Holidaying in or around Lake Garda, looking for a day away, then may I boldly suggest Verona. The city associated with Shakespeare is a perfect day trip out. Pretty piazzas and narrow cobbled streets give the city an air of romance. Spending a day here is good for the soul.
Verona’s Shakespeare connections are a result of his play, Romeo and Juliet. There is the famous balcony to search for, but you’ll be missing out on so much more. There’s the impressive 1st century amphitheatre, where a summer season of outdoor operas are held. The wonderful piazza’s, the many churches and for a place that is bang centre in one of the wine growing regions of Italy, plenty of stunning food and drink to sample. What’s not to like about one of Northern Italy’s most beautiful of cities.
A day here may well be enough to explore, sample and enjoy the North Italian trappings this stunning city offers. Let’s take a look, without too much searching for Juliet!
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The attractions
With limited time you’ll want to see the best of the city. Places of interest, as mentioned include the Roman amphitheatre, all pink-tinged marble from the 1st Century. The summer concerts run from June to September, so get some outdoor opera, after you’ve explored a little more of course.
The Torre dei Lamberti is one of Verona’s popular attractions. It’s an 84m watchtower and will give you city views. Another striking creation is the Duomo, a Romanesque building from the 12th Century. Well worth exploring, which leads us nicely to Casa di Guiletta. Bet you can guess what this place is associated with! Juliet’s house no less. Look up and you’ll see the balcony. Now where is Romeo?
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Some top tips
If you’re looking for something a little different, then these places may well be of interest. The Funicolare di Castel San Pietro is a cable car railway that allows you some more great views of Verona.
One thing you’ll notice as you enter the city, the surrounding region is wine country. You have such renowned names as Valpolicella on one side and Soave the other. If you have time head for Soave and the 13th century Castello Scaligero di Soave. You can tour around here and even sample some of the fine wines. The town itself is well worth exploring with its steep streets.
Finally, there’s the other Verona. Yep, that’s Veronetta, on the right-hand side of the Adige River. It’s here you’ll find to many the authentic part of the city. It’s near here you’ll find the 16th-century Giardino Giusti, among Italy’s finest landscaped gardens. You’ll also find cheap street food, pubs and late-night bars in this district.
For a day away from the stunning landscape of Lake Garda, Verona makes for a perfect alternative. Explore, immerse in the culture and feast on the legend of Romeo and Juliet. Little wonder William based his play here.
