Verona, Italy, is a city full of history, romance, and architectural marvels. Whether you’re into ancient ruins, the romance of Romeo and Juliet, breathtaking viewpoints, or vibrant piazzas, Verona has something for every kind of traveler. Verona is packed with tourist attractions that will make your trip unforgettable.
So, ready to dive into the best-kept secrets and iconic spots of Verona tourist attractions? Let’s take a fun stroll through the city’s must-see landmarks, where every stone tells a story of ancient times!
1. Arena di Verona
Location: Piazza Bra
Type: Roman Amphitheater
Specialty: Roman history and opera performances
Just about an hour’s train ride from Milan, Verona offers you one of its top attractions, the Arena di Verona. Built in 30 AD, it’s a remarkably preserved Roman amphitheater that once hosted gladiator battles. Today, it’s famed for its summer opera festival, featuring classics like Aida and La Traviata. Imagine enjoying world-class performances under the stars in this ancient structure—it’s a magical blend of history and culture. Whether you’re a history buff or an opera fan, the Arena offers an unforgettable experience that you can’t miss in Verona.
2. Piazza delle Erbe
Location: Piazza Erbe, City Center
Type: Historical Square
Specialty: Markets, medieval structures, and vibrant atmosphere
At the center of Verona, Piazza delle Erbe blends history with modern-day vibrancy. Once a Roman forum, this lively square is now a bustling marketplace surrounded by frescoed medieval buildings like the Mazzanti Houses and iconic landmarks like the Madonna Verona Fountain. With charming cafes, shops, and cultural events, it’s perfect for people-watching or exploring Verona’s rich past. Whether you’re here for the history or the lively atmosphere, Piazza delle Erbe is a must-visit tourist attraction in Verona!
3. Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
Location: Via Cappello
Type: Historic Landmark
Specialty: Balcony tied to Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet”
Juliet’s House, or Casa di Giulietta, is a legendary Verona landmark tied to the famous Shakespearean tale of Romeo and Juliet. Though Juliet is fictional, the 13th-century building, once owned by the Cappello family, has become a symbol of love. Visitors come to see the famous balcony, added in the 20th century, and the bronze statue of Juliet believed to bring luck in love. With love notes covering its courtyard and a small museum inside, this site is perfect for Shakespeare fans and hopeless romantics!
4. Castelvecchio Museum
Location: Corso Castelvecchio
Type: Medieval Castle and Museum
Specialty: Art and ancient weapons collections
Castelvecchio, a 14th-century fortress built by Cangrande II della Scala, stands as one of Verona’s most important cultural landmarks. Featuring Gothic architecture and a fortified bridge, this castle once played a key defensive role. Today, it houses the Castelvecchio Museum, showcasing medieval and Renaissance art, historical weaponry, and ancient artifacts. You can explore its 29 exhibition halls and enjoy stunning views of the Adige River from the Ponte Scaligero. Castelvecchio is surely one of the top Genoa tourist attractions, especially for history and art lovers!
5. Torre dei Lamberti
Location: Via della Costa
Type: Tower and Observation Deck
Specialty: Panoramic views of Verona
Standing at 84 meters, Torre dei Lamberti is Verona’s tallest structure and a must-visit for panoramic views of the city. Construction began in 1172 by the Lamberti family and was completed in 1463, originally serving as a watchtower and later a bell tower. Visitors can either climb the 368 steps or take an elevator to the top for breathtaking views of Verona’s red rooftops, the Arena, and the Adige River. Centrally located near Piazza delle Erbe, it’s perfect for photographers and tourists alike!
6. Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Location: Piazza San Zeno
Type: Romanesque Church
Specialty: Frescoes and religious significance
The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, one of Italy’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture, dates back to the 9th century, with completion in 1398. Inside, visitors can admire medieval frescoes and the renowned Pala di San Zeno triptych by Andrea Mantegna. Dedicated to Verona’s patron saint, San Zeno, whose relics rest here, the basilica also features stunning bronze doors and a beautiful rose window. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it a must-see for art, history, and architecture lovers visiting Verona.
7. Giardino Giusti
Location: Via Giardino Giusti
Type: Renaissance Garden
Specialty: Sculpted gardens and stunning city views
Giardino Giusti, a beautifully sculpted Renaissance-era garden, offers a serene escape in Verona. Created in 1570 by Agostino Giusti, this tranquil haven is famous for its symmetrical box hedges, Cypress trees, and mythological statues. You can wander its intricate pathways, explore the charming maze, and discover a cave adorned with stalactites. For those seeking breathtaking views, the terraces offer stunning panoramas of Verona. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history enthusiast, Giardino Giusti is a must-visit Verona tourist attraction for peaceful relaxation.
8. Ponte Pietra
Location: Across the Adige River
Type: Historic Roman Bridge
Specialty: Scenic views and historical significance
Ponte Pietra, completed around 100 BC, is Verona’s oldest bridge and a stunning example of Roman engineering. Built to connect the city across the Adige River, this stone bridge originally featured five arches, blending Roman stone with later brick restorations. Its distinctive “humpback” design not only adds charm but also helps manage flooding. A symbol of resilience, Ponte Pietra has been rebuilt multiple times, surviving wars and natural disasters. Today, it offers breathtaking views and remains one of Verona’s most photographed landmarks.
9. Scaliger Tombs
Location: Via S. Maria Antica, Near Piazza dei Signori
Type: Gothic Tombs
Specialty: Elaborate Gothic architecture
The Scaliger Tombs, located beside the Church of Santa Maria Antica, honor Verona’s ruling Scaliger family from the 13th to 14th centuries. These five Gothic monuments resemble small temples, featuring intricate sarcophagi topped with statues of the deceased in armor. The most famous tombs include those of Cangrande I, Mastino II, and Cansignorio della Scala. Their detailed craftsmanship and symbolic staircase motifs celebrate the family’s influence on Verona’s history, making them a must-see tourist attraction of Verona, exclusively for lovers of Gothic art and medieval history.
10. Piazza dei Signori
Location: City Center
Type: Historic Square
Specialty: Statues and Architecture
Known as “Verona’s Drawing Room,” Piazza dei Signori is surrounded by elegant buildings, including the Palazzo della Ragione and the Loggia del Consiglio. Statues of Dante and other notable figures add to its stately ambiance. It’s a quieter alternative to Piazza delle Erbe, ideal for those seeking a more laid-back but equally picturesque setting in Verona.
11. Basilica di Santa Anastasia
Location: Via Don Bassi, Piazza S.Anastasia
Type: Gothic Church
Specialty: Intricate frescoes and marble work
The Basilica of Sant’Anastasia, Verona’s largest church, is a magnificent Gothic structure built by the Dominican Order starting in 1280. Dedicated to Saint Anastasia and Saint Peter of Verona, its grand interior features 12 towering marble pillars, stunning frescoes like Pisanello’s Saint George and the Princess, and charming hunchbacked figures supporting holy water fonts. Despite its unfinished façade, the basilica’s art and history make it a prominent highlight of religious architecture, Gothic design, and Verona’s rich cultural past.
12. Roman Theater and Archaeological Museum
Location: Via Rigaste Redentore
Type: Ancient Roman Theater and Museum
Specialty: Ancient ruins and archaeological exhibits
Dating back to 30 BC, Verona’s Roman Theater is one of the city’s oldest landmarks, featuring a classic semi-circular seating design. Still hosting open-air performances, it blends ancient history with modern events. Adjacent to the theater, the Archaeological Museum, housed in a former Jesuit convent, displays Roman-era sculptures, mosaics, and everyday artifacts. Together, these sites offer a captivating look into Verona’s ancient history, making them essential stops for history lovers and cultural explorers alike as part of the Verona tourist attractions.
Wrapping Up
Verona’s charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the ancient with the modern. From the timeless romance of Juliet’s balcony to the breathtaking views from Torre dei Lamberti, this city offers attractions for everyone, whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or simply looking to explore Italian culture.
Visiting these must-see attractions will provide you with a taste of Verona’s unique character, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of this enchanting city!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the famous thing in Verona?
The Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater, is Verona’s most famous landmark.
Is Verona, Italy worth visiting?
Yes, Verona is worth visiting for its rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural sites like Juliet’s House.
What drink is Verona famous for?
Verona is famous for Amarone wine, a rich red wine from the nearby Valpolicella region.
What food is typical of Verona?
Typical Veronese dishes include Risotto all’Amarone and Pastissada de Caval (horse meat stew).
Can you walk everywhere in Verona?
Yes, Verona’s historic center is compact and walkable.
What is unique about Verona?
Verona uniquely blends Roman, medieval, and Renaissance architecture with literary fame from Romeo and Juliet.
What is the famous statue in Verona?
The statue of Juliet in the courtyard of Juliet’s House is Verona’s most famous statue.
