"Ebbene Si, Devo Ammetterlo; Amo La Citta... " a Verona Travel Page by Krystynn

Yes, I must admit it.... I love the city of VERONA. I really do.

But first, let me bid you a warm welcome to medieval VERONA, and home to history's two most famous star-crossed lovers who needs no introduction: (No! It's not Bonnie & Clyde) It's...Romeo and Juliet! ;-)

VERONA is undoubtedly one of the richest towns in Italy. As I strolled along the narrow cobbled lanes, I was awestruck by the number of very well-dressed Veronesi who resemble Vogue models clad in Gianni Versace suits and expensive boutiques selling top of the range products. Ah yes, I soon discovered that the Veronesi have a unique flair for looking gorgeous (read: spend money on expensive designer wear) and are just about as gorgeous as the city itself.

Shopaholics will go crazy along Via Mazzini - the city’s version of Rodeo Drive. Here, you can find familiar brand names like Gucci, Ferragamo (my favorite), Benetton, Armani etc... but don't expect an inexpensive price tag. As a matter of fact, the things here are more costly than you could imagine! So, shopping here is out for me. I'd save that for Rome.

O.K., O.K.... just wanted to show-off just how great a Shakespeare fan I am. ;-)

Do you believe in the existence of Romeo & Juliet? Do you think the tale of this star-crossed lovers is a total myth? Seriously, I do believe in the existence of Romeo and Juliet. So, don't send me any emails and burst my bubble!

Wandering around the medieval cobbled-streets of this city and soaking in its old world charms are what I consider - heavenly things to do in Verona!

VERONA is one place you absolutely must not miss! A historic city filled with marbled villas and lovely piazzas.

As the French say in their whimsical accent "C'est la vie!"...

And the Italians proudly proclaim - "Si, la dolce vita!".

I agree!

THE VERONA FACTFILE:

Population: A very cozy 270,000

The Weather: Exactly how it should be: Hot and Sunny in summer and, Cool and Sunny in winter. If you're lucky, you might actually get to see snow at Christmas! Autumm and Spring are absolutely blissful - my favorite seasons! ;-))

Claim to Fame: A certain famous pair of star-crossed lovers.

Nearest BIG City: MILAN - 150km (west) and VENICE - 100km (east).

Getting Around Town: Italian hunks and cool 'rock chicks' swear by the Vespa (Italian scooter). Believe me, it's nothing cliché-ish about riding around town on a vespa. They’re truly the way to go, allowing you to weave through the heavy Veronese traffic.

Cost of Living: Not cheap, baby, not cheap! Verona is becoming just as expensive as Milan (to live in). I would find it very difficult to survive on a meagre salary....

VERONA's famous attractions include:

The Arena.... The Borsari Gate.... Roman Theater... Juliet's Tomb... Juliet's House... Piazza Bra (my favorite place to chill out).... Piazza delle Erbe... Piazza dei Signori... Giusti Garden.... Basilica of Santa Anastasia.... San Zeno Maggiore..... Duomo (Cathedral)...
The Scaligeri Arches... Castelvecchio...Santa Maria in Organo... San Giorgio in Braida.

Wow, so many things to do.... So many sights to conquer.

I am more than confident you'll enjoy this fair city just as much as I did.


The worst thing about being a tourist is having other tourists recognize you as a tourist.
- Russell Baker

Footnote: This travel page is written from my very first impressions of this beautiful city on my first visit to VERONA in the mid-1990s. But don't worry... the tips have all been updated; they won't be 'ancient'. My last visit here was in the summer of 2001. I am planning for another short visit to this fair city soon.

I hope you'll find my experiences useful in helping you plan for your forthcoming holiday. Thank you.

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Copyright (c) Krystynn 2004.
Please do not take my personal pics without prior permission.
Thanks.