Verona is one of those places in the world that sparkle with romance. The city has a rare beauty that is largely due to its historical development and incomparably well-preserved historic buildings. Baroque architecture, Roman history and the romance of Romeo and Juliet lend this picturesque city in the north of Italy a charm that you certainly won't be able to resist.

Only about 30 kilometres from the popular Lake Garda, Verona, with its population of around 260,000, is visited by numerous holidaymakers from all over the world every year. No wonder, this city has some sights to offer. Verona enjoys worldwide fame for its well-preserved amphitheatre, which is always filled with life, and the association of the most famous lovers in history. Anyone who has visited Verona understands that this city has much more to offer besides Romeo and Juliet.

With an indescribable magic, it offers many romantic squares, alleys and impressive sights. Situated at the foot of the Prealps and as a crossroads between Europe and the Mediterranean region, the surroundings and landscape around the city enjoy a special formation. Verona was founded in pre-Christian times by the Rhaetians and Euganeans and was finally under Roman colony from 89 BC. After various further subjugations, Verona became Austrian in 1797 and only in 1866 did it fall to the Kingdom of Italy.

With an indescribable magic, it offers many romantic squares, alleys and impressive sights. Situated at the foot of the Prealps and as a crossroads between Europe and the Mediterranean region, the surroundings and landscape around the city come into their own. Verona was founded in pre-Christian times by the Rhaetians and Euganeans and was finally under Roman colony from 89 BC. After various further subjugations, Verona became Austrian in 1797 and only in 1866 did it fall to the Kingdom of Italy.

To experience the city in all its facets, I recommend a Verona Card, which not only grants numerous discounts but often also free admission to several sights such as the "Anfiteatro" or the "Casa di Giulietta"; in addition, you can use public transport for free. But you probably don't need to use public transport, as the city can easily be explored on foot. The city invites you to take a leisurely stroll along the most important sights and impresses with its historic buildings, beautiful squares and imposing churches and museums.

Starting at the famous main square "Piazza Brà", which is also known as Verona's reception hall, you will inevitably see the Arena of Verona - the city's landmark. The incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheatre was built around 30 AD and is the third largest amphitheatre in Italy. Opera festivals, concerts and plays take place here every year. Around 22,000 visitors can fit into this impressive ancient theatre. Right next door on the "Piazza Bràwerdet", it is also worth admiring Verona's town hall, the "Palazzo Barbieri", which is reminiscent of a Roman temple, as well as the numerous beautiful town houses from the 16th to 18th centuries.

What would Verona be without the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet!

You can relive it not far from the Arena. Via the famous shopping street "Via Mazzini" you turn right into "Via Cappello" and reach the world-famous house of Juliet through an archway. Couples of all ages visit the "Casa di Giulietta" and swear eternal fidelity to each other in memory of Shakespeare's novel "Romeo & Juliet", writing down vows of love to fix on the wall. For money, you can even have your picture taken standing on the balcony or patiently queue up to have your picture taken with the bronze Juliet to receive - so the popular belief - happiness for the rest of your life. The bronze statue, the famous balcony in the courtyard and countless love messages pinned to the wall - all this makes the setting of Shakespeare's novel so special, even though the main protagonists never existed in reality and William Shakespeare was never in Verona during his lifetime.

When walking through the city, the picturesque "Piazza delle Erbe" with its ornate historical façades is an absolute must. It was once a significant meeting place as well as a venue for economic and political debates. Verona's central market square impresses with baroque buildings, such as the "Palazzo Maffei" and the "Torre del Gardello", which dates back to the 14th century. In addition, the viewing platform of the "Torre dei Lamberti" town hall tower is worthwhile, from where you have a fascinating view over the whole of Verona. Once there, you can visit the nearby Piazza dei Signori with its impressive government palace and the statue of Dante Alighieri in the centre of the square.

If you get hungry, stock up on a picnic at the "Salumeria Gironda" not far from the Adige river. With fresh bread rolls, ham, cheese, olives and a bottle of red wine in your backpack, cross the river over the fortress bridge "Ponte Pietra" and climb the stairs to the "Castel San Pietro", from where you can enjoy an unobstructed and free view over the entire old town. If you're not very good on foot, we recommend the small funicular railway, which takes you comfortably up the city hill without breaking a sweat.   

By the way: just below the hill and next to the well-preserved Romanesque theatre, I put up at the "B&B Verona Centro". Three charmingly furnished rooms, a delicious breakfast and, above all, the warm hostess Serena, who is happy to help with lots of tips, await you in an authentic setting.

For passionate museum-goers, Verona also has a lot to offer. For example, you could visit the "Museo di Castelvecchio", a former castle or the "Museo dei Fossili di Bolca". In the "Arena Museo Opera" you can learn more about the now more than hundred-year-old history of the famous opera festival in Verona since 2012.

In the evening, it's worth taking a stroll through the city of lovers. The warm lantern lights lend the city enchanting charm and plenty of romance. Stop off at the "Gastronomia Vecio Castel". A typical Italian restaurant in the west of Verona. Pizza, pasta and hearty meat dishes are available here for little money. The ratings and the certificate of excellence speak for themselves. Or you can try the delicacies at "Il Punto Rosa". The restaurant scores with a large selection of Italian wines, a cosy atmosphere and regional food around bruschetta, tiramisu and co. Buon Appetito!