Via Mazzini (Mazzini Street), Verona (must see)

Mazzini street is the most popular shopping street, where visitors browse boutique stores and enjoy a coffee or cocktail while watching the lively flow of people around them. Named after Giuseppe Mazzini, a key 19th-century political activist whose ideas helped shape the unification of Italy, the street celebrates one of the nation’s most influential figures.

Connecting the grand Bra Square to the historic Market Square, Mazzini street follows the alignment of a Roman decumanus. Segments near the Verona Arena trace the original Roman alignment, preserving more than two thousand years of city planning. While many of Europe’s ancient streets are paved with cobblestones, Mazzini street features polished marble paving that gives it a sleek, modern look.

Today, Mazzini street is home to a mix of Italy’s top fashion brands and major international labels. One standout is the United Colors of Benetton flagship store, beneath which Roman ruins — including 1st- and 2nd-century AD flooring and walls — were uncovered and are now visible to visitors. Other nearby archaeological findings have revealed fragments of ancient Verona’s residential blocks, suggesting the presence of a lively commercial quarter during Roman times.

Mazzini street became pedestrian-only in the late 20th century, contributing to its pleasant and accessible atmosphere. Its current appearance largely dates to major urban improvements made during the early 1900s, when façades were updated and the street began to develop its reputation as Verona’s fashion district.

Seasonal illuminations and window displays transform the street into a festive promenade, especially during the opera season and winter holidays. Street performers and pop-up markets occasionally add to the atmosphere, creating a lively blend of shopping and entertainment.