The northern Italian city of Verona, which served Shakespeare as the setting for his tragedy of love, has become a popular tourist destination, not least due to various film adaptations. Here we present you our top 10 Verona attractions.
If you are looking for the typical Italian flair, this is the place to be. Historic buildings and romantic alleys are lined up close together in Verona's beautiful historic center. The mix makes Verona even one of the top sights of all Italy.
Verona sightseeing map
Tip: Get the Verona Card
Tip: As for many other Italian cities, the purchase of the Verona Card can be worthwhile. With the ticket you can get discounted entrance to many sights or avoid the long queues to get in, saving valuable time that can be put to good use visiting other attractions or enjoying the classic aperitivo in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can buy tickets for Verona for individual places you want to visit here.
- Verona Card prices & costs: 20€ for the 24h card, 25€ for the 48h card
- Advantages of this City Pass for Verona: free entrance to attractive sights of the city z.B. Arena di Verona, Casa di Giulietta, Castelvecchio Museum and many others, free bus rides in the city, discounted entrance or discounts for many other attractions
- Purchase: you can get the Verona Card online here or at the Verona tourist office (Ufficio IAT)in Piazza Bra or at other stalls in the city, hotels or at the Verona Porta Nuova train station
4 accommodation tips for Verona
Nice overnight stay in Verona can be z.B. in the following hotels, B&B's, pensions and apartments we can recommend:
- "Relais Abbazia" – lovely, quiet bed & breakfast near the center of Verona, country style, garden
- "La Bella Verona Ugolini" – chic guesthouse in the immediate vicinity of the Arena and the old town, friendly hosts
- "Oriana Homel Verona" – FeWo (vacation apartment) in top location in Verona, close to the Arena, spacious
- "Hotel Milano & Spa" – central hotel with sun terrace, jacuzzi and view of the Arena
Arena di Verona
It is probably one of the main attractions of the city par excellence: the impressive Arena di Verona, located in the romantic Piazza Bra, the largest and most important square in the center of Verona.
The Roman amphitheater from the 1. Century from the today, after an earthquake in the 12. The four external walls, still very well preserved from the XVII century, attract numerous tourists and culture lovers to the city every year.
Especially in the summer months the arena is very well attended and offers space for about 22.000 spectators. In addition to operas, concerts, festivals and other performances take place here in the open air and – thanks to the outstanding architectural style – in the best acoustics.
If you don't want to leave anything to chance, it's best to book your ticket in advance, as the events are especially popular during the high season.
- Address: P.za Bra, 1, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
- Opening hours: in high season i.d.R. daily from 8:30 – 18:30 for visits
- Prices: Admission to visit adults 6€ p.P., reduced 4,50€ p.P., free with Verona Card |
- Entrance fee for events20-300€ (depending on the type of event)
- Website: https://www.arena.it/en/arena-di-verona
Casa di Giulietta
As already indicated in the introduction, much of Verona revolves around the fictional story of two lovers, for which a balcony plays a crucial key scene.
The House of Juliet, Casa di Giulietta, is located in the old town in a backyard in Via Cappello, where once lived a family named Dal Cappello. The similarity of the name with the Capulets family, to which Juliet belongs in Shakespeare's tragedy, led to the conclusion that this was a possible source of inspiration.
The famous balcony, however, was added later, but today it serves the interest of numerous visitors, who can feel themselves in history in this place.
To prepare for a visit to the Casa di Giulietta, it may be worthwhile to watch the film "Letters to Juliet" in advance. Many scenes from the film were shot in Verona and the "Club di Giulietta" depicted in the film exists in reality as well.
It consists of a number of secretaries speaking different languages, who are responsible for answering love letters handwritten in the name of Julia and sending them all over the world.
Many such letters can also be found on the wall in the courtyard, decorated with hearts and other inscriptions, next to the lucky statue of Juliet.
- Address: Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m
- Prices: Admission for adults 6€ p.P., reduced 4,50€ p.P., free with Verona Card
Castelvecchio
Our place 3 of Verona's landmarks is a medieval fortress from the 14th century. century: Castelvecchio.
Located directly on the Adige River, the castle of the former ruling family della Scala offers a beautiful location in the middle of the city, surrounded by other imposing buildings of the period.
After a short walk along the shore, inside the castle you can see great paintings and works of art in the museum – focus: Renaissance.
- Address: Museo di Castelvecchio, Corso Castelvecchio, 2, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
- Opening hours: Mon 1:30pm-7:30pm, Tue-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm
- Prices: Admission for adults 6€ p.P. (discounts available), free with Verona Card
Over the bridge Ponte Scaligero you can easily and quickly reach the other side of the river.
Another great excursion tip is the walk to Castel San Pietro. From the castle, located on a hill, you can see the roofs of the city. Especially recommended: a trip in the evening at sunset.
- Address: Castel San Pietro, Piazzale Castel S. Pietro, 37129 Verona VR, Italy
- Opening hours: every day 10:30 – 16:30
Piazza delle Erbe
As in most Italian cities, a lively and evocative marketplace can be found in the heart of Verona: Piazza delle Erbe.
Here every lover of Italy will find what he is looking for. Alongside restaurants, souvenir stores and bars, a multitude of people, tourists and locals alike, all contribute to the typical hustle and bustle of Italian cities.
The main attraction of the square represents the ancient fountain Fontana dei Madonna Verona with its impressive statue. The square is framed by other historic buildings such as Palazzo Maffei and the clock tower Torre del Gardello.
Different ways to discover the city:
Verona can be explored on foot on your own, with an experienced guide, on a bicycle or by hop-on hop-off bus. Sightseeing is most conveniently discovered with the Verona Card.
Piazza dei Signori
Another important square in Verona is Piazza dei Signori, just a short distance from the slightly more hectic Piazza delle Erbe.
Via della Costa is a narrow street that leads to this square, which at first sight looks like a courtyard, surrounded by historical buildings connected by gates and arcades. A real highlight for architecture fans! If you know your way around, you will recognize here the influence of the Scaligeri period.
The three-meter monument to the Italian poet Dante, made of fine white Carrara marble, adorns the center of the square.
This is a particularly good place to relax and enjoy after a day of sightseeing in the city. Take a seat at one of the outdoor tables of the numerous small restaurants, treat yourself to a pizza or an espresso and immerse yourself in the Italian atmosphere.
Torre dei Lamberti
No matter where you are in Verona, the Torre dei Lamberti stands out with its 84 meter height and characterizes the cityscape as one of the tallest buildings.
If you ever lose your bearings, you can easily find your way again by the former municipal tower. It is located right in the center of the city, adjacent to the two Piazzas and about 450m from the Arena di Verona.
Walk up 368 steps or take an elevator to reach an observation deck on the tower for a bird's eye view of the city.
- Address:Via della Costa, 1, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
- Opening hours: daily 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m
- Prices: Admission for adults 6€ p.P., reduced 4,50€ p.P., free with Verona Card (on foot)
- Website: https://www.torredeilamberti.it/en/biglietteria/
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
When talking about impressive buildings, a church should not be missing. The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore dates back to the 12th century. and 13. The church was built in the 16th century and combines the architectural styles of Romanesque and Gothic. The latter is reflected especially in the church ceiling.
In addition, the free-standing bell tower (Campanile) next to the church and the beautiful facade with a large wheel window are impressive.
The bronze door panels are adorned with small detailed bronze panels depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. A real marvel of early architecture.
Particularly worthwhile is a look inside the church with the adjacent cloister and its great arcaded arches.
To visit the basilica, you leave the city center a bit, which has the advantage of being a bit quieter and less crowded than the other tourist attractions. In about 15 minutes on foot from Castelvecchio you can reach the church of.
- Address: Piazza San Zeno, 2, 37123 Verona VR, Italy
- Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 am – 1:30 pm & 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm, Sat 10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Sun 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm
- Prices: Adults 6€ p.P., free with Verona Card
Teatro Romano di Verona
The ancient Roman theater Teatro Romano di Verona is centrally located on the banks of the Adige River about 1.1 kilometers from the Arena di Verona.
Opened to the river side, the 20 th century building of the Basilica di San Zeno is located in the center of the town. Chr. The Roman Theater is located at the foot of Castel San Pietro and consists of a 105-meter semicircle with wide auditoriums. The mighty stage structure served as a venue for various theatrical performances.
After the theater had fallen into disrepair, it was rebuilt in the 19th century. It was reconstructed and partially rebuilt in the 19th century and today serves as a popular tourist attraction for numerous visitors. Some decorative elements, inscriptions and stone monuments from the original period have been preserved and performances are occasionally held again.
Up the slope, towards the castle, there is also the Archaeological Museum in the Roman Theater (a former monastery), where you can admire Roman artefacts and learn more about the history of the theater and the city.
- Address: Rigaste Redentore, 2, 37129 Verona VR, Italy
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m
- Prices: Admission for adults 4,50€ p.P., free with Verona Card
Arco dei Gavi
Another relic from Roman times is the triumphal arch Arco dei Gavi, which once served as Verona's city gate and is a special attraction.
It is located near the riverbank southwest of the old town and dates back to the 1. Century n. Chr. After its destruction by Napoleon, it was rebuilt in the early 20th century. The church was rebuilt from its ruins in the nineteenth century, but lost none of its charm and architectural style.
The arch can be visited only from the outside, immersing oneself in the past.
The proximity to the popular Lake Garda
Clearly, one of the most popular destinations in Italy for German vacationers in the summer is Lake Garda.
Verona is just 30 kilometers away and is the perfect starting point for a day trip to the lake.
With summer temperatures of up to 30°C during the day in Verona, a dip in the cool water is particularly tempting, and on the way you can let the beautiful northern Italian landscapes pass you by, while a refreshing breeze blows around your nose.
The beautiful lakeside promenades invite you to stroll, while the foothills of the Alps are visible in the north and great beaches line up in the south. The lemon trees in the area offer the perfect icing on the cake for the feeling of an Italian summer vacation.
Excursion tips around Lake Garda:
- Riva del Garda on the northern shore of the lake for active people (z.B. for mountain biking, climbing, surfing, sailing)
- Monte Baldo:less than 60 kilometers from Verona; winding, steep roads offer great views of the lake; also accessible on foot or by mountain bike; a cable car leads up the mountain from Malcesine on the eastern shore
- the island in the lake Isola del Garda: visiting the villa built in the neo-Gothic-Venetian style as well as the English and Italian gardens
- Wine tasting in Bardolino: growing area of the red wine variety of the same name; in the town there is also a wine museum, a monastery and the church of San Pietro to visit