Verona, Italy - Things to Do and Must-See Spots

As the days dwindled down to just two left in Italy (VENICE IN A DAY), a feeling of reluctance settled in (MUST SEE LANDMARKS IN ROME). How I wished our tour could stretch on indefinitely, allowing us to bask in the beauty of this enchanting country a little while longer. But alas, reality beckoned, and we had to prepare for our return to the daily grind.  

Our next destination: Verona. By 9:00 am, we found ourselves standing before the majestic Adige River, its clean waters flowing serenely beneath our gaze. The sight was a balm to our senses, soothing our souls as we took in the natural wonder of the surrounding hills and bridges that dotted the landscape.

Verona, often hailed as a romantic spot, revealed itself to us in all its glory. From timeless monuments to medieval architecture, the city seemed to embody the essence of romance at every turn. And of course, there was no shortage of Italian food and shopping to indulge in.

As we leisurely strolled along the banks of the Adige River, our tour guide appeared, ready to lead us on the next leg of our adventure. Our first stop: Saint Anastasia Church, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece boasting six chapels. Though the church was bustling with activity, perhaps due to a special occasion, we contented ourselves with admiring its exterior beauty from afar.

Continuing our exploration of Verona, we made our way from Saint Anastasia Church to the Scaliger Tombs, the final resting place of the illustrious Scaliger family. As we approached, the tombs, built above ground level, stood as solemn monuments to the powerful rulers who once governed Verona during the 13th and 14th centuries. With their wrought iron enclosures and striking architecture, the Scaliger Tombs were undeniably one of the most iconic sights in Verona, a favorite subject for photographers capturing the essence of the city.

Continuing along the same route, we soon arrived at Romeo's House, a landmark steeped in legend and romance. Though the house has been moved several times over the years, this particular location is believed to be the permanent address of the famed Romeo. Unfortunately, visitors are not permitted inside, so we contented ourselves with a glimpse from the main road.

Of course, a visit to Romeo's House wouldn't be complete without stopping by Juliet's House, just a short five-minute walk away. Here, amidst the throngs of tourists, we marveled at the iconic balcony and the bronze statue of Juliet. Legend has it that touching or holding Juliet's right breast brings luck in love, although whether this is true or just a myth remains uncertain. Regardless, we joined the queue, patiently waiting for our turn to partake in this age-old tradition.

 

While some visitors chose to explore the museum housed within Juliet's House, we opted to continue our journey through Verona, eager to uncover more of the city's hidden gems. With each step, we found ourselves immersed in the rich history and enchanting beauty of Verona, a city that truly captivates the heart and soul.

After a shopping break and bidding farewell to our charming Italian guide, we indulged in a leisurely lunch to recharge for the rest of our Verona adventure. With the afternoon stretching ahead of us, we set off alongside our local guide to explore more of this captivating city.

 

Our first stop was Porta Borsari, a historic gate dating back to Roman times. Restored with local white limestone by Emperor Gallieno in 265 AD, the gate stands as a testament to Verona's rich Roman heritage. Though only the double arched gate remains today, it serves as a tangible link to the city's ancient past.

 

Next, we ventured to Piazza Delle Erbe, a bustling square alive with vibrant murals, the imposing Lamberti Tower, and the iconic Madonna of Verona statue. As we meandered through the cobblestone streets, we couldn't help but be enchanted by the myriad of restaurants and shops that lined the square, each one offering a glimpse into the soul of Verona.

Our final stop was Massanti Houses, a hidden gem boasting some of the best-preserved frescoes in Verona. Painted with bright colors and intricate designs, the façades of these houses tell the stories of Verona's illustrious past, each brushstroke a testament to the city's rich artistic heritage.

 

As the day drew to a close, we bid farewell to Verona, our hearts full of memories and our minds buzzing with the magic of this enchanting city. Though our time in Verona may have come to an end, the beauty and history of this timeless city will forever remain etched in our minds. Until we meet again, Verona!

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Ms. Nava, a spirited Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at the vibrant age of 58. With over 22 years as a lecturer, including at Curtin University’s Degree Twinning Program, she dreams of traveling 365 days a year. However, she embarks on her enchanting 'Zen Journeys' whenever her yoga instruction, coaching, and counseling profits allow her to.