Romeo and Juliet Tour (Self Guided), Verona
William Shakespeare's insightful tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, immortalized both the doomed young lovers and its setting, the fair city of Verona. While it's uncertain whether or not Romeo and Juliet were real people, the Montague and Capulet families were Veronese aristocratic families. Relive the classic love story as you walk Verona.
Casa de Giulietta, House of Juliet, is a must-see. The building itself dates to the 13th century, and the Capulet's coat of arms is visible on the facade. Visitors will love seeing the famous balcony attached to Juliet's bedroom and touring the museum.
The Casa di Romeo, House of Romeo, is a stately medieval home near the House of Juliet.
The elaborate Scaligeri Tombs are known as the scene of Juliet's faked death and a wonderful example of Gothic architecture. Piazza dei Signori (Lords Square) is not only filled with historical buildings but has a strong Romeo and Juliet connection. The ancient Town Hall served as the location where Bartolomeo della Scala sentenced Romeo to exile and banished him from the city.
Many brutal fights between the Montague and Capulet families took place in the Volto Barbaro (Barbarian Face Passage). A plaque commemorates the fatal duel between Tybalt and Mercutio.
Visit the San Francesco al Corso Monastery to view Juliet's tomb and pay respects to the doomed lover. To pay your respects to the immortal author, visit the bronze bust and plaque dedicated to William Shakespeare.
Finally, don't miss the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore (San Zeno Maggiore Church). This stunning example of Romanesque architecture provided the setting for Romeo and Juliet's marriage.
Take this self-guided tour to follow the footsteps of Verona's most famous couple, Romeo and Juliet.
Casa de Giulietta, House of Juliet, is a must-see. The building itself dates to the 13th century, and the Capulet's coat of arms is visible on the facade. Visitors will love seeing the famous balcony attached to Juliet's bedroom and touring the museum.
The Casa di Romeo, House of Romeo, is a stately medieval home near the House of Juliet.
The elaborate Scaligeri Tombs are known as the scene of Juliet's faked death and a wonderful example of Gothic architecture. Piazza dei Signori (Lords Square) is not only filled with historical buildings but has a strong Romeo and Juliet connection. The ancient Town Hall served as the location where Bartolomeo della Scala sentenced Romeo to exile and banished him from the city.
Many brutal fights between the Montague and Capulet families took place in the Volto Barbaro (Barbarian Face Passage). A plaque commemorates the fatal duel between Tybalt and Mercutio.
Visit the San Francesco al Corso Monastery to view Juliet's tomb and pay respects to the doomed lover. To pay your respects to the immortal author, visit the bronze bust and plaque dedicated to William Shakespeare.
Finally, don't miss the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore (San Zeno Maggiore Church). This stunning example of Romanesque architecture provided the setting for Romeo and Juliet's marriage.
Take this self-guided tour to follow the footsteps of Verona's most famous couple, Romeo and Juliet.
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Romeo and Juliet Tour Map
Guide Name: Romeo and Juliet Tour
Guide Location: Italy » Verona (See other walking tours in Verona)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Author: Helen
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Italy » Verona (See other walking tours in Verona)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 8
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Author: Helen
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Casa de Giulietta (House of Juliet)
- Casa di Romeo (House of Romeo)
- Arche Scaligere (Scaligeri Tombs)
- Piazza dei Signori (Lords Square)
- Volto Barbaro (Barbarian Face Passage)
- Juliet's Tomb
- William Shakespeare Bust and Plaque
- Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore (San Zeno Maggiore Church)
1) Casa de Giulietta (House of Juliet) (must see)
The House of Juliet, is a 13th-century structure situated on the remains of a Roman insula building on the Via Capello. It is located near well-known Juliet’s Tomb.
Although many dispute whether or not Romeo and Juliet actually existed, the house remains a popular attraction that thousands of tourists visit each year. In fact, the house was formerly owned by the Capello family. Many guests write notes on the wall and the doors of the courtyard. From the balcony, one can even imagine ill-fated lovers talking to each other.
The dwelling contains a museum that displays frescoes, paintings, and artwork from the 16th and 17th century. One treat not to be missed is the bronze statue of Juliet. It is said that good luck will come to those who rub the right breast of the sculpture.
Entrance into the courtyard is free, but entry into the house is not. While the house tour is pretty basic, you can upgrade your ticket to include the tomb as the grounds are lovely and have some nice frescoes. If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon. Also, the whole area around Juliet's balcony – with its small medieval streets, restaurants, cafes – is enchanting.
Although many dispute whether or not Romeo and Juliet actually existed, the house remains a popular attraction that thousands of tourists visit each year. In fact, the house was formerly owned by the Capello family. Many guests write notes on the wall and the doors of the courtyard. From the balcony, one can even imagine ill-fated lovers talking to each other.
The dwelling contains a museum that displays frescoes, paintings, and artwork from the 16th and 17th century. One treat not to be missed is the bronze statue of Juliet. It is said that good luck will come to those who rub the right breast of the sculpture.
Entrance into the courtyard is free, but entry into the house is not. While the house tour is pretty basic, you can upgrade your ticket to include the tomb as the grounds are lovely and have some nice frescoes. If you want to avoid crowds, the best time to visit is in the early morning or late afternoon. Also, the whole area around Juliet's balcony – with its small medieval streets, restaurants, cafes – is enchanting.
2) Casa di Romeo (House of Romeo)
One cannot visit Verona without viewing the House of Romeo. The 13th-century brick abode is located in close proximity to the House of Juliette and features an enclosed courtyard and high walls, typical of houses from that era.
The house resembles a medieval castle and is one of the oldest in Verona. It is not too difficult to imagine a young Romeo contemplating his future with his beloved from a window or taking a walk in the courtyard. The house is one of several popular attractions in the city that pays homage to the ill-fated, young couple.
Unlike the House of Juliette, this home is not open to the public and can only be visited from outside. Still, many fans visit the Veronese restaurant on the ground floor to sample local cuisine, such as horse and donkey, prosecco, antipasto, or just to soak up the romantic atmosphere.
Even Dante referred to the couple in a poem. For many, this immortalization provides proof that Romeo and Juliette were real people. Whether a fact or fiction, the story of a tragic love has made the place a popular stopping point for visitors from around the world.
The house resembles a medieval castle and is one of the oldest in Verona. It is not too difficult to imagine a young Romeo contemplating his future with his beloved from a window or taking a walk in the courtyard. The house is one of several popular attractions in the city that pays homage to the ill-fated, young couple.
Unlike the House of Juliette, this home is not open to the public and can only be visited from outside. Still, many fans visit the Veronese restaurant on the ground floor to sample local cuisine, such as horse and donkey, prosecco, antipasto, or just to soak up the romantic atmosphere.
Even Dante referred to the couple in a poem. For many, this immortalization provides proof that Romeo and Juliette were real people. Whether a fact or fiction, the story of a tragic love has made the place a popular stopping point for visitors from around the world.
3) Arche Scaligere (Scaligeri Tombs)
The Scaligeri Tombs are known as the location of Juliet's staged death.
The Scaligeri Tombs are a group of five Gothic monuments. They were built to celebrate the della Scala family, 13th and 14th-century rulers of Verona.
Mastino I della Scala ended various conflicts in Verona in 1259. The city council was so pleased with his success that they gave the Scala family hereditary and permanent ruling powers. Just like a Shakespearean tragedy, the family began to struggle amongst themselves for power.
The tombs are in a gated court outside the Santa Maria Antica church. The elaborate tombs are reminiscent of tabernacles. Each tomb rises high and has a carved sarcophagus with a baldachin or carved covering. Each tomb is topped with a statue of the deceased, shown riding a horse and wearing armor.
These tombs are some of the most celebrated monuments of gothic architecture in Verona.
The Scaligeri Tombs are a group of five Gothic monuments. They were built to celebrate the della Scala family, 13th and 14th-century rulers of Verona.
Mastino I della Scala ended various conflicts in Verona in 1259. The city council was so pleased with his success that they gave the Scala family hereditary and permanent ruling powers. Just like a Shakespearean tragedy, the family began to struggle amongst themselves for power.
The tombs are in a gated court outside the Santa Maria Antica church. The elaborate tombs are reminiscent of tabernacles. Each tomb rises high and has a carved sarcophagus with a baldachin or carved covering. Each tomb is topped with a statue of the deceased, shown riding a horse and wearing armor.
These tombs are some of the most celebrated monuments of gothic architecture in Verona.
4) Piazza dei Signori (Lords Square) (must see)
The Lords Square is packed with gorgeous architecture and is a fabulous place to soak up the history and culture of Verona.
This historic square has a strong connection with William Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet, set in Verona. The Town Hall provided the setting where Bartolomeo della Scala banished Romeo and sentenced him to exile in Mantua.
In the center of Lords Square, visitors will find an impressive 19th-century statue of the poet Dante. Dante was exiled from Florence and found protection with Verona's Scaligeri family.
There are a number of historical buildings on the square are well worth checking out. The Portico of the Counsel is a classic representation of stunning Venetian Renaissance style. The Ragione Palace dates to the 12th century. This Romanesque-style palace features an enchanting courtyard and a Gothic staircase. The Capitano Palace features large windows in the ground so that visitors can view the excavated Roman and medieval ruins in the basement.
In the 13th century, the Palazzo Domus Nova served as the Chief Magistrate's offices and the Courthouse. Unfortunately, the building was severely damaged in a 1511 earthquake and underwent several restorations.
The House of Charity (Casa della Pietà) features a gorgeous coral-colored exterior and intricately carved statue embellishments. The building now houses the legendary Antico Caffe Dante, the oldest coffee house in Verona.
Cansignorio della Scala began constructing the Cansignorio Palace in 1363. Initially a fortified palace, it later became the home of the Captain of the City. The glass-protected loggia dates to 1476. The original tower was restored in 1880. Most of the current building dates to the 16th century and features a classical facade.
The Podestà Palace is another palace built for the Scaligeri family in the 13th century. Michele Sanmicheli designed the marble portal in 1533.
This historic square has a strong connection with William Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet, set in Verona. The Town Hall provided the setting where Bartolomeo della Scala banished Romeo and sentenced him to exile in Mantua.
In the center of Lords Square, visitors will find an impressive 19th-century statue of the poet Dante. Dante was exiled from Florence and found protection with Verona's Scaligeri family.
There are a number of historical buildings on the square are well worth checking out. The Portico of the Counsel is a classic representation of stunning Venetian Renaissance style. The Ragione Palace dates to the 12th century. This Romanesque-style palace features an enchanting courtyard and a Gothic staircase. The Capitano Palace features large windows in the ground so that visitors can view the excavated Roman and medieval ruins in the basement.
In the 13th century, the Palazzo Domus Nova served as the Chief Magistrate's offices and the Courthouse. Unfortunately, the building was severely damaged in a 1511 earthquake and underwent several restorations.
The House of Charity (Casa della Pietà) features a gorgeous coral-colored exterior and intricately carved statue embellishments. The building now houses the legendary Antico Caffe Dante, the oldest coffee house in Verona.
Cansignorio della Scala began constructing the Cansignorio Palace in 1363. Initially a fortified palace, it later became the home of the Captain of the City. The glass-protected loggia dates to 1476. The original tower was restored in 1880. Most of the current building dates to the 16th century and features a classical facade.
The Podestà Palace is another palace built for the Scaligeri family in the 13th century. Michele Sanmicheli designed the marble portal in 1533.
5) Volto Barbaro (Barbarian Face Passage)
The two rival families of the Montagues and the Capulets are forever immortalized in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. These families entered into constant bloody clashes.
The Volto Barbaro (Barbarian Face Passage) is located behind the Mazzanti Houses in the Market Square. This dark and narrow passage was the scene of many clashes between the Montagues and the Capulets.
The Volto Barbaro was the scene of the crime when Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, killed Romeo's best friend, Mercutio. There is a plaque on Palazzo Carlotti's facade memorializing this haunting event. The plaque features a bronze relief showing the duel between Tybalt and Mercutio.
The inscription on the plaque refers to text by author Matteo Bandello. This Lombard author told the tragic story of two doomed Veronese lovers thirty years before Shakespeare retold the story. The title of this novella was "The piteous death of two ill-fortuned lovers who died, the one of poison and the other of grief, with various circumstances thereunto appertaining."
The Volto Barbaro (Barbarian Face Passage) is located behind the Mazzanti Houses in the Market Square. This dark and narrow passage was the scene of many clashes between the Montagues and the Capulets.
The Volto Barbaro was the scene of the crime when Juliet's cousin, Tybalt, killed Romeo's best friend, Mercutio. There is a plaque on Palazzo Carlotti's facade memorializing this haunting event. The plaque features a bronze relief showing the duel between Tybalt and Mercutio.
The inscription on the plaque refers to text by author Matteo Bandello. This Lombard author told the tragic story of two doomed Veronese lovers thirty years before Shakespeare retold the story. The title of this novella was "The piteous death of two ill-fortuned lovers who died, the one of poison and the other of grief, with various circumstances thereunto appertaining."
6) Juliet's Tomb
Located inside the picturesque and beautiful San Francesco al Corso Monastery is the final resting place of the doomed lover of Shakespeare’s Romeo. It is rumored that good luck will come to those who rub the right breast of the bronze statue of Juliet.
The romantic villa, which can accommodate up to 40 people, features a garden and a trellised walkway that is perfect for weddings or other events. An additional treat is the nearby Guarienti Hall, the home of Juliet and the church where the lovers were married.
The location is popular with lovers, tourists, and fans of Shakespeare. Every February, a contest is held to pick the most sincere letters of lovers who write to Juliet. In addition, many lovers engrave their names on the balcony.
One of the best treats is viewing a condensed scene from the famous play presented on the terrace. The monastery also houses the Fresco Museum that opened in 1975. The exhibition hall contains frescoes from the 16th and 18th century as well as Roman sculptures and vases.
Tip:
If you also want to see Juliet's House, buy a combined ticket – you'll save money!
The romantic villa, which can accommodate up to 40 people, features a garden and a trellised walkway that is perfect for weddings or other events. An additional treat is the nearby Guarienti Hall, the home of Juliet and the church where the lovers were married.
The location is popular with lovers, tourists, and fans of Shakespeare. Every February, a contest is held to pick the most sincere letters of lovers who write to Juliet. In addition, many lovers engrave their names on the balcony.
One of the best treats is viewing a condensed scene from the famous play presented on the terrace. The monastery also houses the Fresco Museum that opened in 1975. The exhibition hall contains frescoes from the 16th and 18th century as well as Roman sculptures and vases.
Tip:
If you also want to see Juliet's House, buy a combined ticket – you'll save money!
7) William Shakespeare Bust and Plaque
The bust of William Shakespeare, along with a commemorative plaque, can be found near the gates of Bra and Piazza Bra, embedded within the stone walls of the city. These gates, known as the gates of Bra, served as the primary entrance to the city during the time of Romeo and Juliet. It's worth noting that when Romeo faced his sentence of exile, he would have been escorted beyond the city walls through the main gate, forever banished from Verona.
The plaque itself contains lines from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, presented in both English and Italian. The quoted passage is spoken by Romeo in response to his sentence of banishment. It reads, "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 bust of William Shakespeare, created by sculptor Sergio Pasetto in 2003, is a half-length portrait depicting Shakespeare with a solemn expression, gazing up at the sky.
The plaque itself contains lines from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, presented in both English and Italian. The quoted passage is spoken by Romeo in response to his sentence of banishment. It reads, "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 bust of William Shakespeare, created by sculptor Sergio Pasetto in 2003, is a half-length portrait depicting Shakespeare with a solemn expression, gazing up at the sky.
8) Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore (San Zeno Maggiore Church) (must see)
The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore was constructed between 967 and 1398 AD. It features Romanesque architecture and is famed as the site of Romeo and Juliet's marriage.
The Basilica was built on the site where Saint Zeno was buried after his death in 371. Zeno of Verona was the eighth bishop of Verona. The Basilica was built with distinctive cream-colored tuff.
On the left, the early 13th-century monastery is built with red brick. To the right of the Basilica, visitors will see the slender 12th-century bell tower.
Master Briolato designed the stunning rose window, shaped as "the wheel of fortune." Underneath the rose window, 12th-century bronze doors show an exorcism scene.
A Roman tomb in the wall of the Basilica is thought to hold the remains of King Pipin.
The interior features 12th to 15th-century frescoes. Visitors will also find a marble 12th-century statue of San Zeno. Mantegna's 1459 altarpiece depicts Majesty of the Virgin.
A crypt lies beneath the main altar, where Saint Zeno's corpse is located in a transparent sarcophagus.
Tip:
Make sure to use the audio guide (included in admission) – it is excellent on details.
The Basilica was built on the site where Saint Zeno was buried after his death in 371. Zeno of Verona was the eighth bishop of Verona. The Basilica was built with distinctive cream-colored tuff.
On the left, the early 13th-century monastery is built with red brick. To the right of the Basilica, visitors will see the slender 12th-century bell tower.
Master Briolato designed the stunning rose window, shaped as "the wheel of fortune." Underneath the rose window, 12th-century bronze doors show an exorcism scene.
A Roman tomb in the wall of the Basilica is thought to hold the remains of King Pipin.
The interior features 12th to 15th-century frescoes. Visitors will also find a marble 12th-century statue of San Zeno. Mantegna's 1459 altarpiece depicts Majesty of the Virgin.
A crypt lies beneath the main altar, where Saint Zeno's corpse is located in a transparent sarcophagus.
Tip:
Make sure to use the audio guide (included in admission) – it is excellent on details.
Walking Tours in Verona, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Verona
Creating your own self-guided walk in Verona is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Verona Introduction Walking Tour
The embodiment of a true romance on the Italian soil, the city of Verona has been immortalized by William Shakespeare in his famous "Romeo and Juliet". There is also another, lesser-known play by Shakespeare set in Verona, called “The Two Gentlemen of Verona”. Whilst there's no evidence that the bard had ever set foot in Italy, let alone in this town, Verona's presence in... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Verona's Palaces
It's no secret that Italy boasts some of the most remarkable palatial architecture in the world. A good portion of it is found in the incredibly charming city of Verona, the long history of which stretches all the way back to ancient Rome and is reflected in an array of Romanesque and Renaissance gates and bridges, but, most notably, the monumental palaces.
Walking the streets of Verona,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Walking the streets of Verona,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Verona's Museums and Galleries
Art and history have been the pillars supporting the elegant city of Verona for centuries. Among other things here, you will find the abundance of grand museums and galleries holding unique collections of art and cultural treasures suiting all tastes.
Whatever your interest – ancient or modern art, archaeology, frescoes, Roman inscriptions, natural history, antique furniture, or wine – be... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Whatever your interest – ancient or modern art, archaeology, frescoes, Roman inscriptions, natural history, antique furniture, or wine – be... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
The Most Popular Cities
/ view all