Verona: Top Things to Do in this Beautiful Historic City

Verona is a city located in the eastern portion of Italy's Veneto region. The city is widely known for being the setting of William Shakespeare's play entitled, "Romeo and Juliet." But more to that, the city of Verona is also known for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this article, we are going to identify ten of the best attractions in Verona which are worth sightseeing.

1. Piazza delle Erbe

One of the best sightseeing destinations in Verona is the Piazza delle Erbe (also known as Market's square in English). Piazza delle Erbe is a square located at heart of Verona, Italy. It was once the city's forum during the time of the Roman Empire. On the northern portion of the square lies the Torre dei Lamberti (or the ancient town hall), the Case Dei Giudici (Judges' Hall), and the Mazzanti Houses. On the western portion, sightseeing tourists could the Palazzo Maffei, a Baroque attraction ornated by statues of Greek gods.

2. Piazza Bra

The Piazza Bra is the largest piazza in the city of Verona. Others even recognize that it is the most extensive piazza in Italy. Piazza Bra is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and several historic buildings. The Verona Arena, in particular, is one of the most notable structures in this piazza. The arena was originally built as an amphitheater nearly 2000 years ago. At present, it serves as a venue for music performances - whether they may be operatic or contemporary music. The Piazza Bra also houses the Verona's town hall.

3. Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, also known as the Basilica di San Zeno or San Zenone, is a minor basilica located at Verona. The basilica has become a favorite sightseeing destination in Verone because of its distinct architecture and due to the tradition that the basilica's crypt was the place where the characters Romeo and Juliet in Shakespeare's play held their wedding. Outside the basilica, tourists could witness the Romanesque facade and a bell towers which stands as a separate building. Inside the church, sightseeing tourists could visit the crypt, the central church, and the presbytery, among others.

4. Ponte Scaligero

The Ponte Scaligero, or the Castel Vecchio Bridge, is a fortified bridge located in the city of Verona. Found over the Adige River, the Ponte Scaligero features arches which have been segmented. The bridge also features the world's largest span during the time of its construction. The Ponte Scaligero is composed of red brick on its upper portion. On the lower parts, on the other hand, white marble could be seen. The bridge also consists of three spans of decreasing length which starts from pentagonal squares. When sightseeing in Verona, you got to see the Ponte Scaligero.

5. Piazzale Castel San Pietro

Another sightseeing destination in Verona, Italy is the Piazzale Castel San Pietro. This attraction is a medieval fortress that could be found hip on top of a hill above the city. It is one of the largest historic buildings in the city of Verona. Its architecture is something to marvel at. When sightseeing in this fortress, tourists could witness the breathtaking terrace that surrounds this structure. From the plateau, tourists could see a panoramic view of Verona. The climb is free of charge, so you might as well try going here.

6. Chiesa di Sant'Anastasia

The Chiesa di Sant'Anastasia, or simply Sant'Anastasia is a church of the Dominican Order that is situated in Verona. It follows a Gothic style on its architecture. When sightseeing around the church, tourists could see various exciting attractions. The facade of the church is divided into three vertical sections that correspond to the nave and the two aisles in the interior. The facade is built in brickwork. To its left is an arch made by Guglielmo di Castelbarco which later on became his tomb. Inside the church, sightseeing tourists could see various statues and frescoes.

7. Ponte Pietra

Near the Chiesa di Sant'Anastasia is another attraction which is worth visiting. Ponte Pietra, also known as Stone Bridge, is a Roman arch bridge the could be found above the Adige River in Verona. Completed in 100 BC, the bridge initially flanked another Roman bridge called as the Pons Postimius. Both of these structures provided the city with access to the Roman theater which could be found on the east of the bank. At present, the bridge is a significant attraction in Verona. The Ponte Pietra is truly a marvel worth sightseeing.

8. Museo di Castelvecchio

The Museo di Castelvecchio, or the Castelvecchio Museum, is a museum located in the eponymous medieval castle located in Verona. Architect Carlo Scarpa made enhancements on the appearance of the building as well as its exhibits. Scarpa's distinct style could be seen on the museum's doorways, furnishings, and staircases, among others. The museum is home to fascinating collections featuring statues, paintings, and sculptures. The most famous paintings include the Madonna of the Quail by Pisanello and the Madonna of the Rose Garden by Stefano da Verona or Michelino da Besozzo. Sculptures include the Equestrian statue of Cangrande I della Scala and the Sepulchre of the Sts. Sergius and Bacchus.

9. Torre dei Lamberti

The Torre dei Lamberti is a sightseeing destination in Verona that you cannot miss due to its height. It is a high tower in Verona with a height of 84 meters. Construction of the tower began in the year 1172. After some time, the tower was restored in 1448. The largest clock was added to the tower in 1779. The tower consists of two bells. The Rengo is the larger bell. It is used to call the people of Verona. The Marangona, or the smaller one, signals fires.

10. Parco delle Cascate

After sightseeing around historic attractions, you should take a breath of fresh air and enjoy the scenic view at the Parco delle Cascate. It is a natural park located in Verona. It is known for its waterfalls. Located in Vaccarole, the park cover about 80,000 square meters. It offers three different paths depending on the commitment of the sightseeing tourists that are needed to cover them. The green path takes about 30 minutes. The red path takes about one hour. The black path takes about two hours. Aside from the falls, the park also features other sightseeing destinations including mysterious crosses and the double covolo.

◎ Closing

From historic structures to natural wonders, Verona could already be a perfect place to relax and unwind. Relive the classic story of the star-crossed lovers as you go sightseeing around the heritage city of Verona.