Verona is the most romantic city in Italy. It is not for nothing that the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet from the warring Montague and Capulet clans unfolded in it. Here you can literally touch Shakespeare’s heroine (though bronze), listen to the opera in the ancient amphitheater and even briefly become a volunteer in matters of the heart. Moreover, the picturesque Lake Garda is not far away. In general, not the city, but love at first sight.
The author of Oh! Blogger Ksyusha Semkina visited Verona in the summer of 2024 and shares ideas on how to spend a couple of days there.
Contents
- How to get there
- Day one: exploring Verona
- Day two: Lake Garda
How to get there
You can fly to Verona from any major Italian city or get by train, for example, from Venice (on the way — a little more than an hour).
There are no direct flights from Russia to Italy now, you need to fly with transfers. The most convenient way is via Istanbul or Yerevan. In June 2024, I chose the option with a short connection in Armenia, and from there I got to Venice. Tickets can be found from 18,000-20,000 rubles one way. Within Europe, you can travel on low-cost low-cost airlines (from 2500-5000 rubles per ticket), but this is provided that the fare is selected without luggage.
You will need a Schengen visa to visit Italy.
Day one: exploring Verona
Juliet’s House
The most popular place in the city, for which I myself, why sin, went to Verona. The 14th-century Juliet House was once owned by the Cappello family (the prototype of the Capulet family in Shakespeare), now it is a building with a stone balcony, a museum, a souvenir shop and a small courtyard. Under this very balcony, Romeo allegedly confessed his love to Juliet. You can only go up there for a fee.
The walls here are dotted with messages from people from all over the world, and hundreds of red castles in the form of hearts are hung on the fences — like it or not, but the general atmosphere is conducive to romance. It is better to come to Juliet’s house after 18:00 to avoid the endless queue at the entrance.
The general atmosphere is conducive to romance. Photo: Ksyusha Semkina
And don’t forget to touch the bronze Juliet: they say that then happy love in your life is guaranteed. It is a pity that the heroine herself did not have it.
Bronze Juliet Photo: Sadis/Pexels
Juliet’s Club
In the movie “Letters to Juliet” there was a community of volunteers who answered letters with questions about love. What was my surprise that this is not a fiction at all, and this exists in real life! “Juliet’s Club” is located not far from her house — when you wander into the courtyard, look for the usual entrance and doorbell with the signature Club di Giulietta in the right corner.
Lovers from all over the world write letters and ask for help to sort out their amorous affairs. By the way, volunteers are always welcome at the club, so you can be Juliet and try your hand at being a love expert.
Cathedral
A majestic cathedral with a facade of white marble. I was lucky enough to get here during the service, and it was unforgettable: the organ was playing, and everywhere you look there are works of art. I especially remember the fascinating frescoes of the XII century, the sarcophagus with the relics of St. Agatha and Titian’s creation “The Ascension of the Virgin Mary”.
Piazza delle Erbe
Wandering through the city center, you will somehow get to the Erbe Square. There is such a whiff of hedonism here! Happy people are walking impressively, live music is playing, and restaurants are open everywhere. I advise you to take a break for coffee, aperol or prosecco and order a Margarita pizza (for example, at Caffè Barbarani).
Gastronomic pause. Photo: Ksyusha Semkina
Then — climb the Lamberti Tower (368 steps in total) and look at the Venetian masks and fans on the shelves.
Where else to go for hedonism
Sicily seems to be created for pleasure — our author just recently visited there and shared her impressions.
Giusti Garden
Ifif you want to hide from the noise for a while, then you definitely should look into Giusti’s garden. Here you can admire the alleys of smooth cypress trees, fountains and flowers. All this splendor is preserved in the original version: when Prince Agostino Giusti laid out the garden in the XVI century, it looked exactly the same. At one time, Goethe and Mozart strolled here, and you can’t deny them their taste. Entrance is paid and costs 10 € (1000 rubles).
San Pietro Castle
It is necessary to come here and admire the sunset. Without this, a visit to Verona does not count! The Castle of San Pietro is a 15th—century fortress on a hill, in the past a defensive structure, and now a park and a place of spiritual meetings. It offers a panorama of the Adige River and the city.
It is easy to walk from the historical center to the castle via the arched Ponte Pietra bridge, and then just up the stone stairs along the colorful houses.
A wonderful panorama of the city opens from the observation deck at the castle of San Pietro. Photo: Ksyusha Semkina
Arena di Verona Theatre
The local colosseum is worth a visit for at least two reasons. Firstly, it is a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater in the middle of the city. Secondly, from June to September, you can listen to the opera here with the company of 15,000 more guests — at least there are so many seats in the arena.
Imagine: you are watching and listening to “Carmen” or “Aida”, sitting on the ancient steps under the starry sky. Tickets cost from 32 to 270 euros (3,200-27,000 rubles), depending on the location.
If there is time left
Pay attention to the Scaliger arches — the Gothic tombstones of the rulers of Verona in the XIV century, make a wish to the patron saint of the city Zeno in the Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore and by all means take a walk along the embankment.
Where to stay in Verona
- B&B Hotel Verona from 7904 rubles per night for two guests. Not in the center, but at a very pleasant price by European standards.
- Casamore Rooms from 17,919 rubles per night for two. The location is central, the cozy design and the feeling of “at home” in the Italian version.
- Massimago Wine Suites from RUB 35,273 per night for two. Apartments are for those who are not used to denying themselves something. The location is luxurious, the furnishings too.
- Corte San Mattia Agriturismo in Verona from 22 112 rubles per night. The opportunity to stay surrounded by Italian vineyards and olive groves. Excellent views of the city and tasting of farm products and wines are included.
Day two: Lake Garda
The idyllic Alpine Lake Garda is located near Verona. In general, to go around it completely, it is advisable to allocate at least a week, but you can do a lot in one day. It is best to rent a car in this case.
If time is limited and there is no car, I recommend visiting a pretty town closer to Verona, which is easily accessible by public transport. I decided to visit the city of Desenzano. You can easily get there from Verona railway station by bus or train.
The town of Desenzano on the shores of Lake Garda. Photo: Ksyusha Semkina
Desenzano boasts several attractions in the form of Roman ruins and an ancient castle, but that’s not why people come here. It is pleasant to enjoy the picturesque views, admire the fishermen on the embankment, catch the floral scent in the air and eat and drink delicious food. As for the last point: I heartily advise you to taste pasta with seafood paired with a glass of homemade wine in the cozy Ristorante La Locanda Bistrò con cucina e Pizzeria. And the most delicious gelato is at Vivaldi Bar Gelateria.
Where to stay in Desenzano
- Villa Rosa Hotel from 44,159 rubles per night for two guests. The 4-star hotel is opposite the embankment with wonderful views, a swimming pool, a business center, a gym, a restaurant and two bars with an excellent wine collection.
- Primavera from RUB 17,219 per night for two. The hotel has a cozy interior, located next to the train station.
- Palace Hotel from 35,566 per night for two. An option with panoramic views, two swimming pools, a Turkish hammam, a Finnish sauna and a full-fledged spa.
The most romantic city in Italy calls and invites you to look into Juliet’s house, listen to an open-air opera and drive around one of the most impressive Alpine lakes.
The Islet service will help with housing: you can pay for your stay with a Russian bank card.
Cover photo: Ensar/Pexels
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