Visiting Verona

Much evidence of Verona’s long history is to be found in the city centre. The centre and surroundings are easily accessible on foot.

Piazza Bra is dominated by the imposing Roman amphitheatre Arena, built in the 1st century CE, although historians and architects still disagree on the precise date of its construction. It is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres, the third largest in Europe after the Colosseum in Rome and the Campano Amphitheatre near Naples.

To the south-east of the square, close to the gardens, is the neoclassical Palazzo Barbieri, now home to the City Hall, built in the 17th century for military purposes. To the south of the square is the recently restored Palazzo della Gran Guardia, now a venue for important events and exhibitions.

On the western side of the square runs the wide pavement called Liston, a traditional walking spot for the Veronese. Adjacent to the square is Corso Cavour, which coincides with Via Postumia, home to the imposing Castelvecchio, originally known as the Castle of San Martino in Aquaro, an important military building of the famous Della Scala rulers.

If you come to Verona to spend a long holiday or even just for a short weekend, just long enough to attend one of the performances at the Arena, there are some traditions you should definitely honour. We recommend the following specialities, which in our opinion, undoubtedly represent the best of Veronese tradition:

Wines from the area of Bardolino, Soave, Custoza, Valpolicella and the famous Amarone.

Risotto al Tastasal, Risotto with Amarone from the Sartori wineries, and Gnocchi Sbatùi, accompanied by a generous sprinkling of Grana Padano.

Lesso con la pearà [boiled meat with a special sauce] and Pastissada de caval o de musso [a local stew made with horse or donkey meat].

Pandoro, a typical Christmas cake, and Baci di Giulietta [Juliet's Kisses].