Verona was one of the cities that made the short list of places to visit in Italy, mainly because of the summer opera performances staged in the Roman Arena. The city of Verona is centered around the Adige River, which flows through it in an S-shape pattern with the historic center tucked neatly inside one of the river’s curls.

The Arena stands proudly at the entrance to the historic center. It’s one of the best preserved Roman Arenas in the world, and you can stand and gaze at the completely intact pink and white limestone arches that form the inner shell of the Arena. At one end of the stadium a stretch of four taller arches indicate where the outer shell once was. Inside the Arena we saw a performance of Aida, and despite not knowing much about the plot we thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the first two acts which included a lot of colorful set dressings and exciting choreography. It was really incredible to be sitting on the marble grand stands thinking back to the spectators who were sitting in the same spot 2000 years ago.

Besides the Arena, the best known site in Verona is Juliet’s balcony. Even though Shakespeare probably never laid eyes on the balcony and the small courtyard below is jam packed with tourists from all corners of the world, it’s still an enchanting little area.

The rest of the historic center is quite beautiful, filled with interesting architecture, beautiful churches and open squares. In the heart of the old town are the adjoining Piazza Erbe and Piazza dei Signori. Piazza Erbe is a giant, busting square with an open air market in the middle and street traffic inching along the periphery. A glance up in any direction offers rewarding views to the towering Torre dei Lamberti or to one of the many frescoed palazzos. Through the archway from which a whale bone hangs is Piazza dei Signori, a quieter square but equally as beautiful. Palazzos topped with statues and cornicing look down upon a single marble statue of Dante as the centerpiece of the square. Just off Piazza dei Signori are the Arche Scaligeri, which are elaborately carved, gothic sarcophaguses, and the Scala della Ragione, a majestic brick and marble outdoor staircase that leads to the second floor of Palazzo della Ragione.

Throughout Verona there are numerous churches with beautiful facades. The Duomo, in particular, has unique carvings and statues as part of its façade. Across the river over the Pietra Bridge, which dates back to the first and second centuries, is the site of the Roman Theater where ruins still mark its existence. The area is used today for outdoor performances. Walking along the Adige River provides great views back in to the city. A particularly charming spot is where the river curves between the two curls of the S at Castelvecchio, an old defensive fortress covered with rows upon rows of brick cornicing. The Scaligero Bridge traverses the Adige at Castelvecchio, and just like the fortress, it’s laced with brick cornicing.

Walking the streets of this beautiful and historic city it’s no wonder Shakespeare called it “fair Verona.”

For more pictures from Verona, click here.

Last Modified : August 6th, 2007
Filed under : Italy, Trips, Arts and culture
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