William Shakespeare Bust and Plaque, Verona

The bust of William Shakespeare, accompanied by a commemorative plaque, stands near the historic gates of Verona — a symbolic tribute to the playwright who immortalized the city through Romeo and Juliet. Set into the old stone walls leading toward Bra Square, this monument marks what was once the city’s primary entrance during medieval times. According to the story, when Romeo was punished for killing Tybalt, he would have been forced to leave Verona through these very gates, stepping into exile and away from Juliet forever.

The plaque features lines from Shakespeare’s tragedy, displayed in both English and Italian to honor Verona’s international audience. The quoted passage captures Romeo’s anguish at being banished from the city of his love: “There is no world without Verona walls. But purgatory, torture, hell itself. Hence banished is banished from the world. And world’s exile is death.”

The bronze bust, crafted in 2003 by local sculptor Sergio Pasetto, portrays Shakespeare with a thoughtful, upward gaze, as if contemplating the drama he set among Verona’s streets and palaces. Today, visitors often pause here to take photos, read the heartfelt inscription, and reflect on how a fictional love story helped shape Verona’s identity.