Fair Verona

“In fair Verona where we lay our scene”

“Be patient for the world is broad and wide”

William Shakespeare  – Romeo and Juliet

Lynne, Nicola, Elaine and I headed off to explore Verona a 50 minute train journey from our base of Bologna. After a slightly delayed start we arrived in the city at the impressive Piazza Bra – said to be one of Italy’s largest Piazzas. A bustling square with fountains, statues, a park in the centre and the typical cafes around the edges.

The piazza is dominated by the Roman Arena, third largest in Italy and actually predates the Colosseum is Rome by about 50 years. This 2000 year old structure is mostly intact and still hosts events such as outdoor opera. 

I had been a little hesitant about visiting Verona, thinking it would be a tourist trap full of people hung up on Romeo and Juliet who don’t realise they are fictional characters and Shakespeare never visited Italy. However, once there I realised it’s a beautiful city and I put my literary snobbery aside and enjoyed it for what it is – a city with a lot to offer that is smartly cashing in on the association. So when in Verona……. 

….joined the masses of people in the courtyard for a glimpse of “Juliet’s house” and the balcony

…….all the walls of the courtyard are covered in love notes from around the world

…….watched hoards of people lining up to rub Juliet’s breast to bring them luck in love, I kid you not it’s a thing people do ! 

So the tacky thing over we continued to explore the beautiful city and next stop was Piazza Erbe – this Piazza with its market stall umbrellas is on the site of the ancient Roman forum and is surrounded on all sides by gorgeous buildings. The base of the fountain in the centre is the remains of a Roman bath.Verona was once known as  Urbs Picta (Painted town) when in 1500s, the palaces of important families of Verona were all painted with bright coloured frescoes. These ones have been preserved 

It was so hot we decided on a healthy food break from the market stalls selling delicious fresh fruit.

Next on the agenda was an ascent of the Lamberti clock tower for views over the city (it had an elevator – phew!)

Then it was onwards to Ponte Pietra (Italian for “Stone Bridge”), a Roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River in Verona, Italy. The bridge was completed in 100 BC, and  is the oldest bridge in Verona.

Finished the day with a ride up the funicular to Castel San Pietra for more city views