A taste of Italy at Suntrust Verona

MENTION Verona, Italy in any conversation and people tend to imagine romantic weekends doing lovely strolls on the medieval Roman city made famous by legendary playwright William Shakespeare as the setting for the romantic tragedy of Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet.

But today, one does not have to go far to experience this quaint portion of the Veneto region and behold the sights and sounds experienced by the star-crossed lovers. At the Silang-Sta. Rosa City boundary that passes along the Sta. RosaTagaytay Road in Silang, Cavite lies The Verona by Suntrust Properties, Inc. (SPI). Suntrust Verona gives off the same spectacular aura as its European namesake because of some unique attractions and several notable buildings. The splendid architecture, fascinating scenery and ancient Roman vibe is more than enough to make one think of being in the heart of Italy. Here are some of them.

FONTANA DI VENERE

From the main highway, the first thing people notice upon entering Suntrust Verona is the beautiful and imposing fountain, named Fontana Di Venere, that serves as the centerpiece of the circular driveway. The beautiful maiden statue in the middle of this fountain depicts a scene from Birth

of Venus, a painting made by Italian renaissance artist Sandro Botticelli in the mid-1480s. This majestic fountain shows the goddess Venus arriving at the shore after her birth, when she had emerged from the sea fully-grown.

CLOCK TOWER AND GATE

Upon arrival at Suntrust Verona, one is greeted by a pair of towering stone archways with a large clock face that stand guard and keep a close watch over those entering and leaving the property. These bear a striking resemblance to the clock tower and gate made by architect Sammicheli during the Renaissance at the entrance of Piazza Bra, a popular tourist attraction.

LETTERS TO JULIET WALL

On the left of the entrance and gate stands a replica of Casa di Giulietta or the House of Juliet that was popularized by the film

Letters to Juliet. Inch by inch and brick by brick, you can’t help but be captivated by the romantic charm of this two-storey structure and adjacent courtyard. It is easy to realize why this has become the most recognizable building in the classic tale. The stone balcony, where Romeo and Juliet have exchanged vows of eternal love, will soon welcome hordes of romantic hopefuls in search of romance and adventure. A bronze Juliet statue is just under the balcony, where it is said that those who are fortunate enough to land even a slight touch can have their desires come true.

LOVE LOCK FENCE

Further in, at a small courtyard with a wishing well, lies the Love Lock Fence. Just like the Italian original, the gate welcomes the tradition of hanging padlocks bearing the names of couples in love. Legend has it that if a lock with the initials of two people in love is placed in it, they will grow stronger, return together, and their mutual feelings of affection will be forever locked.

SCALIGER BRIDGE

Inside the property, there is a replica of Scaliger Bridge (Ponte di Castelvecchio). An exact copy of the fortified bridge celebrated by historians as one of the most audacious and wondrous works of the Middle Ages, this structure resembles a walled bridge made of red terracotta bricks, complete with horizontal rows of defensive and intricate parapets.

SPI EVP and COO Deanna Jean Claveria describes the inspiration behind Suntrust Verona: “Being the setting of a timeless love story, Suntrust Verona is meant to be a community where families are inspired to nurture love everyday. We also hope to capture the hearts of Filipino families who would like to settle in a quiet and secure neighborhood, away from the maddening crowd. Finally, we also want to portray the essence of Renaissance art in our project —a rebirth—which gives profound meaning to what we want to create in Suntrust Verona.”

February is the best time to have a taste of Italy. Take your special someone and experience first-hand how it feels like to be Romeo and Juliet. Come over to Suntrust Verona today and take part in these exciting daylong activities: Ceremonial Unveiling of Letters to Juliet Wall, relaunch of Suntrust Verona’s Love Lock Fence, Art Sessions with Pens n’ Brushes Philippines and Special Screenings of Classic Films. Special giveaways await couples who will make their reservations during the Feb. 10 grand event. Catch all these at the new “City of Love” — Suntrust Verona. For inquiries on Suntrust Verona and other properties, visit www.suntrust. com.ph.

“THE SPLENDID ARCHITECTURE, FASCINATING SCENERY AND ANCIENT ROMAN VIBE IS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO MAKE ONE THINK OF BEING IN THE HEART OF ITALY. ”

Upon entering Suntrust Verona, one is immediately greeted by replicas of Juliet’s House, Fontana Di Venere and the Clock Tower and Gate. All three are iconic attractions found in Verona, Italy.

With an exact twin of the famous Juliet’s House, the walls and courtyard (Letters to Juliet Wall) evoke the same romantic feeling, as if you’re in Verona itself.

The replica of Castel Vecchio Bridge, seen here inside Suntrust Verona, features the same red brick wall and carefully designed parapets and battlements.

The bronze statue of Juliet, an exact replica of the famous tourist attraction at Verona, stands as a symbol of young love.