A Day Trip to “Fair Verona”: Romeo, Juliet, and Me
Shakespeare chose to set his tragic romance Romeo and Juliet “in fair Verona,” and after my visit this weekend, its obvious why.
Even with some early morning fog, it is easy to see Verona’s charm.
Every inch of the town is dripping with beauty, charm, and most notably, romance. The city truly is the perfect setting for a tale of “star crossed lovers.”
Everywhere you look in Verona, there is evidence of the impact Romeo and Juliet has made on the city and on readers all over the world. Visitors flock to historic Verona for a chance to experience the setting of Shakespeare’s most captivating romance themselves. Here are some of the sites I had the chance to visit, and some of my favorite quotes to go with them.
Romeo’s House:
“Thus with a kiss I die”
Add your name to the thousands scribbled on the walls of Romeo’s house.
Juliet’s Balcony:
“But soft! What light through yonder window breaks?”
Check out Juliet’s balcony and tour her house which is filled with R&J costumes, the bed from the iconic 1968 film, and various props from productions.
Posta Giulietta/Letters to Juliet:
“Don’t waste your love on somebody, who doesn’t value it.”
Unlucky in love? Write your own “Letter to Juliet” (yes, it is a real thing) and Posta Giulietta will respond.
Statue of Juliet:
“My bounty is as boundless as the sea, My love as deep. The more I give to thee, The more I have, for both are infinite.”
It may seem weird, but legend has it if you rub Juliet’s left breast, you will have good luck in love. I wasn’t about to take any chances.
Feeling cynical?
Never fear–with rich Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance history, Verona is teeming with unique sights and a fascinating range of architecture, making it one of my favorite cities I’ve visited in Italy thus far.
Ancient Attractions
A must-see ancient ruin is the city’s Roman entrance arch.
Additionally,Verona is home to the third largest amphitheater in Italy. You can even catch an Opera there today!
Medieval Masterpieces
The medieval Castelvecchio (Old Castle) and the Castelvecchio bridge offer fantastic views of the city, and make for great photo opportunities.
Forget the Capulets and the Montegues- The Scaliger family is famous for ruling Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. Powerful family members are buried in elevated tombs, so that us peasants must look up to see them (talk about a power trip!). The ornately decorated tombs reflect the family’s wealth and prestige.
The Italian word scale translates to ladder. This close up shot of the tomb gates shows the ladders used to decorate the Scaliger family plots, showing how even the tiniest of details are filled with meaning.
Sant’Anastasia is an incredibly beautiful Dominican church done in the Gothic style. Its intricately painted ceilings and use of red Verona marble were so captivating it was difficult for me to leave.
For Food Lovers
For lunch we stopped at the Osteria Romeo & Giulietta (naturally). Verona is known in particular for its horse meat.
Horse steak served with lemon and potatoes.
For those feeling less adventurous, the pumpkin filled pasta was one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had. Maybe feeling Juliet up did help me find love?
After visiting Romeo’s house, Juliet’s balcony, and groping poor Juliet’s breast I think its safe to say I should be covered in the romance department for a while…right? If not, it is safe to say that I at least fell in love with Verona, and I was truly sad to be staying just a day.
In the words of The Bard, “Parting is such sweet sorrow/That I shall say good night till it be morrow”
Ci vediamo (we will see each other again), Verona!
