Complete Guide To Things To See And Do In Verona

 

The Love city of Italy – Verona is amongst the most remarkable hidden jewel in Italy. There are plenty of things to do in Verona and if you have not been, you need to start planning your trip to Italy now! Verona has a very rich history, since it’s well-positioned in the middle of Northern Italy. It is located at the foot of the Lessini Mountains, 65 miles (105 km) south of Venice, half-circled by the river Adige. (If you want to visit as part of a trip to Venice I have also shared tips on how to get from Verona to Venice of the other way around.

Italy has a lot attractions that every year attracts millions of tourists! This city is full of Life with a ton of stuff to do and plenty of cool tours in Verona so you can experience and explore everything here in Verona mentioned below:

• Historical sites
• Churches & Cathedrals 
• Art & Museums
• Delicious Food & Wine
• Architectural Buildings
• Stunning Bridges
• Theaters in Verona‎
• Shopping
• Palaces

 

 

 

Historical Sites And Cool Things To Do In Verona

Verona Arena

It is located in Piazza Bra, this first-century amphitheater is Italy’s third-largest. Verona Arena is an open-air Roman amphitheater that’s the third largest structure considered in the world. It was built in 30 AD. It has a capacity for 30,000 spectators. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a summer evening. There are different games shows held like Roman Ludi as well as the Verona theatre festivals hosted every year. It’s still in great condition considering the thousands of years it’s been around. With this tour of Verona Amphitheatre, you can explore the beautiful arena in all its glory.

 

 

Palazzo Maffei

Palazzo Maffei is a historical palace in Verona, northern Italy, on the north-western side of Piazza delle Erbe. The palace has existed in this location since the fifteenth century, but in 1469 Marcantonio Maffei decided to rebuild it by adding a third floor.  The three-story facade of the palace is in Baroque style. The front roof was designed as a railing with six statues: Hercules, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Apollo and Minerva. It represents a Unicom in the panorama of the city architectural style.

 

 

Domus Mercatorum

The Domus Mercatorum / Casa dei Mercanti is a medieval edifice in Piazza delle Erbe and among the cool places to visit in Verona. During the middle Ages it was home to the Casa dei Mercanti, the guild of the city’s merchants Wikipedia. An amazing places to visit for history buffs and closely to the House of Juliet. Initially this building was built by wood in 1210, after that in 1301, it was made of stone by Alberto 1 della Scala. You will see a large porch with different colors of arches and columns on the ground floor of its building.

 

 

Churches & Cathedrals  

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

This gorgeous Romanesque basilica was built in the 12th century. The basilica is very large and with beautiful detail and design. The Basilica of San Zeno is considered very important building in Verona from a religious point of view, especially for its remarkable architecture. Inside the Basilica is truly beautiful such as stained glass rose window, crafted bronze doors, Renaissance frescoes and a non-forgettable main triptych by Andrea Mantegna. The floor is decorated in grey and peach color tiles and ceiling also shows a wonderful tile-work.

 

 

Basilica di Santa Anastasia

The church of St. Anastasia is from the late 13th century and is a perfect example of Italian Gothic architecture. It’s a very beautiful basilica with a very decorative ceiling, statues and artworks around the interior. The Basilica has three large passages held by 12 pillars in red Veronese marble. A breathtaking frescos paintings and carvings won’t let you disappointed in €3 entry ticket which also audio guide as well. The floor is beautifully designed in various patterns of marble – white & black – based on the Dominican Habit. One of the marvelous frescos – St George and the Princess by Pisanello. Many the great work is the effort of Della Scala family, who ruled in Verona during 13th to the late 14th century.

 

   

 

Chiesa di San Fermo

San Fermo Maggiore is located on the banks of the Adige River near Ponte Navi presenting Romanesque structure. This church is unusual because of its beautiful carved wood ceiling shaped like a boat. This beautiful church on two levels and so well preserved. Plenty of beautiful sculptures and paintings with a peaceful atmosphere inside.

 

 

Art & Museums

 

Museo di Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio was built in the 1350s by Cangrande II. The museum space was designed by 20th century architecture making it mix of Gothic and modern. The exhibition hall had a great collection of sculptures, jewelry, epigraphs, frescoes, painting, ceramics and weapons from 12-18 century. It shows a great variety of arms and armors. This museum was damaged by Napoleon and WWII bombing and then re-constructed by Carlo Scarpa. You can enjoy the stunning views of the city from the top of this museum. With this city walking tour, you pass through Castelvecchio and many other city attractions in Verona.

 

Museo Archeologico

The Museum is located within a convent built in the 15th century the archaeological museum has a large collection of Roman artifacts.  Built into the hillside overlooking the Roman theater, the entrance is from the embankment, where you can also find the ticket office. Entrance to the museum costs 4,50 Euros. There is an interesting collection of Greek vases, sculptures, glass objects and utensils for daily use.  You can tour the museum with an informative guide on the Roman Empire and its influence on the world beyond Rome.

 

 

Galleria d’Arte Moderna Palazzo Forti

This Museum features modern works of art from the collection of Achille Forti & other major patrons. This museum is in the same building as the Torri dei Lamberti tower and combined ticket €5. Along with sculpture and paintings, the gallery also presents ancient photographs of Verona that offers visitors a new perspective on the city. 

 

 

Food & Wine In Verona

When it comes to food, Verona is blessed with the delicious food of northern Italy and tasting some of the Italian famous dishes should be must on your list of things to do in Verona! If you are a lover of food and wine also check out this tour of three different wineries and includes lunch too. You can also opt to learn how to cook delicious Italian food in Verona.

 

 

What to eat in Verona?

• Breakfast cake, chocolate and almond cookies
• Risotto
• Offal
• Freshly made pizza
• Panini,
• Cheesy Pasta
• Gelato if you are travelling in summer (then again I still have it when I am in Italy in winter 🙂 )

 

 

Where to eat in Verona

• There are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Piazza Erbe and Piazza Bra. In addition to around town with views of the river.
• Places to eat in Verona include: Caffè Wallner, De Rossi dal 1947 Verona, 

 

 

 

 

Architectural Buildings & Sights Not To Miss In Verona

Piazza delle Erbe

Verona has a number of admirable architectural squares and Piazza Delle Erbe is one of the famous not to miss Verona. It may consider one of the biggest square in Verona. This diamond-shaped piazza is located in the middle of the historic centre. The architecture is really remarkable. There are lot of attractions nearby including Case dei Giudici, Torre Lamberti and the Palazzo Maffeia. This building served as the main forum during the Roman Empire. There are market stalls and fruit markets for tourists to explore in this busy square. Right by the market you will find various restaurants, cafes, fountains and marble statues.

 

 

   

 

Juliet’s House (La Casa di Giulietta)

The 13th-century building designated as the house of Shakespeare. Its Located in middle of Verona’s historic center, the Gothic-style house has beautiful stoned balcony where the young couple stand and announce their love. You can enjoy to read the Love notes on the wall at Casa di Giulietta. Make sure you check out the city tour to discover why Shakespeare wrote about the city and why UNESCO listed.

 

 

Arche Scaligere

The Scaliger Tombs is a group of five Gothic monuments in Verona, dedicated to the influential Scaliger family. This family ruled over Verona throughout the 13th and 14th centuries. The Scaliger Tombs are free to enjoy and open every day of the year. The tombs are located in a court outside the church of Santa Maria Antica, separated from the street by a wall with iron grilles.

 

   

 

Theaters in Verona‎

Teatro Romano

The Roman theatre of Verona is an ancient Roman theatre in Verona, northern Italy. This theatre was made in approximately in the same time as the Roman arena after Roman Empire Fall. This semi-circular theatre is used for open-air events and concerts in summer. It’s a perfect vantage point to take panoramic pictures of the skyline around the city. It plays host to many a theatre and concert show. With this tour of Verona Amphitheatre, you can explore the beautiful arena in all its glory.

 

 

Opera in Love – Romeo & Juliet

Among the cool things to do around Verona are theatre shows. Verona is an Italian city known all around the world for the story of the star cross’d lovers: ROMEO AND JULIET. At the same time Verona is home to one of the world’s largest roman amphitheaters, the arena, which presents a lyrical summer opera season that has been running since 1913. Now, with “OPERA IN LOVE” the two Verona excellences share their emotional strength in a new performance. If you are visiting Verona in the summer this is one of the best things to do in Verona. Anything time, be sure to check if there is a performance there, whether theatre show or concert.

 

 

Beautiful Bridges In Verona

Ponte Scaligero (Ponte di Castelvecchio)

The Castel Vecchio Bridge or Scaliger Bridge is a fortified bridge in Verona. The segmental arch bridge featured the world’s largest span at the time of its construction. You can climb the stairs and get a great view of the river and the surrounding area. Lots of artwork and statues to see and very little barrier between you and the displays. Literally you can stand inches from a 600 year old fresco and statues. It’s a three-arch bridge that spans the Adige River. The upper part has been made of red brick and the lower part is made of white marble. 

 

 

Ponte Pietra

At the northern edge of the city centre, this bridge is an old treasure to the Italians’ love of their artistic heritage. The view from the bridge of the river Adige are very photogenic. It was blown by German troops and rebuilt by stones in 1950’s. This is the historic bridge that is a must-see whenever you visited Verona and close to many attractions like Roman theatre and Torre dei Lamberti.

 

Shopping in Verona

Right in the heart of Verona and along Mazzini, via Stella and Corso Portoni Borsari where you can find boutiques for designer labels and other high street brands. Shopping in Verona is a treat, whether hunting for desserts or antiques or Italian souvenirs to bring back home with you. Additional places to shop in Verona include: 

• Piazza delle Erbe is daily market
• Libreria Antiquaria Perini is a shop
• Via Mazzini Verona is main shopping avenue
• Le Corte Venete is the shopping center
• Centro Commerciale Adigeo it’s a type of mall.

 

   

 

The nearest airport to Verona?

The Verona Airport (VRN), “Valerio Catullo”, is the closest and it is located in a nearby in Villafranca. It’s about 10 kilometers from Verona and there is a shuttle service that runs every 20 minutes and takes you to the train station in Verona for 6 euros. The beautiful this airport is that it also gives you easy access if you are hoping to visit Lake Garda. For a guard on how to get from Verona to Lake Garda, check out my linked blog post.

 

Getting Around In Verona  – Public Transport 

Verona is very easy to explore as most attractions and things to see and do in Verona are close to each other and can be covered on foot. For those who want to experience the public transport, the city provides a very good transport system to move around in city. ATV bus service is more reliable bus service which move around throughout the city. You also have hop-on hop-off tours in Verona. 

 

   

 

Consider Getting A Verona Card!

Verona Card is an all-inclusive city pass. It offers free or reduced entry to the city main museums, monuments and churches. You can travel with ATV city bus as well. The Verona card is the perfect way to fully explore the city. It includes all the must-see attractions, plus free travel on public transport.

The cost of a Verona Card is 20 euro for 24 hours and 25 euro for 48 hours after the first validation.

 

 

 

Where To Stay In Verona

Verona is such an amazing city with plenty of cool things to do, whether its nightlife, quiet time or wanting to experience its rich Roman history. There are plenty of cool places to stay in Verona too. I have shared a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Verona, which includes the best areas to stay in Verona for night like, cheap hotels and where to stay with families as well as places to stay near tourist sights. 

 

 

 

Love Italy? Also Read:

• How To See Florence In One Day
• The Best Town To Visit On Lake Como
• The Best Areas To Stay In Venice
• How To Get Around In Venice
• How To Get From Milan To Cinque Terre
• The  Best Guide To Spending 4 Days In Rome
• What To Pack For Florence
• Essential Items To Bring When Visiting Europe
• How To Get To Florence From Pisa

 

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