Verona

Finally I can share with you Verona….Verona is a city in Veneto, northern Italy, where I spent a couple of days roaming around. It is a beautiful city and it is one of the main tourist destinations in northern Italy, thanks to its artistic heritage, several annual fairs, shows, and operas, such as the lyrical season in the Arena, the ancient amphitheatre built by the Romans.

The city has been awarded world heritage site status by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture.

One of the most exciting things about Verona for me was that we found a hotel opposite Romeo and Juliet’s balcony, which you will see from the photo’s. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy written early in the career of William Shakespeare about two young “star-crossed lovers”whose deaths ultimately unite their feuding families. It was among Shakespeare’s most popular stories of young, teenage lovers.


The spectacular view of Juliet's balcony from our hotel. 

 

The notes of lovers going to see Juliet’s balcony

Also on the list of things to do and places to see is the Roman Arena.  The pink marble Roman Arena was built in the 1st century AD and survived a 12th-century earthquake to become Verona’s legendary open-air opera house, with seating for 30,000 people.


Then there is the Piazza delle Erba, which I really enjoyed…I am a true lover of markets!!! This Piazza was originally the site of a Roman forum, and it buzzes with life. The permanent market stalls in its center display beautiful seasonal fruits and vegetables and other bits and bobs. The square is lined with some of Verona’s most sumptuous buildings including the baroque Palazzo Maffei, at the north end, and the adjoining 14th-century Torre del Gardello. On the east side is Casa Mazzanti, a former Della Scala family residence.


A must-stop is Bottega del Vino, it is a wine bar (enoteca) with backlit bottles above the bar, and you’ll find the sommelier will gladly recommend a worthy vintage for your lobster crudo salad, Amarone risotto or suckling pig – I was told that some of the best wines here are bottled specifically for the Bottega.

Then finally I climbed the Torre dei Lamberti for the amazing views of Verona, take the lift or your feet up this 84m-high tower, which was built in the 12th century (with a slight setback in 1403 when lightning knocked its top off). It has an octagonal bell tower, and its two bells still have their ancient names: ‘rengo’ once called meetings of the city council, while ‘marangona’ warned citizens of fire.

 Now some other lovely photo’s of Verona I will share with you…
 J-B. Xx