Travel: Romantic Verona, Home to Romeo and Juliette

I have passed through Verona a few times but never actually explored so it was time. I should have discovered it much earlier as it is adorably quaint and incredibly romantic.  The hop on hop off bus is a must if you have time.  I didn’t as with only four hours I could see the main Centro historico, stroll the river and enjoy iced coffee but there is so much, you’d be wise to spend a few days here  I would also opt for a cooler season.  Italian heat makes ghost towns in summer peaks. 

One facade of the soft pastel marble stoned Duomo 

Everything is spread out, and while you can walk through the busy main sights, one could also amble the outskirts along the river. 

The river runs left with winding parts, a total of 10 bridges in total approximately every 500 metres. 

One of the many, many churches and tall towers below

A main square with a different building (theater, opera etc) all facing the square) 

Typical side streets away from the shopping streets

A building facade decoration…. Another square but literally. All quite close to each other. I did not get to see the Arena as it was the other side of town and far too hot to walk. 

Those rich amber hues and rich apricot in 33 degree sunlight without a sound on the street (most shutters normally being closed)

This is a Juliette’s (Guiliette in Italian) balcony, top right.  It was alas “bloedheet” with a huge crowd waiting in line so not worth the effort. The photo is above their heads and by the way, there are many far more beautiful balconies around the city. Side note, Romeo’s house is not too far around the corner. 

Balcony styles above and below. So many apartment windows are in Baroque art decor style, Verona is almost just one church spread over multiple streets, each different main building perhaps representing the many Christian denominations.  

Up close stone structure of the Duomo pillars

              Another front wall facade 

Not sure what she represents but her presence at a four way intersection of pedestrian streets is powerful, as she stands quite high above ground with a sword pointing towards the sky.  

Another church found accidentally while searching for quieter cooler shaded streets. Always a tip, stay far from the madding (maddening) crowd and shopping streets to see the best any place has to offer. 

The Synagogue which had two army vehicles and military guarding from either corner of the entrance. A beautiful brightly decorated building. So much in Italy in fact , mostly all main tourist attractions match all its natural sierra tones and hues of yellow earth, orange, terracotta and brown, harmonizing with their roofs, tiles and flagstones. Or protected from the sun in floral colours of Oleander, Rosés and Hibiscus, with massive old trees proving shade or country and city skyline rows of dead straight green Cypress trees. 

Leaving Verona to take the highway connecting road   What a wonderful city, on a beautiful winding river, so old, decorative architecturally pleasing duomos, arches, statues and towers. No wonder Shakespeare set “Guiliette and Romeo” here despite his never having visited!