A visit to the points of interest of the UNESCO city of Verona including Verona Arena, Castelvecchio, Castelvecchio Bridge (Scaliger Bridge), Erbe Square (Piazza delle Erbe), Bra Square (Piazza Bra), Juliet's Balcony, Romeo's house, Pietra Roman Bridge (Ponte Pietra), Porta Borsari Roman Gate, Day trips to Lake Garda, Brescia, Venice and Milan before taking the bus to Florence

What to see and photograph in Verona

Verona is a UNESCO world heritage city.  Points of interest in Verona include;

  • Verona Arena
  • Castelvecchio
  • Castelvecchio Bridge (Scaliger Bridge)
  • Market’s Square (Piazza delle Erbe)
  • Bra Square (Piazza Bra)
  • Juliet’s Balcony
  • Romeo’s house
  • Pietra Roman Bridge (Ponte Pietra)
  • Porta Borsari Roman Gate
  • Day trips to Lake Garda, Brescia, Venice and Milan

I stayed in nearby Brescia and visited Verona on a day trip.  The price of a normal hotel in Verona is the same as a palace in Brescia.

The UNESCO City of Verona

The colorful streets of the UNESCO world heritage city of Verona

The city of Verona is a UNESCO world heritage site.  It gained its UNESCO status for its architecture and history.  As you walk around the city you’ll see several Roman sites.  The famous Roman Amphitheater and in addition, Roman gates and bridges.  William Shakespeare, arguably the most famous author of all time has links to Verona.  He wrote 3 plays based in Verona.  Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Taming of the Shrew.  There are also many well kept Medieval buildings in Verona.

Verona Arena

Verona Arena, Roman Amphitheater, Italy

Verona Arena was built in the 1st century.  It used to host Roman games and circuses.  It was so popular that people would travel from all over the Roman Empire to watch a live performance.  Today the arena hosts live opera.  It also hosts concerts, Adele and Paul McCartney have performed here before.  Read about my experience in the Verona Arena.

Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio medieval castle museum, Verona UNESCO city

Castelvecchio translates into English as ‘old castle’.  That’s exactly what it is, an old castle in the center of Verona.  It was built under the reign of the Scaliger dynasty.  They ruled Verona and parts of Italy towards the end the Medieval period.  The castle is of Gothic architecture.  The castle is built next to the river Adige.  On a calm day you can take a beautiful reflection photograph of it.  Today the castle houses the Castlevecchio museum (Italian).  It’s free to walk around the castle grounds.

Castelvecchio Bridge (Scaliger Bridge)

Castelveccio bridge, Scaliger Bridge (Ponte Scaligero) in Verona

Castelvecchio bridge connects the old castle to the north of Verona.  This was constructed by the Scaliger dynasty as an escape route.  A route they used when they were attacked from the south.  The Scaliger dynasty escaped to Germany.  More recently in the second world war, the bridge was destroyed.  What you see today is a reconstruction.  It was destroyed in 1945 and rebuilt in 1949.  This Gothic bridge is a good location to take your Instagram photos.

Market’s Square (Piazza delle Erbe)

Market's Square (Piazza delle Erbe) and Lamberti Tower (Torre dei Lamberti) in the UNESCO city of Verona

During Roman times, Market’s Square was a Roman forum.  Things have changed a lot since then although there’s still a market here.  The tallest tower in Verona, Lamberti Tower is located in the square (above).  It’s 84 meters tall and the best place to go for a view of the city.  Next to the tower is the Baroque style Maffei palace.  In front of the palace is a Roman Madonna statue dating back to the 4th century.  There are some buildings with frescoes in the square.  These are the Mazzanti Houses.  In the 15th century there were many painted houses like these.  This resulted in Verona being nicknamed the painted city.

Bra Square (Piazza Bra)

Bra Square (Piazza Bra) in the UNESCO city of Verona

Bra square is the largest square in Verona.  It’s one of the most picturesque too.  Several major landmarks are surrounding this square.  Verona Arena, Town Hall and the City Gates are located around Bra Square.  You’ll see lots of colorful houses too.  These often double up as cafes.  Bra Square is a good location for people watching.

Juliet’s Balcony

Juliet's balcony Casa di Giulietta, Verona

We’ve all heard of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare.  Juliet’s balcony is part of a 13th century house.  It’s where Romeo promised Juliet eternal love.  Those visiting Verona as a couple come here for a romantic experience.  For unmarried couples, it’s good luck to touch the statue of Juliet.  You can ascend to the balcony for the ultimate Instagram photo!

Romeo’s House

Romeo's house in the UNESCO city of Verona

Fans of Romeo and Juliet may visit the house of Romeo.  This is a private house so you can only photograph it from the outside.  There’s an interesting plaque which reads, ‘Oh Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?’.  ‘Tut! I have lost myself, I am not here.’.

Pietra Roman Bridge (Ponte Pietra)

Pietra Roman Bridge (Ponte Pietra) over the Adige river in the UNESCO city of Verona

Pietra bridge is known in English as Stone Bridge.  It’s a Roman bridge which dates back to 100BC.  This makes it over 2000 years old.  Stone Bridge is the oldest bridge in Verona, also one of the oldest in Europe.  From the other side of the Adige river you can see the tallest tower in Verona, Lamberti Tower.   Another tall structure is the Sant’Anastasia church.  Perfect reflection photography is possible on days when the river is calm.

Porta Borsari Roman Gate

Porta Borsari Roman Gate, Verona UNESCO world heritage city

As you’re walking through the UNESCO streets of Verona you may come across a huge Roman gate.  This is the Porta Borsari Roman Gate.  It dates back to the 1st century.  This gate was an entrance to the city during Roman times.

Day trips to Lake Garda, Brescia, Venice, Bologna and Milan

Capitolium of Brixia, Brescia UNESCO site

There are several nearby cities which you can make an easy day trip to.  Brescia has its fair share of UNESCO sites.  Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful lakes in Europe.  Venice and Bologna are a short train or Flixbus ride away.  Milan is a little further but still a rewarding destination.

How to get from Verona to Florence by bus

bus from verona to Florence. Flixbus.

There are regular Flixbus services between Verona and Florence.  The journey time is between 3-4 hours.  There are several tunnels on this route as you pass through the northern Apennine mountains.  You can plan your activities in Florence using the free on board WiFi.

Florence to Rome