Romeo and Juliet, opera festival and gnocchi
Verona is a small town at the foot of the Alps, on the Adige riverbank, in the northeast part of Italy. The city was founded as a Roman colony at the beginning of the First BC. There was a vast city development, and some of the erections at that time can still be admired today. More than 260,000 people live in Verona, making it the second-largest city in the region.
Most people know Verona through the most beautiful love story of Romeo and Juliet. It doesn’t matter that both history and its characters are pure literary fiction. Verona lives this story, and tourists come every year to see Juliet’s house, the famous balcony, and the girl’s grave.
However, it is worth noting that Verona was a city worth visiting long before William Shakespeare wrote his drama. The town is worth visiting due to its many historical monuments, including the Roman Amphitheater arena from the 1st century BC. In terms of culture, Verona prides itself on organizing numerous concerts and opera festivals, which take place in the world’s largest outdoor opera theatre.
In the city, you will be delighted not only by the magnificent architecture and valuable monuments but also by its atmosphere, old town cobbled streets, and, as always, delicious Italian cuisine.
Special attention needs Italian gnocchi dumplings. Legends say that the nearby area is the cradle of these Italian dumplings. However, being in Verona, every restaurateur will tell you that Verona is the capital of gnocchi.
I must admit I have not eaten better gnocchi anywhere else, so I believe this story 😊. Do not miss it; try it for yourself!
More about the city on www.visitverona.it
Gnocchi Festival
Once a year, on the last Friday before Lent, Verona celebrates the carnival. The festival takes place here to preserve 470 years of old traditions. The event that Verona celebrates marks the end of the epidemic that spread throughout the city in 1660. During this epidemic, many residents of the town died not only from the plague itself but also from hunger.
Since then, once a year, the inhabitants of Verona have celebrated the tradition of sharing gnocchi, a type of folk food. Gnocchi is a simple dish of potatoes and flour served with various sauces.
During the last day of the Verona Festival, colourful parades pass through the city. The march starts in Bra Square and ends, after 6km, in San Zeno Square. A colourful crowd wearing masks passes through the town, dancing and singing. The culmination is when, at the end of the parade, everybody can taste gnocchi free of charge. That custom is called “The Gran Gnocolada“. This ritual symbolizes the return of prosperity and the abandonment of hunger.
It is also worth knowing that the main character of this festival is Papa del Gnoco. He is an old man with a grey beard and a crown on his head – dressed in a long red coat with gold decorations. Instead of a sceptre, Papa del Gnoco holds a sizeable golden fork with a large gnocchi dumpling on it. For many years, Verona citizens have played that noble role during the festival, but first, someone needs to win a casting call organized by the city hall. On top of the prestige and possibility of being city representative, they also get a bowl of gnocchi in tomato sauce as a reward.
Tips and Tricks
- In 2021, Gnocolada will take place on February 16th. You can read more about the festival and dates for the following years on www.carnifest.com
Verona – in the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet
It cannot be denied that the love story of Romeo and Juliet is the main reason many tourists decide to visit Verona. However, as is often the case, high expectations and the hope of finding a romantic atmosphere in Juliet’s house are only an artificial marketing trick and business.
The house, which is considered the venue for Shakespeare’s drama, belonged to the Cappello family in the 14th century. Over time, a legend began to grow around the building. The convergence of the Cappello family name with the family name of Juliet Capuleti could not be accidental. It was believed it must have once been a girl’s family home.
Crowds of tourists visiting Verona in the early 20th century caused the city authorities to make that house a tourist attraction. An additional advantage of this place was that it was in an excellent location, in the very centre, near the main square of Piazza Delle Erbe.
In 1907, the city authorities bought part of the tenement house, making it a tourist attraction. Over time, it turned out that the house still did not meet all the tourists’ expectations because there was no balcony. There were voices in Shakespeare’s history; there was a balcony where Juliet waited every night for her beloved. Therefore, in the place where the usual balustrade was located, 1940 it was decided to build a balcony. Marbles from the 14th Venetian palace were used for its construction to make it more authentic. And that is how “House of Juliet” was created.
House of Juliet (Casa di Giulietta)
Today, to see the famous balcony, you need to enter the inner courtyard of the building. First, however, you need to squeeze through the bottleneck—that is, the entrance gate. It is a dark and dirty place, whole (up to the ceiling) scribbled with inscriptions and drawings of hearts left by the lovers.
The central courtyard is a small inner yard, where people crowd all year round. The word “crowding” does not reflect what is happening in the season. Entry is only for people with strong nerves and without fear of claustrophobia.
At the height of the first floor is a small balcony on which tourists always stand. It is almost impossible to take a picture of a building without people on the balcony. The only possibility comes when you wait for a change between going out and entering the balcony because its small size can fit a maximum of two people simultaneously.
You can also enter the building (paid entrance) to access the balcony. The house’s interior is a museum with objects related to Romeo and Juliet’s lives, such as furniture, clothes, and decorations.
In the courtyard, there is a bronze statue of Juliet. Legend says that you should grab her right breast for good luck in love.
There is also a metal grille on the wall with pinned heart-shaped padlocks. You can buy them on the spot or in the nearby souvenir shops and leave them signed with your name, as evidence of “eternal love”.
Tips and Tricks
- Juliet’s House was completely renovated in 2017, so the facade and balcony are in better condition now. In addition, the facade was covered with a unique substance to protect the building against its devastation by crowds of tourists.
- Juliet’s House (inside) is open daily. On Mondays, it is open from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; on the remaining days, it is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The last entry is at 6.45 p.m.
- The home entrance ticket is 6 Euro (6,5 $). Free entrance to the courtyard.
Address: Via Capello, 23
House of Romeo (Casa di Romeo)
Verona also has an old house named the House of Romeo. It is only an ordinary medieval tenement house. Although in the 15th century, this tenement house belonged to the Montecchi family (Romeo came from such a family), Romeo himself did not live there. You cannot enter it because it is currently private property. Although passing by it, it is worth paying attention to the well-preserved facade of the building, which is valuable due to its age and architectural details.
The House of Romeo is not far from the House of Juliet (within walking distance).
Address: ViaArche Scaligere, 2
Tomb of Juliet (Tomba di Giulietta)
You can also visit Juliet’s symbolic tomb in Romeo and Juliet’s footsteps. To find this place, you must visit the Fresco Museum “Giovanni Battista Cavalcaselle” in a 13th-century monastery. The tomb is inside the museum.
Julia’s tomb is empty; it is only a symbol that lets you believe that Shakespeare’s heroine could be buried in such a place.
The museum is open daily: Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the last entrance is at 6:30 p.m.
Entrance ticket: 4.50 Euro (about 5$), combined ticket: museum + tomb of Juliet – 7 Euro (about 7,6$)
Address: Via deil Pontiere
Verona – what else is worth seeing when visiting the city
Roman Amphitheatre
The Arena – Roman amphitheatre, is a true tourist attraction and a valuable historical monument. It stands in the very centre of the city, on the popular Bra Square, surrounded by cafes and small Italian restaurants.
The amphitheatre was built in the 1st century BC and was the most significant Roman gladiators’ arena. It was constructed of white marble and could house 25,000 spectators, but up to 32,000 people could enter it when needed. Until the 3rd century A.D., the arena was outside the city walls. Gladiator fights and wild animal fights took place there. In 1117, the three-story ring of the outer wall collapsed due to the earthquake. Only a tiny fragment of it has survived until today, and it is called “the wing”.
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the amphitheatre, which had served as a valuable building block for local investments, was systematically stolen. The arena was then used for public executions and knights’ fights. During the Renaissance, the city decided to preserve this valuable monument and secure it against further demolition.
In 1913, on the occasion of Giuseppe Verdi’s birth centenary, Aida was staged in the amphitheatre. Since then, this building has served as a permanent stage for various concerts and as the seat of the opera festival, which takes place in Verona every year.
Today, the arena in Verona is the second one, after the Colosseum in Rome, the best-preserved amphitheatre in Italy and the world’s largest open-air opera theatre. Approximately 15.000 viewers can sit in the audience. However, when extremely popular concerts occur on the main stage, the organizers can set up 22.000 chairs in the audience.
Practical information and interesting tips
- All large stage decorations are gathered in front of the arena during the theatre season. They are worth examining because you can only appreciate their high craftsmanship and size from a close distance.
- The arena also hosts concerts by contemporary musical artists. Stars have included Pink Floyd, Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Muse. In 1946, Maria Callas debuted on that stage.
- The arena can be visited daily: Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the last entrance is at 6.30 p.m.
- The entrance ticket is 10 Euro (about 11 $).
- The arena’s opening hours may differ during concerts or opera festivals. The Verona Arena website has more information.
Address: Piazza Bra
Scaligero Bridge
Besides the amphitheatre, several other places in Verona are valuable for historical or architectural reasons.
The Scaligero Bridge (Ponte Scaligero or Ponte Castelvecchio)) is a fortified bridge built in 1356, that leads to the Castelvecchio Castle. It is also called “the most beautiful bridge of Verona”.
The brick bridge, 120 m long and 6 m wide, was supported by massive tower pillars finished with battlements. It had three spans.
That building was originally a military facility. At the end of the bridge (on both sides of the Adige River), there were two towers, but only one has survived to modern times. The French demolished the second tower at the beginning of the 19th century.
Unfortunately, German troops retreating from the city blew up the bridge at the end of World War II. In 1949-51, it was decided to rebuild it using the original materials and construction techniques used in the 14th century.
Castel Castelvecchio and defensive walls
Castelvecchio is a Gothic castle from 1354. The Della Scala family developed its design. In addition to its residential function, the castle was also to be a defensive fortress protecting the Scala family from external invasions and a popular rebellion. The area near the castle was a perfect path for a quick and easy escape from the city. After passing through the fortified bridge, accessible only to a noble family, one could continue north along the Adige Valley.
During the castle’s construction, part of the city walls was included in its area.
Over the centuries, with the changing power over Verona, the castle was rebuilt many times, which damaged its original architectural shape. At that time, the castle was used for military purposes as a warehouse for weapons and ammunition, and then (in the 18th century), it became the seat of the Venetian military academy.
It was only after 1923 that the castle stopped performing only a military function. It underwent a thorough reconstruction, which restored its look stylized to medieval times. In 1925, the castle became a museum where valuable art collections were placed.
The museum can be visited daily: Mondays from 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the last entrance is at 6.30 p.m. The Entrance ticket is 6 Euro (about $6.5).
Address: C.so. Castelvecchio
Piazza delle Erbe
Herbal Square (Piazza delle Erbe) was once a place where vegetables and herbs were sold. Centuries ago, it was a Roman forum. The square is surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque palaces, which make it extraordinary. It is worth visiting the square both during the day and at night. During the day, take a closer look at all the attractions and feel the atmosphere of this vibrant place. In the evening, tenements are decorated with lights, which makes the place magical.
There are numerous small cafes on the square. You can drink typical Italian coffee there and have lunch or dinner.
Being there, it is worth paying attention to the most characteristic places.
- The fountain, dating back to 1386, is topped with a Roman figurine of the “Madonna of Verona” (from 380).
- Venice’s symbol is a column bearing the winged lion of St. Mark against the backdrop of a beautiful Baroque tenement house, Palazzo Maffei. Statues of Greek gods are on the roof of that house.
- The pillory dates back to the 16th century, to which merchants cheating on customers were tied (interesting approach to customer service culture)
- Gothic stone lantern
- Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti), where once there was a medieval town hall. The tower is 84 meters high and was built in 1172. In 1403, a lantern was added to the top of the tower. On one of the tower’s walls, there is a clock over 250 years old (1779). There are also two bells on the tower. The smaller one – Marangona signalling fires and indicated individual hours. The larger one, Rengo, was used to call the people to fight or to contact the city council for meetings.
Tips and Tricks
- There is one more house on the square that grabs attention. This is Domus Mercatorum, built more than 700 years ago (in 1301). In this building, there used to be a warehouse and a merchant guild. Today, it is the seat of the bank.
- The tower Torre del Gardello, dating from the 14th century, can also grab your attention on the square.
- There is also an old Casa Mazzanti building with a colourful facade from the 16th century.
Piazza Bra
Bra Square is, without a doubt, the largest square in Verona. Some sources even suggest that perhaps it is also the largest square in all of Italy. There are three characteristic places on it:
- Arena – Roman amphitheatre, built over 2000 years ago (described earlier).
- Barbieri Palace (Palazzo Barbieri) – Today, it is a seat in the Verona city hall. It was built in the year 1848 in a neoclassical style. Designed by Giuseppe Barbieri and named after his death
- Gran Guardia – a palace from the 17th century with a tower dominating it. Construction of the palace, which was to serve as a shelter for the army stationed in Verona, began in 1610. Unfortunately, the investment was not completed for another 200 years due to insufficient funds. In 1808, there was a budget and a desire to finish the building. Unfortunately, it was only realized 45 years later. The building is used for conferences and often hosts fairs and exhibitions.
Basilica of Saint Zeno
The Basilica—San Zeno Maggiore—is a Benedictine church dating from 1138. It is considered one of the most significant Romanesque churches in northern Italy.
The first temple stood in the 4th century, on the grave of St. Zenon, the city’s patron. The temple we can admire today was expanded between 1120 and 1398.
Over the main entrance is a portal considered one of the finest works made of bronze from the 12th century. It presents fragments of events described in the Bible and the life of St. Zenon. The whole consists of 48 fragments, recognized as a miracle of the Italian art of their time.
The church’s interior consists of three levels: the crypt, in which there is a sarcophagus with relics of St. Zenon, the church and the presbytery with the main altar. In the church, it is worth paying special attention to the Gothic vaulting decorated with frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries.
Belfry and the abbey
Next to the church (on its right side from the entrance), there is a 62-meter belfry. Its construction began in the year 1045 and ended in 1178. The bell tower has six bells (the oldest was cast in 1067). Currently, only four of them are still operating.
On the left side of the church is a Benedictine abbey, which can be accessed directly from the church. The abbey was founded in the 9th century, but most of its buildings were destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars. Only the original cloisters and a brick tower have survived to this day.
Walk along the Adige Riverbank
After walking through the streets of the old city of Verona, it is worth coming to the banks of the Adige River to see the city from a different perspective and discover interesting things on the river’s other side.
It is worth starting the walk with the Stone Bridge (Ponte Pietra), a history similar to the Scaligero Bridge described earlier.
The Stone Bridge was built in the 1st century BC. Floods have seriously damaged it several times. In the 13th century, a watchtower was built at the bridge’s entrance. However, due to hostilities and the German army’s bombing of the bridge in 1945, only the original stone structures of the two pillars have survived to this day. Both are located on the left bank of the river.
1959, the bridge was carefully rebuilt, and the reconstruction allowed it to recreate its original appearance.
On the other side of the Adige river are the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre. There is also an archaeological museum and, on a small hill, the castle of San Pietro. Stairs lead up the mountain.
Tips and Tricks
- You can also reach the castle hill by funicular – Funicolare di Castel S. Petro. Walking from the Old Town, after crossing the Stone Bridge – the ticket office is located on the left side of the bridge. Follow the Via Fontanelle S. Stefano. The cable car was built in 1939 but stopped driving at the end of World War II. It was forgotten for many years. Restored by the city council recently, in 2017. The funicular covers a route of 159 meters long and 55 meters up. Twenty-five people can get on board at once, but the 1-way journey takes less than 1 minute.
- The funicular is open daily except on 25.12 and 01.01. In the summer months (April – October), it is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; in the remaining months, it is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A one-way ticket is 1 Euro (about $ $1), and a return ticket is 2 Euros (about $ $2). You can read more about the funicular and its website at funicolarediverona.it.
- A fantastic viewpoint on the hill allows you to see Verona from above. And Verona, seen from this place, looks beautiful! Residents say it is especially worth visiting the city at sunset.
Verona – before you GO
To fully enjoy the charms of Verona and avoid wasting time in lines, it’s a good idea to purchase entrance tickets or tourist cards in advance. These allow you to visit the main attractions without stress and offer additional discounts and free access to public transport. Below, you’ll find some options that I believe are particularly worth considering before your trip.
Verona City Pass
The card provides access to Verona’s top attractions – including the famous Juliet’s Balcony and the Lamberti Tower – and unlimited public transport. Additionally, you can enjoy discounts and special offers when visiting other UNESCO-listed sites in the city. Available for 24-hour and 48-hour use.
Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket
Explore Verona quickly with the City Sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus ticket. The double-decker, open-top bus offers excellent city views, and the multilingual audio commentary helps you learn more about its history. You can choose between 24-hour or 48-hour tickets, giving you complete flexibility in sightseeing planning.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus by City Sightseeing*
City Adventure Combined with Sightseeing
Unusually discover Verona with an interactive city game you can start on your phone. While walking through the city, you’ll solve puzzles, uncover interesting facts, and learn about the legends behind the top attractions. This is an excellent option for couples, families with children, and groups of friends – perfect for exploring the city together while adding a bit of friendly competition.
Verona Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Day Trip*
Tickets to Juliet’s House
Skip the lines and visit Juliet’s House – one of the most famous places in Verona, linked to the story of Romeo and Juliet. See the iconic balcony and Juliet’s statue in the courtyard, and inside, explore medieval interiors, costumes, frescoes, and fascinating details that you can discover with the help of the audio guide on your phone. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the world’s most famous love story.
Juliet’s House ticket with audio guide in Verona*
ITALY – My Other Posts
I also encourage you to read my other posts about Italy.
- Italy photos
- Lemon Sorrento
- Naples and Pompeii – tailor-made travel plan
- Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast – tailor-made travel plan
- The island of Ischia, 1 day outside Naples
- Pompeii – Top Attractions
*Links from the Klook website are affiliates.