Not many people realize it is, in fact, Verona not Venice that is the capital of Veneto. With over 250 thousand inhabitants it’s the second largest city in the region and the third largest in the northeast part of Italy. While most of you will know the town for being the setting of the Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet, the tiny, unquestionably romantic courtyard with Juliet’s balcony is just a tip of an iceberg of things to do in Verona. Located on the route between Venice and Milan, Verona has always maintained a strategically advantageous position in the Po valley. Having a desirable location, in the first millennium of its existence, Verona was ruled first by the Romans, then Ostrogoths, Goths an, at last, the Roman Empire.
In the Middle Ages, the city managed to become one of the independent communes in northern Italy which were always at war with one another. Its period of independence lasted until 1405 when Verona became part of the Venetian Republic, and the city entered a period of wealth and importance.
While Verona changed rulers and allegiances many times, it never truly suffered from war or deprivation. Precisely for these 2000 years of uninterrupted development, the town became famous for its stunning historical architecture representing each period in its winding history. In fact, Verona’s Roman ruins are among the finest. For instance, the magnificent Arena, the original Roman amphitheater in Verona, was re-discovered in the mid-19th century. Today, it hosts spectacular music and opera performances. It’s the second largest Roman amphitheater right after the Colosseum in Rome.
All in all, Verona is a city many delights, spiritual as well as those a bit more down to earth. You can enjoy strolling through the old town, shopping at outdoor markets, sipping a local wine, tasting local delicacies and admiring millennia of imposing art and architecture. After you are done with Verona sightseeing, venture beyond its borders and visit the stunning Lake Garda refreshing swim or hike! We can promise you that you won’t run out of things to see in Verona!
