In fair Verona: La Citta di Amore
THERE is a quaint, little city on the Adige River in the Veneto region of northern Italy called Verona. Each year, thousands of visitors are drawn to Verona because of its timeless association to the tragic love story of
Romeo and Juliet, the story of two, young, star-crossed lovers whose tragic deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families.
Written by legendary playwright William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet was among the most popular literary pieces of its time and also one of the most frequently performed plays. Today, the romance between Remeo Montague and Juliet Capulet is one of the most prolific examples of young, passionate love. As Shakespeare’s play was set in Verona, travelers from far and wide would visit the city in search of sites featured in the play.
Even today, more than 400 years after the play was written, thousands of visitors flock to Verona to have a glimpse of the sights and sounds of the late 16th century. Should you find yourself on your way to seek a romantic getaway in this Italian city, here are some of the most notable attractions to see and experience in Verona.
PIAZZA DELLE ERBE
With the rustic feel of Renaissance-era palaces and a lovely central fountain, Piazza delle Erbe (Market’s Square) is one of the loveliest piazzas in all of Italy. The square hosts a market that sells mostly souvenirs and trinkets by the day and is filled with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying food and drinks at the outdoor cafes at night.
CASA DI GIULIETTA
Hopeless romantics from all over the globe visit Italy to take a look at one of the most recognizable settings in the Shakespearean play: that famous balcony where the couple professed their undying love. The stone balcony at Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s House) is one such setting and is easily remembered for its part in a scene in the 2010 romantic drama film Letters to Juliet. To reach the balcony, one must first enter a narrow archway leading into a small courtyard where you can admire the small stone balcony on one of the walls. Legend has it that if you leave your note here, you will stay together with your partner forever. In the courtyard, there is also a bronze statue of Juliet and touching the statue will increase your chances of finding your true love.
LOVE LOCK GATE
Inside the courtyard of Juliet’s House lies the Love Lock Gate. Love locks are a symbol of love and commitment. Lovers lock a padlock on a chain or gate and then throw away the key, symbolically locking their love forever. One of the most famous repository of love locks around the world, cities from Moscow to Rome are filled with fences, bridges, and poles adorned with padlocks.
CASTEL VECCHIO BRIDGE
Also known as Scaliger Bridge, the Castel Vecchio Bridge was built in the mid1350s, is a segmental arch bridge that was the world’s largest span at the time of its construction. A fortified medieval bridge, it features layers of red bricks adorning the parapet wall and ghibellin battlements.
“More than 400 years after the play was written, thousands of visitors flock to Verona to have a glimpse of the sights and sounds of the late 16th century.”