The Veneto: Verona

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Verona is a pretty city with so much to see — you truly have to devote time to this town. When I first arrived in town, I chose a hotel on the Piazza delle Erbe (herbs). To me, it is the central point in the city. Piazza delle Erbe was once a Roman Forum. Today there’s a market in the center of the square (and I love markets). Also in the center are the Verona Madonna, a fountain whose statue dates back to Roman times (over 2000 years), the Capitello/Berlina (16^th century) where officials were elected and the 15^th century column with the lion (indicating Venetian rule) are also found here. On the perimeter of the square are some wonderful buildings including the Palazzo Maffei (17^th century) a Baroque palace with a 14^th century tower/Torre del Gardello, the Casa Mazzanti with its beautifully frescoed façade and the Casa dei Mercanti (14^th century). The next stop is the Piazza dei Signori. Just pass through the Arco della Costa (arch of the rib) and you’ll see the statue of Dante Alighieri and the lovely palazzi surrounding the square including the perfectly Renaissance Loggia del Consiglio (15^th century) with statues of important Veronese citizens on top; next door is the Palazzo degli Scaligeri and the Palazzo del Capitano; the Palazzo del Comune/Palazzo della Ragione (town hall), a 14^th century building with a wonderful staircase is also located on the square. The tombs of the Scaligeri family (influential family/rulers of Verona) are located next to the Cappella Santa Maria Antica (this is the 12^th century family chapel). The family coat of arms can be seen and repeated throughout (dogs holding a ladder/scala) the architecture and detailed decorations. The 13^th century Chiesa di Sant Anastasia is a grand Dominican church with frescoes, carvings and paintings — very ornate. The 12^th Romanesque duomo/cathedral is worth a look for its apse, the choir and cloisters. Piazza Bra is a wonderful (actually grand) people watching area (cafes and people), from here you can easily reach the Roman Theater that dates back to the 1^st century BC. The theater is made of the local pink marble. The Museo Archeologico is reached by taking the elevators at the Roman Theater to the monastery above. Up on the hill is the Castel San Pietro, an Austrian built castle on top of a Roman fortress. Castelvecchio (on the banks of the Adige River) is a 14^th century fortress that has been converted in to The Museo d’Arte. Inside the museum are works by Pisanello, Bellini, Carpaccio, Giambono, Crivelli and others. It is a good museum to visit because of its diverse collection. Everyone always wants to see Juliet’s balcony….so, head to Via Cappello and you’ll find the Casa di Giuletta and her infamous balcony…..You must see the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore. This basilica is a 12^th century masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. San Zeno was/is the patron saint of Verona. Inside is a triptych by Mantegna of the Madonna and Saints (at the altar), frescoes and a nice rose window. If you have time, head to the Giardino Giusti. Sometimes you just need a nice place to wander at a slow pace and these gardens which date back to the 16^th century are a perfect place to do just that — absolutely fabulous. Market days are Monday - Saturday in Verona.