Exploring Verona, Italy

Venice might be considered the jewel of northern Italy, but fair Verona, the setting for three of William Shakespeare’s plays including Romeo and Juliet, is worth at least one day.

Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the Veneto region along the Adige River, is a city known for love, fine architecture and opera. Start your time in Verona by having a brioche and a cappuccino at one of the many bars near the Porta Borsari, one of the ancient Roman giants throughout the city, before heading into the Pizza Erbe, called so for its myriad markets. In front of the 16^th-century Palazzo Maffei is a column topped with the winged Lion of St. Mark, telling everyone the city fell under Venetian rule in the early 15^th century. Before you leave the square, be sure to head to Juliet’s balcony within an intimate courtyard holding a statue of the leading lady herself; local lore says it is good luck to rub her right breast.

Love Locks on the Juliet House © Nicknickko | Dreamstime

Head down the marble-lined Via Mazzini, full of fine boutiques and gelato stores before ending in Piazza Bra, the city’s main gathering area that holds the beloved arena, built in AD 40, where opera is performed all summer (a must see if you’re there in season) and modern greats like U2 and Mumford & Sons have held concerts. The Veronese pay tribute to religion with a handful of fine churches including the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore and Sant’Anastasia.

San Zeno Maggiore Basilica © Erix2005 | Dreamstime

Visit the museum at the medieval Castelvecchio to admire a fine collection of sculptures, paintings and statues. Cross the Ponte Pietra Bridge to the other side of the river to marvel at the beautiful city from the top of the Roman theatre. End your day in typical Veronese fashion, by having a spritz aperol at one of the many bars in either of the piazzas before a traditional dinner of risotto made with amarone (a local red wine) at Osteria Via Stella.

© Edmund Holt | Dreamstime