Verona, Italy: Think Shakespeare and Romance

I have been to a few European countries and Italy is one of my favorites. Just about an hour away from bustling, vibrant Venice lies the quiet, easy-going, romance-filled, Verona. I visited Verona for a day on a European Tour and it was pretty magical! 

Verona was made famous by Shakespeare’s lovers, "Romeo and Juliet” and is widely revered as the city of love. Many people traveling from Milan to Venice typically make a pit stop in Verona to see the famous Juliet House where the real life Capello family once resided. The house has a cute and admittedly romantic courtyard with the balcony where Juliet stood and called out to her lover Romeo. Tourists from all over the world can be seen posing and rubbing on Juliet’s bronze breast, hoping to get lucky in love. Verona is so famous for love that it gets countless love letters addressed to Juliet. Seriously, google the Juliet Club. The city has hundreds of volunteers who take on the task of reading and answering these love letters.

Juliet's balcony overlooking the Romantic Courtyard where Juliet's bronze statue stands

Despite the romance of Verona it has a very rich history. It was considered a rest spot for traveling Romans and thus has a wealth of Roman Ruins along. It also has an amphitheater which is the third largest in the world an dates back to the first century A.D.

Outside of the Amphitheater

Inside of the Amphitheater

Just a short walk from the amphitheater is the market square, Piazza Erbe, where local vendors sell produce and souvenirs. It is said that this market square existed since Roman times.

Piazza Erbe (Market Square)

Local vendors and their kiosks selling fresh produce and souvenirs

While I thoroughly enjoyed seeing The Juliet House and learning of Verona's rich history, my absolute favorite part of Verona was Gelato and shopping!!

Happy camper after getting yummy Gelato!

Gelato!