Verona

placed in the category: Cities

"In fair Verona, where we lay our scene..." is a city in Northern Italy that has become familiar worldwide, being the setting of one of the greatest love stories of all time - Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Located at the foot of the Lessini Mountains, 65 miles west of Venice, Verona is one of the most ancient and beautiful cities of Italy. Half-encircled by the Adige River, Verona enjoys a wonderful position at the feet of the Venetian hills.

Verona is one of the top tourist attractions in Italy not just for its fictional popularity but largely because of its artistic heritage. Founded in the 1st century B.C., Verona was able to preserve a large number of monuments since the medieval and Renaissance periods. Its historical center abounds with splendid Roman ruins and emanates a relaxing and peaceful aura with the serene Adige River surrounding it. One of the top visited spots in the city is the Arena, Italy's third largest opera theatre. This Roman amphitheatre can seat 25,000 audiences who go there to watch shows with scenery designed by the best artists in the world. Other Roman monuments of fame in the city are the Arco dei Gavi or Gavi Arch (dedicated to the important Roman family of the Gavii), the Roman Theater built in the 1st century BC, the Basilica of San Lorenzo which is one of the most important churches in the city, the Ponte Scaligero bridge that was once a time the world's largest bridge arch, and the Porta Leoni which was once part of the Roman city gate. Due to the value of its various historical buildings, Verona has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aside from the churches and important medieval structures, there are a lot more things one can see and do in the city of Verona. If you are a shopping connoisseur, you can enjoy the wonderful shops at Verona's golden mile. If you're looking for some gastronomic delights, you can sample the delicious local delicacies such as gelato, horse-meat, and all kinds of exquisitely prepared pasta. You can also wine and dine in one of the cozy restaurants around the Carega block or have a good drink and listen to great music at one of Verona's lively music bars.