charming secret spot. Realized to serve as the background of Giusti palace, the garden born at the end of 1400. However, the actual park reflects the 1570’s plan of Agostino Giusti, knight of Venetian Republic. This peaceful oasis is terraced to uncover the view of the city gradually. Entering the door, you can have a glimpse to the cypress walk that climbs up to a cave hidden by a gargoyle.

The garden keeps all the original features of the 16th century with fountains, acoustic grottos, and statues. Among its peculiarities, there is a small yet difficult labyrinth. From the Belvedere, the upper level of the garden, you can enjoy a stunning view of Verona.

18. Church of San Fermo

On the shore of river Adige, close to the Roman porta Leoni, stay the church of San Fermo. Erected in the 6th century on the place of Saints Fermo and Rustico martyrdom (304 A.C.), the original building changed over the centuries. The Benedictine monks first, and the Franciscan later managed the church, changing its aspect over the following centuries. The final result it’s what we can admire nowadays with art treasures spanning over ten centuries. After entering on the left, you can admire the mausoleum of the Brenzoni family. This is the most famous artwork created in 1426 by Pisanello. The lower church preserves some of the oldest decorations of the church. On the walls are frescos realized in the mid-12th century.

19. Piazza Bra

Accessing to this square, you can have a glance at Verona’s history. With the Arena occupying the center of the square, it acts as the foyer of the shows. Paved with red marble from the near area of Valpolicella, also famous for its Amarone red wine, Piazza Bra is the biggest piazza of Verona. Several notable buildings, like Palazzo della Gran Guardia and Palazzo Barbieri, used as town hall surround the piazza. Historically the square hosted the wood, hay, and cattle market from the 11th century, becoming a permanent event between the 18th and 19th century. From 1897, in Piazza Bra takes place one of the most important European Horse Fairs.

20. Arena

At the center of Piazza Bra stands out the Arena, one of the best-known buildings of the city of Verona. This Roman Amphitheatre was built at the end of Augustus’s empire in the 1st century after Christ. After the Colosseum in Rome and the one in Santa Maria Capua a Vetere, it’s the largest Amphitheatre in Italy. It housed gladiators in combat against exotic animals. Thanks to the perfect acoustics, the arena is still used to host concerts and shows in the summer season. Whenever you visit it during a day or on the occasion of a show, entering the Arena is a must do in Verona.

21. Lapidary Maffeiano Museum

Facing piazza Bra, this museum it’s one of the oldest European public museums. It showcases inscriptions and reliefs collected at the beginning of the 18th century by Scipione Maffei. The museum occupies the area of the Philharmonic academy and has a beautiful internal courtyard where the reliefs are displayed. This wonderful collection and the fascinating history makes this collection among the best things to do in Verona.

22. A stroll around Via Mazzini

Among the charming streets in Verona, via Mazzini is the main pedestrian-only shopping area. High-end boutiques and cheaper chains face on the road with a marble pavement flooring. Between the shops, the Benetton store safeguards one of the best-kept secrets in Verona. Heading to the lower floor, you can admire ruins of the Roman-era to testify that the historical roots of the city are hidden everywhere.

23. Castelvecchio

This grand Scaliger manor is the best example of the Middle Age period. Built between 1354–1356 on existing fortification, Castelvecchio was a residential palace as well as a defensive garrison. After the fall of the Scaliger family, when Verona became part of the Venetian Republic (1404), Castelvecchio was used only to serve the military for the following centuries. After three-year-long restoration work, between 1923 and 1926, this place was transformed into the actual museum. The space hosts the important collection of medieval, Renaissance, and modern art.

24. Gavi’s arch

Next to Castelvecchio, is Gavi’s arch erected in the 1st century AD to commemorates the gens Gavia, one of the most important Roman families in Verona. Dismantled by the French troops in 1805, the arch was rebuilt in 1932. The original statutes in the niches with portraits of Gavi’s family members don’t exist anymore.

25. Church of San Lorenzo

This Romanesque street built at the beginning of the 12th century was erected over a former Christian basilica destroyed during the barber invasions. Similar to the other Romanesque churches sparsed in Verona, its exterior is made of stripes of ochre yellowed and red bricks. The church is along Corso Cavour, the streets that lead from Castelvecchio to Borsari’s gate. And next to it is the impressive Palazzo Canossa.

26. Borsari Gate

Once the main entrance to the Roman city of Verona is richly ornated to emphasize its representative function. In origin is name was Porta Jovia due to its proximity to the temple dedicated to Jupiter. The actual name has medieval roots. In detail, bursarii were the people in charge of tax collections during the middle ages.