Verona is the largest city of the Veneto region in North East Italy. It is 75 miles west of Venice and beautifully situated on the River Adigo. The city was brought to prominence by the Romans who left behind some remarkable attractions for today's visitors. It is said that Emperor Caesar came here to relax.
The city's golden era was during the 13th and 14th centuries under the Della Scala family (also known as the Scaligeri) who were true patrons of the arts. Many of the finest monuments date from this period. This was however a time noted for savage family feuding of which Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet.
Verona has plenty to recommend it, but we particularly enjoyed just wandering the streets where Capulets and Montagues once fought, Romeo pined and Juliet sighed from her balcony. Strolling along the streets, you could be forgiven for believing the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet to be true. It is not, but never mind, Verona is one of Italy's loveliest cities. There is immense pleasure to be had wandering along the stylish marble lined streets.
Verona has a locked in time character that recalls its Medieval and Renaissance heyday and the magnificient Medieval palazzi, towers, churches and piazzas you see are testimony to its centuries old influence and wealth.
Highlights of our trip were our visit to Juliet's house, despite all the grafitti; going inside and exploring the magnificient Arena; wandering along the river but most of all just wandering and coming upon the most beauiful squares, streets and buildings by chance.
For some reason, visitors spend remarkably little time in this beautiful medieval city. It has a short list of attractions, but is a wonderful place to stay in and visit at a leisurely pace.