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Verona is synonymous with Romeo and Juliet, and this northern Italian city is a great getaway for both romantics and history lovers. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Verona is rich in Roman ruins as well as buildings from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
History
The history of Verona dates back well before 300 BC when it became a Roman city. It was an important crossroads in ancient times. It changed hands many times, most notably to the Goths and Lombards, before growing in power under the della Scala (Scaligeri) noble family. They ruled from 1308 to 1387. Venice took over in 1405 and ruled until 1797. The Austrians acquired the city and held it until 1866 (except for a brief period from 1805 to 1814 when Napoleon ruled). Verona then became part of a united Italy.
Getting There
We arrived in Verona by train at Porta Nuova Railway Station. It’s one of the busiest railway stations in the country and serves destinations such as Milan, Venice, Florence, Turin, Rome, and Naples, as well as the nearby cities of Mantua, Vicenza, and Padua.
Another train station, Porta Vescova, sits to the east of the city. It used to be the main railway station in town but now only serves Vicenza, Padua, and Venice.
Villafranca Airport, also known as Valerio Catullo Airport, is 10km to the southwest of the city center. It serves several destinations throughout both Italy and Europe.
Getting Around
Verona is a very walkable city if you’re staying in the historic city center. We only had to use taxis to and from the train station and when we wandered to the Giusti Garden, which was quite far from our hotel.
Verona Card
The Verona Card is a good investment if you plan on visiting the attractions in town. It costs €27 for a 24-hour pass and €32 for 48 hours (as of August 2024), allowing free entry to several of the best attractions, reduced entry to others, and free bus travel.
We bought a 24-hour pass and were able to save a good amount of money. Among the places we visited with the Verona Card were the Verona Arena, the Duomo, the Basilica of Saint Anastasia, Lamberti Tower, Romano Theatre, and Juliet’s House. We also got reduced entry to the Giusti Garden.
Gallery Room
We stayed at Gallery Room, a small suite hotel in a historical building just a few minutes walk from Piazza Brà. The hotel includes breakfast, which was served in a building across the street, and has a wonderful spa with a sauna, jacuzzi, and more.
Our room was comfortable and spacious with a nice bathroom. We really enjoyed our four nights there, and felt at home by the end of our stay. The price for the four nights was more than reasonable.
