The city of Verona presents the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself excellent examples of Veronese buildings, sculptures, and monuments from various epochs. The Verona Historic District is the most beautiful district in the great city of Verona.
1) Arena di Verona
Located on Piazza Bra is the Arena di Verona. This Roman amphitheater can seat up to 22,000 people and was built in 30 AD. It is home to the Verona Opera season each summer. The arena is known for its superb acoustics. Over 500,000 people visit each year.
In ancient times, people came from far and wide to see the many performances, jousts, and trials. In modern times, great artists, such as Maria Callas, Tito Gobbi, Renata Tebaldi, Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Dire Straits, Rod Stewart and Sting, have performed at the arena.
The original building was constructed of pink and white limestone and could seat 30,000 people. An earthquake in 1117 destroyed much of the building’s outer ring. Today, seating is limited to 22,000 for safety reasons.
Although a visit to the arena is worth the wait, those, who wish to experience a stress-free experience, should definitely prepare. Parking is available, but it is best to take a cab in order to avoid competition for parking spaces. In addition, one should eat before the show since opera performances are not brief. And finally, remember to dress appropriately for an outdoor performance venue. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 7 pm, and are closed on Monday.
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2) Piazza San Nicolo
Verona is famous for being the city of Romeo and Juliet, but is also well-known for its beautiful cathedrals. San Nicolo, also known as the Teatine Church, was built between 1627 and 1683 by Leilo Pellesina. It is located on the piazza of the same name behind the Arena of Verona.
Most of the original house of worship, which dates back to the twelfth century, is contained in a crypt below the building. Restoration was performed on the neo-Classical structure after World War II and the façade was updated with some of the features from the Church of San Sebastian which was destroyed during the war.
San Nicolo is filled with beautiful artwork and one may feel as if they are in a museum instead of a place of worship. The interior of the church has one nave and walls that are decorated with Corinthian pilasters. In addition, there are many statues, busts, and paintings throughout the structure that depict religious themes. The main part of the church has a Baroque altar which was built by Guarino Guarini after the plague of 1630.
San Nicolo is also near many great places to eat. The Tre Marchetti, the Accademia, the Cantine dell Arena, the Ristorante Pizzeria, the Corte Farina, the Bottega del Vino, and the Liston 12 are just a few of the delicious restaurants you can enjoy after visiting the church and located just minutes away.
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3) Galleria Dello Scudo
Galleria dello Scudo, for several years, has displayed modern and contemporary art. To this day, the famous gallery continues to present the most important and famous works of Italian artists. The amazing efforts of Galleria Dello Scudo is presented in the gallery, and provides a clear example as to why it's one of the most popular galleries in all of Italy.
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4) Piazza delle Erbe
The Piazza delle Erbe, or the Square of Herbs, is located between the Via Mazzini and the Corso Porta Borsari. It served as the town forum during the Roman Empire. Today, it is a meeting place, marketplace, and home of the city’s administration. For centuries, the gathering space has served as the heart of the community.
One of the most beautiful features of the Piazza is the Madonna Verona, a fourteenth century Roman sculpture that dates back to 380 AD. In addition, many of the buildings, such as the Cassa Mazzanati, are decorated with beautiful frescoes.
Herbs, clothes, refreshments, and souvenir items are sold in the square. Some of the other buildings in the piazza include the Tower Lamberti, the tallest tower in Verona and the Palazzo Commune, the municipal square. Other buildings include the Domus Mercatorum, home to the Chamber of Commerce and the Palazzo Mafei, a Baroque building that is decorated with statues of Roman gods.
Those wishing for a quick bite to eat should try two restaurants located on the square, the Maffei and the Caffe delle Erbe. Other restaurants near the gathering place include the Nuovo Marconi, the Antico Caffe Dante, the Le Vecete, the Ristorante Arche, the Ristorante Greppia, the Bottega del Vino, and the Trattoria alla Colonna. The produce and flower market are open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm.
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5) Piazza dei Signori
A popular spot with the locals, Piazza dei Signori was once the former center of power for the city of Verona. In fact, the plaza is surrounded by many historical and government buildings. The piazza is named after a statue of Italian poet Dante Alighieri that is located in the square.
All of the buildings in the court display beautiful design. The Loggia del Consiglio features double columned windows and statues of Archangel Gabriel and the Virgin of the Annunciation. It also adorned with statues of Gaius Valerius Catullus, Pliny the Elder, Aemilius Macer, Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, Cornelius Nepos, Palazzo del Podestà, and other famous people who were born in Verona. Currently, it is the provincial seat of Verona.
The Palazzo del Governo was the former seat of power for the Scaliger family. Although most of the original design of the building has been lost, there are a few frescoes in the courtyard that one can enjoy.
The Palazzo dei Tribunali features two cannons in the palace courtyard and remnants of a mosaic floor. The Casa della Pièta displays a seated woman with a flag, the symbol of the city of Verona in ancient times. Three other buildings, the Palazzo del Comune, the Palazzo del Capitanio, and the Loggia del Consiglio are joined with elegant arches.
For those who wish to have quick access to the square, the Continental, the Carlton, the Maison Matilda, the Locanda San Tomaso, the 19 Borgo Cavour, and the Maison Maggy are located less than a mile from the piazza. The square is open is open 24 hours a day Sunday through Saturday.
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6) Sant'Anastasia
The Sant’ Anastasia is one of the biggest churches in Verona. Construction began on the structure in 1290 and was completed in 1481. It was designed by Dominican friars Fra’ Benvenuto and Fra’ Nicola da Imloa. The place of worship was built over an old church that was dedicated to the Saint Anastasia. It is located in the oldest part of the city and is a very popular church.
The building reflects Gothic design and features three naves. The exterior façade of the building is brickwork and has stained glass windows and two belfries. The interior of the church is decorated with sculptured reliefs and statues that represent well-known saints and the life of Jesus. The tomb of Guglielmo di Castelbarco is near the church entrance.
Verona churches are well known for the beautiful artwork displayed in their cathedrals and the Anastasia continues this tradition. Visitors will enjoy paintings of Saint Martino by Francesco Caroto and the Annunciation by Michele Giambono. Admittance to the building, and many other attractions, is free if you have a Verona card. The house of worship is open 9 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday and from 1 pm to 6 pm on Sunday.
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7) Verona's Cathedral
Verona's Cathedral is a Romanesque and Gothic style church that dates back to the eighth century. It was built on the former site of two Palaeo-Christian churches. Verona cathedrals are known for their beautiful works of art and the cathedral lives up to this reputation.
The house of worship features stunning design and works of art such as the Assumption by the artist Titan and the adoration of Magi by Livebale di Verona. The design of the curved choir and apse and the sculptured baptismal font can only be fully appreciated in person. There are also many ancient Christian artifacts that visitors will appreciate. In addition, the Capella Mazzanti houses the sarcophagus of St. Agatha.
The exterior of the building features a two-story porch that is decorated with sculptures by the Master Nicolo, Gothic windows, and an unfinished bell tower by Michele Sanmicheli. The interior of the church has one nave and two aisles that are divided by red Marble pilasters. Inside of the church are many works of art by local artists. The west bays are decorated with frescoes by Giovanni Maria Falconetto. The church is open seven days a week from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
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8) Ponte Pietra
Romans are well-known for their contributions to art, literature, history, science, architecture, and engineering. One simply has to walk the city streets to see evidence of their accomplishments that still stand today. The Ponte Pietra, or Marble Bridge, is one of many examples of Roman excellence.
The bridge is the oldest overpass in Verona. Although it dates back to 89 BC, it was actually completed in 100 BC. The viaduct is made of Tavertine brick, has five spans, is 120 meters long, and crosses the Adige River. The bridge offers picturesque views of the city and is a popular meeting spot for the locals, tourists, and lovers.
The Ponte Pietra has endured many traumas, but has recovered each time. The bridge experienced a flood, was destroyed in the sixteenth century, and blown up by the Germans in 1945. In addition, the bridge collapsed in 1007, 1153, 1232, and 1239. Each time, the bridge was repaired and life moved on.
Other attractions you can enjoy after visiting the bridge include the Biblioteca Capitolare, the Duomo S. Maria Matricolare, the Verona's Cathedral, the Teatro Romano, and the Museo Archeologico. For those who wish to stay overnight near the Marble Bridge, the S. Giorgio in Braida provides business center services, dining, Internet access, meeting rooms, room and shuttle service at a low cost.
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