Verona Center — Hotel in Verona

Here’s a detailed review of Verona, Italy, based on its attractions, ambiance, and historical significance:

Verona: A Romantic and Timeless Destination

Verona, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors Venice and Milan, is a city that surprises and enchants with its mix of ancient history, romantic legends, and vibrant Italian culture. Whether you’re visiting for its Shakespearean ties or simply looking to experience the beauty of an authentic Italian city, Verona is an unforgettable destination.

Arrival and First Impressions

As soon as you arrive in Verona, the city’s charm is palpable. The blend of Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and Renaissance touches makes it visually captivating. The Adige River winds through the city, giving it a sense of calm that balances the lively piazzas and streets bustling with locals and tourists alike. Verona is a manageable size for walking, and every corner seems to reveal a new piece of history or culture.

Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra: The Heart of Verona

The Piazza delle Erbe is the lively center of Verona, and it quickly became one of my favorite spots. This historic square, once the Roman Forum, is surrounded by a vibrant mix of Renaissance buildings, colorful market stalls, and outdoor cafes. The Torre dei Lamberti tower provides a stunning view of the city, and the Palazzo Maffei stands proudly as a symbol of Verona’s past wealth and prestige.

Just a short walk away is Piazza Bra, where the famous Arena di Verona dominates the view. This ancient Roman amphitheater is remarkably well-preserved and still hosts world-class opera performances, a testament to its incredible acoustics. Attending a concert or opera at the Arena is an experience not to be missed; the atmosphere, especially under the stars, is magical.

Casa di Giulietta: A Shakespearean Pilgrimage

Verona’s association with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet makes it a must-visit for lovers of literature and romance. The Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) is one of the most popular attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world. While it may be crowded, standing beneath Juliet’s balcony and seeing the walls filled with love notes is an iconic experience. The small museum inside gives further insight into the legend, but for many, simply being in the courtyard and imagining the famous scene is enough.

Though the Romeo and Juliet connection is purely fictional, Verona embraces its role as a city of love. For a quieter and more introspective experience, I recommend visiting Juliet’s Tomb. It’s a peaceful spot where you can reflect on the story away from the crowds.

The Roman Theater and Castel San Pietro

For those interested in Roman history, Verona offers more than just the Arena. The Roman Theater, located across the river from the main part of the city, is another impressive ancient structure. Built into the hillside, it offers spectacular views of the city and the Adige River. Above the theater is Castel San Pietro, which provides one of the best panoramic views of Verona. The hike up to the castle is worth it, especially at sunset when the city is bathed in golden light.

Verona’s Churches: Stunning Architecture and Art

Verona is home to several beautiful churches, each with its own unique character. The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and a must-see for art lovers. Its bronze doors and frescoes are truly remarkable, and it’s often less crowded than other attractions, allowing for a more contemplative visit.

The Duomo di Verona and Sant’Anastasia Church are also architectural gems, each filled with intricate artworks, frescoes, and historical significance. Walking through these churches, you get a sense of Verona’s deep religious and...

Verona (/vəˈroʊnə/ və-ROH-nə, Italian: [veˈroːna] ⓘ; Venetian: Verona or Veròna) is a city on the River Adige in Veneto, Italy, with 258,031 inhabitants.[3] It is one of the seven provincial capitals of the region, and is the largest city municipality in the region and in northeastern Italy. The metropolitan area of Verona covers an area of 1,426 km2 (550.58 sq mi) and has a population of 714,310 inhabitants.[4] It is one of the main tourist destinations in Northern Italy because of its artistic heritage and several annual fairs and shows as well as the opera season in the Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater.

Between the 13th and 14th centuries, the city was ruled by the della Scala Family. Under the rule of the family, in particular of Cangrande I della Scala, the city experienced great prosperity, becoming rich and powerful and being surrounded by new walls.[5] The della Scala era is preserved in numerous monuments around Verona.

Two of William Shakespeare's plays are set in Verona: Romeo and Juliet (which also features Romeo's visit to Mantua) and The Two Gentlemen of Verona. It is unknown if Shakespeare ever visited Verona or Italy, but his plays have lured many visitors to Verona and surrounding cities. Verona was also the birthplace of Isotta Nogarola, who is said to be the first major female humanist and one of the most important humanists of the Renaissance.[6] In November 2000, the city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture.

The city is scheduled to host the 2026 Winter...

My wife and I visited Italy for 30 days last month and Verona ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Staying at Verona Center truly felt like stepping into a storybook. The building itself is beautiful with its colorful façade and green shutters, and when you open the windows you feel like you are part of the city’s history.

The location could not be better. You are a short walk from the Arena, Casa di Giulietta, and some of the most charming piazzas in all of Italy. Every corner you turn feels like another piece of history waiting to be discovered. Verona’s old town is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is easy to see why once you spend time here.

The only thing to be aware of is that the crowds can be heavy, especially around the most famous attractions. It is a very popular destination and at times you will be shoulder to shoulder with tour groups. Even so, the atmosphere is so unique and vibrant that it is well worth the visit.

If you want to feel like you are living inside a Renaissance painting while still enjoying the comfort of a modern holiday home, Verona Center is the...