Verona – The City Of A Love That Never Was

Known as the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is the location of the most romantic and tragic love story of all time. Every year 1,600 Japanese tour groups stop for one hour to stand on “Juliet’s Balcony” and rub the boobs of Juliet’s statue on the square below for good luck. Nobody seems to care (or even know) that the romantic couple never actually existed, or that Shakespeare had never been to Verona.

However, the fighting Capulets and Montague families were inspired by the real families of Capello and Montecchi who lived in Verona at that time. And despite the fact that Shakespeare had never been to Verona, he could not have chosen a better city to base a love story in.

Dark Alleys & Lovely Piazzas

Romance is everywhere in the little town of Verona, and while Juliet’s balcony is the one people come to visit, there are romantic little balconies decorated with flowers everywhere along the dark winding alleyways that suddenly open up in large piazzas full of life.

Piazza delle Erbe is the most charming of the squares in Verona, and has been a marketplace for over 2000 years.

You can have a seat at one of the elegant cafes or sit grab a gelato and sit down by the 14th century fountain or the 15th century Berlina shrine (once used for public elections and punishments of guilty citizens) while taking it all in.

Past & Present Side By Side

Just like many other picturesque Italian towns, Verona’s rich history blends in with the present; scattered among modern shops and bars are chips of Roman columns, old facades, a Roman theater and medieval reliefs.

There is even an arena dating back to 50 AD (older than the Colosseum in Rome) which is still today used for concerts and events!

Relax & Have A Drink

Aside from the passing tour groups on their way to and from Juliet’s balcony and the train station, Verona has a calming vibe which slows you down and makes you appreciate the small moments of everyday life on the streets.

The outside seatings at the many small Trattorias (Italian Café/bars) are full of people enjoying a few glasses of Aperol Spritz and chips in the sun.

A great place for an Aperol Spritz and chips is Attimo Caffé at Lungadige Porta Vittoria 19a, a popular hangout spot among the town’s university students – it has a cute little outside seating area in the sun, and prices are cheap.

In general you’ll find that prices are cheaper on that side of the river than in the city center.

Take In The Views

Walking along the narrow streets (and even narrower sidewalks!) you’ll find little love stories everywhere in Verona, but the most romantic place in all of Verona, is at the Castell San Pietro, a favorite spot for romantic couples.

Climb the steps up the hill to get the most amazing sunset view overlooking Verona with the river and bridges below (including Ponte Pietra, a beautiful bridge dating back to 100BC) and the snow covered alps in the backdrop.

There is much more to see and do in Verona, but these were among our favorites. What are your favorite things about Verona?