Best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s tragic Romeo and Juliet and Two Gentlemen of Verona, Verona Italy is a lovely vacation destination. It offers travelers both well-preserved Roman architecture and beautiful medieval palazzos, many of which have been turned into Verona hotels.
In the shadow of the spectacular Roman Arena, Piazza Bra is the heart of the city. The arena was built in 30 AD and it seats 25,000, which makes it the their largest Roman stadium. Concerts and operas are performed in the arena during the summer festival season.
You can tour the arena and climb to the top for beautiful views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Another piazza worth visiting is Piazza della Erba, which is lined with beautiful palaces and elegant civic buildings. There’s a daily market here on the site of the original Roman forum.
With the Palazzo del Capitano and the Palazzo della Regiona, the Piazza dei Signori is another attractive square. When you get tired, you can take a break at one of the cafes on the piazza.
More great views can be had by climbing the 12th-century Torre di Lamberti. It’s 275-feet tall, but you can see Lake Garda and the Alps on clear days.
Located on Piazza San Zeno, the church of San Zeno Maggiore has a rose window from the 12th century and wood door with bronze reliefs. There’s an altarpiece by Mantegna inside the church. It’s one of Northern Italy’s best examples of Romanesque architecture.
The fine arts museum is located in an old castle on the Adige River. It has a nice collection of medieval and Renaissance paintings, including work by Veronese, Bellini, and Tiepolo. There are also ruins of an old Roman theater nearby.
Those who enjoy gardens won’t want to miss Giardino Giusto, which is one of Italy’s finest Renaissance gardens. Take some time to explore the topiary, grottoes, and fountains.
hotels in Verona
Not far from the Arena, Colomba d’Oro is housed in what was once a convent. With stone walls, 16th-century arches, and frescoes, it has a lot of old world charm. And there are 51 nicely decorated, comfortable rooms. Although there’s no restaurant here, there is a breakfast room and bar, and some good restaurants within walking distance.
Just a couple of minutes from Piazza Bra, Torcolo has 19 unique rooms, some with exposed beams and parquet floors. The two women who run the place have added thoughtful upgrades to the rooms like double-paned windows, WiFi access, and small refrigerators. Breakfast here is very nice, especially when enjoyed on the pretty patio.
The Due Torri Hotel is the most expensive hotel in Verona. Located in a 14th-century palazzo, it was turned into a hotel in the 1950s, and today, it’s part of the Baglioni chain. Many of the artists who come here to perform in the summer festivals stay here. With 90 rooms, grand public areas, and an Art Nouveau-style bar and restaurant, it’s very impressive.
Find more Verona hotels here. And read about more great places in Italy here.
Tags: Attractions, Hotels, Verona