Verona Things to Do Tips by Tom_Fields

Roman Arena Arena Review

The Romans built this arena, or amphitheatre, in the first century AD. It was used for gladiator fights, jousts, tournaments, and markets. Able to seat 20,000, it was damaged in the earthquake of 1117. While parts of it have been restored, it is considerably smaller than it was originally.

Today, it's open to the pubic, and used for theatrical and musical performances. This is the most impressive Roman structure left in Verona. Surrounding the Arena is the Piazza Bra, one of Verona's largest public squares.

Phone: 045 800 32 34

Website: http://www.seeitalia.com/verona/sightseeing/roman_arena.htm

Capulet House Romeo & Juliet Review

The Capulet, or Capuletti, family was engaged in a bitter power struggle with the Montecchi, or Montague, family. Dante lived in Verona about the time of their feud, which he alludes to in his Divine Comedy. Legends about two star-crossed lovers from these families have been bandied about since the 14th century; Shakespeare borrowed from them to write Romeo and Juliet.

The Capulet house has a balcony, specially constructed to replicate the famous one in Shakespeare's play. It's a tourist attraction, and while not quite authentic, certainly worth a visit if you're in a romantic mood.

Address: Via Cappello and Via Stella

Directions: Northeast of the Arena.

Other Contact: info@veronissima.com

Website: http://www.veronissima.com/sito_inglese/html/temi_shakespeareverona.html

Piazza dei Signori Piazza dei Signori - Piazza Dante Review

Built atop an earlier Roman square, the Piazza dei Signori was the center of the Renaissance in Verona. It's also known as the Piazza Dante, for its statue of the great Italian poet. This statue was erected here because Dante stayed here for a period.

Other Contact: info@veronissima.com

Website: http://www.veronissima.com/sito_inglese/html/topic_dante.html

Basilica of San Zeno Basilica San Zeno Review

San Zeno, who was of African descent, was the eight bishop of Verona. He died in 380, and the first church was built here in his memory. The terrible earthquake of 1117 wrecked it, so this one was completed here in the 13th and 14th centuries. This is one of the finest examples of late Romanesque architecture in nothern Italy.

Directions: West of the city center, off the Corso Milano.

Other Contact: info@veronissima.com

Website: http://www.veronissima.com/sito_inglese/html/tour_verona_churches_san_zeno.html

Piazza della Erbe Piazza delle Erbe Review

Like Mantua, Verona has a central square, or piazza, named for the herbs that grow in the region. The Piazza della Erbe was originally the Roman forum, now the central marketplace. Surrounded by shops, cafes, and bars, this is Verona's main gathering place. The Tower Lamberti stands over the square.

Directions: Between Via Mazzini and Corso Porta Borsari.

Website: http://www.seeitalia.com/verona/sightseeing/piazza_delle_erbe.htm

Castelvecchio Castelvecchio Review

The Della Scala, or Scaliger, family built this castle as a royal residence from 1354 to 1375. They also added the bridge over the Adige River. The Scaligers left the city in 1387, and others took control.

It remained a military fort until right after World War I. Since then, it's been an art museum. This is one of Verona's most distinctive buildings.

Directions: On the bank of the Adige River, west of the Arena.

Phone: 045 59 37 54

Website: http://www.seeitalia.com/verona/sightseeing/castelvecchio.htm