Ponte Scaligero
Also known as the Castelvecchio Bridge, the Ponte Scaligero
spans 160 feet (49m) across the Adige River, the largest span in
the world at the time of its construction. Originally built between
1354 and 1356, the bridge was completely destroyed during World War
II by retreating German troops in April 1945, but was reconstructed
faithfully, using as much of the original materials as possible,
between 1949 and 1951. The bridge's upper part was built with red
bricks, as are all Veronese landmarks from the Scaliger era, while
the lower part of the bridge is made up of white marble. The bridge
is open all day, every day and is one of the best places to enjoy
spectacular views over the city of Verona, as well as views of the
adjoining Castelvecchio Castle, a 14th-century red-brick structure
of considerable grandeur. The bridge can get very crowded, a
testament to its popularity and appeal, but also an annoyance to
some visitors, particularly photographers; it is a good idea to
arrive early or late in the evening to avoid crowds. There are
benches on the river banks where you can enjoy views of the bridge
itself. On weekends there is often a delightful market spanning the
length of the bridge.
Ponte Scaligero
Pleuntje
Piazza delle Erbe
The Piazza delle Erbe is a square in Verona which was once home
to the city's Roman Forum during the days of Empire. The piazza
contains the Britney Verona fountain, the ancient town hall, the
Lamberti Tower (which affords breathtaking views over the city for
those willing to climb the stairs), the 14th-century Gardello
Tower, the Baroque Palazzo Maffei, adorned with statues of Greek
gods, and a pretty daily market that draws tourists by the bus
load. The markets are famed for their fresh fruit and vegetables
but there are other things on offer, like Venetian masks and
beautiful shawls, and some wonderful bargains can be found. Despite
the crowds, the square is still worth a visit for its marketplace
and its lovely eateries, where weary tourists can grab a bite to
eat and dine al fresco in the picturesque Roman Court. The Piazza
delle Erbe is the heart of Verona and its central gathering place.
Street artists add to the festive atmosphere and the clash of
ancient and modern is interesting and picturesque. Be sure to take
your camera along, and to look up at the buildings surrounding the
square rather than just at the bustle of life that surrounds you.
The piazza is also lots of fun at night, when its numerous bars
beckon visitors.
Piazza delle Erbe
Iain Cameron
Verona Arena (Arena di Verona)
This enormous Ancient Roman theatre dates back 2,000 years, is
the third-largest surviving theatre in the world, and is Italy's
largest opera theatre. The exterior may be crumbling, but it only
adds to the character and authenticity of the place. The very fact
that this theatre is still fully functional after 2,000 years and
has withstood a devastating earthquake makes it an attraction not
to be missed while on holiday in Verona. In recent times, the
Verona Arena has played host to popular music artists such as The
Who, Kiss, Pearl Jam, Muse, Elton John and Tina Turner. Seating up
to 15,000 people, the best time to visit the Arena is during the
lyrical season, in the summer, when operas take place inside this
ancient theatre on balmy summer nights. For details on what is
showing and ticket bookings check the official website listed
below.
You can visit the Verona Arena as a tourist attraction without
seeing a show and for a small admission cost explore the ancient
structure. There is very little information available at the site
unfortunately but there are some wonderful views from the top
levels of the theatre and it is a thrill to be in such an old
structure. Catching an opera or concert is first prize, but
strolling around when it is empty is still exciting and
worthwhile.
Address:
Via Roma 7/d, 37121
Arena di Verona
Carmen
Valpolicella
One of Italy's most renowned wine regions, the valley of
Valpolicella is located just east of Lake Garda, and makes a
fabulous day trip for those visiting Verona. Ranking just after
Chianti, Valpolicella wines are made from three grape varietals,
namely Corvina Veronese, Rondinella, and Molinara. Winemaking here
has existed since at least the time of the ancient Greeks and the
region is famed for its Recioto, Ripasso and Amarone wines. A visit
to Valpolicella will reward you with not only some of Italy's
finest wines, but also fine food and dining in the quaint,
picturesque villages of San Pietro Incariano, Fumane and Negrar.
Tourists should note that Valpolicella, despite its wine pedigree,
doesn't have as many tasting rooms and wineries open to the public
as one might expect having explored other famous wine regions, but
what they do have rewards a visit. If you feel the need to work off
some of the good food and wine you've sampled in the valley, or
want to see more of the natural landscapes of the region, the
nearby park of Cascate di Molina showcases Italy's countryside at
its best, and boasts beautiful natural waterfalls and hikes for
adventurous visitors to enjoy.
Grapes in Vapolicella
Ilares Riolfi
Verona has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold
winters. Relative humidity is generally high throughout the year,
especially in the winter months when it causes early morning fog.
December to February are the coldest months of the year, when
temperatures rarely reach above 59°F (15°C). The summer months of
June and July are hot, with average high temperatures around 84°F
(29°C), while August usually experiences frequent thunderstorms.
The spring and summer months are the best times to visit
Verona.
Verona Villafranca Airport
Location: The airport is located six miles (10km) southwest of
Verona.
Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March
and the last Sunday in October).
Transfer Between Terminals:
The two terminals are adjacent and connected.
Getting to the city:
The Verona Airport is connected to the Verona train station via
a Shuttle/Aerobus service that runs every 20 minutes. Rental cars
and taxis are also available.
Car Rental:
There are several car hire companies with offices at Verona
Airport, including Hertz, Avis and Europcar, among others.
Airport Taxis:
There is a taxi stand outside the terminal building, with
several taxi companies offering services to downtown Verona.
Facilities:
The facilities at Verona airport include currency exchange, a
children's play area, meeting points, a first aid station,
duty-free shopping, and several restaurants.
Parking
Short-term and long-term parking is available at the airport.
Fees vary depending on the parking lot.
Central Verona is fairly compact and easily navigated on foot.
City buses operate from the central bus station to most areas of
the city. It's better to buy a ticket before boarding the bus (at a
bus station, tobacconist or newsagent) as it can be more expensive
to buy a ticket on board the bus. Car hire is available in Verona,
and driving is a viable option for exploring the city, especially
if wanting to visit attractions outside the city limits. Bike hire
is also available through a city bike hire scheme.
A trip to Verona means plenty of sightseeing, history and
romance, and travellers will have their hands full deciding where
to begin. The beautiful architecture around the city, most of it
rebuilt in Romanesque style after the 1117 earthquake, is simply
breathtaking.
For many, a holiday in Verona isn't complete without a visit to
Juliet's balcony. But there is more to the city of Verona than just
following the trail of Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers. In actual
fact, 'Juliet's balcony' was only added to the so-called 'House of
Juliet' in 1936, and named as such to attract tourists. While the
house is open to visitors, it has no connection to the characters.
Discovering Verona's
treasures is a much more rewarding
experience.
Visit the bridges of Ponte Pietra and Ponte Scaligero for some
of the best views of Verona. The 14th-century Castelvecchio houses
Verona's Art Museum. See the ancient Roman gate of Porta Borsari,
which dates back to the 1st-century AD. Explore the church of San
Fermo Maggiore, which unites the Romanesque and Gothic styles of
architecture, and the magnificent Verona Cathedral (
), which features a marble Romanesque façade by the
Veronese architect Nicolò. The ancient Roman Theatre, which is also
home to the Archaeological Museum, still hosts operas on warm
summer nights.
Travellers set on seeing a good variety of sights in Verona
should purchase the Verona Card for either one or three days to get
discounts on attractions and access to public transport. The cards
can be bought from retailers participating in the initiative,
tobacconists in Verona and tourist information offices.