Verona has become a source of inspiration for talented people from different eras: Horace and Catullus, William Shakespeare and Dante Alighieri, Charles Dickens and Osip Mandelstam - the list will be endless. Their mood is understandable - this city combines a rich history, woven from the traditions of different eras and cultures, energy, saturated with passion and romance.
Foundation and development
The mention of the first settlers on the banks of the Adige River dates back to prehistoric times. Disputes about their origin do not subside until our time. But the heyday is unanimously recognized as the year of raising to the status of a Roman colony (89 BC).
Verona is based on an elevation among the Lessin hills, on a ledge in the shape of a spear (from the Latin veru, -us - "peak", "spear"). The Italian word verone translates as "balcony". So, the name Verona could mean a spear-shaped terrace or a ledge on a rock.
Excellent visibility gave superiority to the enemy. If you add to this an attractive geographical position at the intersection of the main roads of Rome, it becomes clear why this city has become a desirable object for conquest. The Goths in the fifth century AD, the Byzantines and the Lombards in the sixth, the Franks under the command of Charlemagne, in the eighth (from 774) took turns owning the city, contributing to the architecture. Since the end of the eighth century, several genera ruled the city: Romano in 1262 was succeeded by della Scala. In 1387, power passed to Visconti, then to Carrara and to the clan of Venice in 1405, whose domination lasted almost four centuries. 1796 - the year of the capture of Verona by the army of Napoleon. Until 1866, the city alternately belonged to Austria and France, after which it passed to Italy.
The real disaster was the flood of 1882. Three dozen stone palaces were damaged, two and a half thousand apartment buildings were destroyed, two bridges, all mills were washed away. Due to the clogging of sewer drains and drains, an epidemic of typhoid came and the water level rose four meters.
The Second World War also changed the face of the city, a large number of cultural heritage monuments were destroyed.
Modern Verona
In Verona, the capital of the province of the same name, more than 250 thousand citizens live permanently. City Day is celebrated on May 21. Patrons are the saints Zeno of Verona and Peter of Verona. The centuries-old history, reflected in numerous monuments of architecture, attracts tourists from all over the world. Verona demonstrates its sights with great pleasure.
Piazza bra
The largest square, Piazza Bra, is located in the city center, along with a square where a monument to King Victor Emmanuel II, the Alps fountain, donated by the twin city of Munich in 1975, a memorial to Italian partisans. In front of the entrance are the arches of Portoni de Bra, which were part of the city walls and have been preserved since the 14th century. The arches in style resemble the walls of the metropolitan Kremlin. According to the available version, the Italian team worked in the team of architects who created the walls in Moscow, who embodied his ideas in the project.
Arena di Verona
Verona's famous attraction is Arena di Verona. Amphitheater, which was created in the 30s BC. e., 50 years before the famous Coliseum, is located in Piazza Bra. This is a monumental building made of pink marble (size - 136 by 109 meters). From the moment of construction, the arena has seen a lot: gladiatorial fights and knightly tournaments, executions of heretics and theatrical performances. Nowadays it is a traditional place of the opera festival, held annually in the summer since 1913. Stunning acoustics attract stars of the first magnitude: Placido Domingo, Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, among other outstanding singers participated in the festival.
In 2012, Adriano Celentano held concerts here, which for two evenings sang his favorite songs for three hundred thousand fans.
The church of San Nicolo all'Arena adjoins the amphitheater
Piazza del Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe in Italian means Grass Square. Here you can plunge into the atmosphere of various eras. The perimeter of the square is surrounded by the Gothic house Mercatorum (or the House of Merchants), the baroque Maffei Palace with the adjoining Del Gardello tower, the Matzanti house with frescoes of Albert Cavalla of the 16th century, the Lamberti tower 84 meters high, built in 1172.
The center of the ensemble is the Verona Madonna fountain - one of the main symbols and attractions of Verona. The fountain was created in 1368, and the statue of the Virgin Mary - much earlier, in the 380th.
In the evenings, the air of the square is filled with aromas of fresh pastries, coffee and Campari liquor, which are offered by the restaurants and cafes located in the district. And in the afternoon it’s just a bazaar, lively and colorful.
Verona Cathedral
The construction of the Duomo di Verona temple is considered to be the second half of the 12th century, here is the episcopal department. The original Romanesque appearance of the cathedral expanded and built up, acquiring Gothic features and Baroque elements. The Cathedral protects the most valuable works: “Adoration of the Magi” by the artist da Verona, “Ascension of the Virgin Mary” by Titian, “The Position in the Sepulcher” of the famous painter Jolfino.
Palazzo della Rajone
Palazzo della Ragione - Palace of the Mind (from Italian). Built in 1196 to house magistrates. During the Middle Ages it was Verona's largest building. Visitors are delighted with this landmark of Verona (Italy). The reviews mention the beauty of the courtyard, the Gothic staircase leading inside to the museum with an exhibition of contemporary art.
Garden and Palace of Justi
Palazzo e Giardino Giusti bears the name of the creator's family (Verona Giusti family) and is rightfully recognized as one of the best park areas in the country. The palace and garden were erected in the 12th century, and centuries later, as a result of the reconstruction, a beautiful English-style park with many flowers, centuries-old citrus trees was found, in the shade of which Emperor Joseph II, Mozart, Goethe found shelter. Giardino Giusti's terraces offer breathtaking views of the city and the sights of Verona. Photos can be taken endlessly.
Ponte Pietra
Ponte Pietra (from Italian Stone Bridge) - 120-meter bridge over the river. First built around 89 BC. e. from wood. It acquired its present look in 1508 with the help of the architect Fra Giocondo.
Castelvecchio Castle
Castelvecchio (from Italian - Old Castle) was built in the 14th century as a fort. The architecture of this landmark of Verona corresponds to the purpose - a simple and strong red brick without decorations, six towers around the perimeter. In different years, he served as a prison, weapons depot, artillery school. Since 1923 the Museum of Painting, Sculpture, and Coins of the Middle Ages has been operating in the castle. Connected to the opposite shore by the Scaliger Bridge.
Scaliger Bridge
In ancient times, the Ponte Scaligero bridge provided access to the fortress. The reigning Verona Can Grande II della Scala had a reputation as a tyrant and was popularly nicknamed Crazy Dog. To protect himself, providing a path to retreat in the event of a riot, he ordered the construction of this bridge. In 1355, the architect Guglielmo Bevilacqua finished his work. According to legend, the architect came astride the opening ceremony, which would allow him to flee if the bridge collapsed. Contrary to fears, the design turned out to be very solid and functioned perfectly until the end of the 18th century, when part of the towers were destroyed by French troops. It was completed by the French in 1945 by the German army, which blew up the bridge during the retreat. The restoration was completed in 1951. Now the bridge has three spans with a total length of 120 meters. For reconstruction, the usual Verona red brick and white marble were used. This is the attraction of Verona, the photos with which are just wonderful due to the excellent view and river landscapes.
Juliet's House
Verona's Trump Card is a tragic love story described by William Shakespeare. Despite the fact that the famous characters are the author’s fiction, the Verona authorities realized how to capitalize on this work and decided to create the most visited attraction in the city of Verona. Juliet's house (Casa di Giulietta), built in the 13th century, has long been owned by the dell Capello family. The consonance of the surname with the name of the protagonists of the play served as an occasion to present it as a prototype of the place of description of passions. In 1907, the Verona City Council acquired the house to house the museum. The film "Romeo and Juliet", released in 1936, was the impetus for the start of reconstruction, as a result, the building and the courtyard with a balcony became similar to the pictures. Later, in 1972, a statue of Juliet appeared, cast in bronze, touching the chest of which is considered a guarantee of good luck in love. The museum was officially opened in 1997 and today presents an exhibition of works of art on the theme of immortal creation.
St. Peter's Castle with an observation deck
Piazzale Castel San Pietro was erected in the eighth century on the eponymous elevation of San Pietro. It is a fortification with an ideal observation point, which served as a military residence until the 19th century. The army under the command of Napoleon caused decent damage, destroying part of the castle, the church and the watchtower. Reconstruction of the building continues today, with plans to open a new museum.
Castle Square attracts tourists with its views. This attraction of Verona, reviews of which guarantee positive emotions from a visit.
Church of St. Anastasia
The Dominican monks, whose order belongs today to the temple of Chiesa di Santa Anastasia, designed it in 1290, construction was completed in 1400. The church is named after the Christian saint Anastasia the Resolver, which facilitated the torment of prisoners. Burned at the stake in 304 in Sirmium.
The church is decorated with marble columns, bas-reliefs with episodes from the New Testament, ornaments, statues of the "hunchbacks of St. Anastasia." The floor is covered with colorful marble mosaics of the 15th century.
Basilica and Abbey of St. Zeno
Basilica e Abbazia di San Zeno was a full-fledged monastery complex with a palace, church and towers. Napoleon's invasion destroyed the abbey, and to our time only the basilica of St. Zeno has survived - a real masterpiece created in the 12th century. The relics of the first bishop of Verona are stored here.
Of course, it is impossible to get around all the sights of Verona in one day. And yet, if you are limited in time, do not deny yourself the pleasure of meeting this wonderful city. Even the impressions received during a short period will leave a pleasant aftertaste.
So, we examine the sights of Verona on our own. 1 day is not enough, but even during this time you can do a lot: after going through the amazing arches of Portoni de Bra and passing Piazza bra, we get into the Arena di Verona. Then along the shopping street Mazzini we go to the house of Juliet. Standing on the famous balcony to the right of st. Mazzini we find the Piazza del Erbe with a statue of the Madonna of Verona and the tower of Lamberti. Having glanced at the church of St. Anastasia, we go to the Ponte Pietra bridge and go to the other side. After ten to fifteen minutes of a quiet walk, we find ourselves in the gardens of Justi. Further along the Ponte Nuovo bridge (New Bridge) we return to the Arena di Verona, we examine the castle museum of Castelvecchio. At the end - dinner in a restaurant on Piazza Bra with a fantastic view of the Arena.
A map of Verona with landmarks will help in building the route. You can use the guides, the benefit in any city that has interesting places for tourists, there is no shortage of such booklets.
If you can’t choose the sights of Verona on your own, you can contact the tour agencies offering tourist routes for every taste - from a walk in the center to a trip to Lake Garda. A wide selection of wine tours is also available, and families with children will enjoy a visit to the amusement parks "Gardaland", "Muwiland", an aquarium and an aqua park.