Casa di Romeo (House of Romeo), Verona

The House of Romeo is a 13th-century brick residence often linked to the Montague family from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. In reality, the building historically belonged to the noble Nogarola family, but its medieval appearance and location near Juliet’s House have made it part of Verona’s romantic storytelling.

With its fortified walls and tower-like structure, the home reflects the architectural style of noble residences from a period marked by family rivalries and political tension. These defensive features recall the bitter factional conflicts that once divided Verona into two opposing political groups: the Guelphs and the Ghibellines — the very type of feud Shakespeare drew upon for his tragedy.

Unlike Juliet’s House, the House of Romeo is privately owned and cannot be visited inside. Visitors typically admire the exterior from the narrow street outside the entrance, where the building’s castle-like presence evokes the turbulent atmosphere that inspired Shakespeare’s drama. A small relief of a stylized coat of arms can be seen above the entrance, a reminder of the noble family that once lived within.

Next to the residence is La Taverna di Romeo restaurant, where visitors often stop for a meal or drink — not to enter the house itself, but to enjoy the surrounding ambience. Some regional dishes include traditional Veronese specialties such as horse or donkey meat.

By the 19th century, Romantic-era travelers were already seeking out places linked to the Shakespeare’s play, helping cement the building’s modern identity. Today, the House of Romeo remains a symbolic stop for those exploring the city of love — a modest yet atmospheric reminder of the enduring power of literature layered onto real medieval history.