Verona's Palaces (Self Guided), Verona

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, one may stumble upon the treasures of the Roman period alongside some well-preserved Medieval and later period palatial edifices, such as:

Palazzo del Podestà – an imposing palace built on top of the Roman ruins; among its illustrious guests, over the centuries, have been the likes of Dante, Giotto and other prominent personalities.

Palazzo della Ragione – a historic palace from the 1190s; home to the city's oldest market yard.

Palazzo Maffei – in place since the 15th century; found beneath are the remains of the ancient Roman Capitoline Hill.

Palazzo Bevilacqua – a majestic palace built in the 1530s; currently serves as the headquarters of the Ippolito Pindemonte state technical institute.

Palazzo dei Diamanti (Diamonds Palace) – an impressive structure of 1495; named for its exterior clad in thousands of white marble, diamond-shaped stones, glittering like diamonds when lit.

If you wish to explore these and other architectural delights of Verona in more detail, and to understand why the city is often referred to as "The Gateway to Italy", take this self-guided walking tour.