Things to see in Verona
Attractions
Piazza Bra
Dominated by the impressive walls of the Arena, and the stylish neoclassical facade of the Palazzo Municipale, this central piazza has been at the centre of Veronese life for centuries. Rimmed by cafes and restaurants in pastel-coloured buildings, it’s an ideal spot for an aperitivo and a little Veronese people-watching.
Address: , Piazza Bra, Verona, 37121Telephone:
Opening times:
Daily 24 hours.
Website:Admission Fees:
No.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore
Built in the 1120s and 30s, this is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. It has an imposing façade and an impressive bell tower that is mentioned in the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. Inside are fresco-clad walls and a crypt with the remains of Saint Zeno. Part of its fame comes from the tradition that its crypt was the place of the marriage of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Address: Vicolo Abbazia 1, Piazza San Zeno, Verona, 37121Telephone: +39 45 800 6120.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0830-1800, Sun 1230-1800 (Mar-Oct); Mon-Sat 1000-1300 and 1330-1700, Sun 1230-1700 (Nov-Mar).
Website: http://www.basilicasanzeno.itAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Castelvecchio Museum
This 14th-century castle belonged to Verona's medieval rulers, the della Scala family, and was only converted from a military fortress in 1925. It still houses weapons and jewellery, but its most interesting treasures are works by Pisanello, Veronese and Tintoretto alongside a selection of medieval frescoes and sculptures.
Address: , Corso Castelvecchio, 2, Verona, 37121Telephone: +39 45 806 2611.
Opening times:
Tue-Sun 0830-1930, Mon 1330-1930.
Website: http://museodicastelvecchio.comune.verona.itAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Giardino di Palazzo Giusti
One of the most beautiful Renaissance gardens in Italy, the Giardino Giusti behind the palace of the same name is a spacious estate featuring flowers, fountains, statues, a cypress-lined avenue and one of Europe's oldest labyrinths. It dates from the late 16th century, but has been renovated many times since.
Address: , Via Giardino Giusti 2, Verona, 37129Telephone: +39 45 803 4029.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1900
Website: http://www.grandigiardini.itAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Torre dei Lamberti and the Galleria d'Arte Moderna Achille Forti
Climb the 84m-high (276ft) medieval Torre dei Lamberti (Lamberti Tower) for spectacular views across Verona. A lift will take you most of the way, but the last few storeys must be done under your own puff. Tickets also allow entry to the adjoining Galleria d'Arte Moderna (Gallery of Modern Art) Achille Forti, home to a fascinating collection of regional contemporary art from the 19th century to the present day.
Address: , Cortile Mercato Vecchio, Verona, 37121Telephone: +39 45 800 1903 (Gallery of Modern Art); +39 45927 3037 (Lamberti Tower)
Opening times:
Tue-Fri 0900-1715, Sat-Sun 1100-1815.
Website: http://gam.comune.verona.it/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=42701Admission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum
Dating from 1st century BC, the Roman Theatre has a magnificent hillside location north of the Old Town. After centuries of disuse it was recovered in the 19th century, and has been used for theatre and ballet productions. The Archaeological Museum, located in a former medieval Jesuit convent, is currently closed for renovation.
Address: , Regaste Redentore 2, Verona, 37129Telephone: +39 45 800 0360.
Opening times:
Mon 1330-1830, Tues-Sun 0830-1830.
Website:Admission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Casa Giulietta
While the Capulet family did indeed live in Verona, it is doubtful that they ever lived in Casa Giulietta (Juliet's House), and the balcony was only erected in the 1920s to satisfy visitors. There is a statue of Juliet in the courtyard. The Montague family actually lived at Casa Romeo (Romeo's house), found along arche Scaligere 4. It is not open to the public.
Address: , Via Cappello 23 (Casa Giuilietta), Verona, 37121Telephone: +39 45 803 4303
Opening times:
Mon 1330-1930, Tue-Sun 0830-1930.
Website:Admission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Arena di Verona
The Arena in Verona is the largest Roman amphitheatre in northern Italy, with a capacity of 25,000 people. It was constructed early in the 1st century AD, and has been the site of gladiatorial combat, public executions and, more recently, concerts and opera performances. It also hosts the city's famous opera festival every summer.
Address: , Piazza Bra, Verona, 37121Telephone: +39 45 800 3204.
Opening times:
See website for opening times.
Website: http://www.arena.itAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: Yes
Museum of Natural History (Museo di Storia Naturale)
Natural history buffs will lose hours at the Museo di Storia Naturale, where 16 welcoming rooms brim with historic and scientific finds across botany, geology, pre-history and zoology sections. The museum is housed in the grand Palazzo Pompei, once home to the wealthy Lavezzola family, which was built between 1530 and 1550.
Address: Central Verona, Lungadige Porta Vittoria 9, Verona, 37129Telephone: +39 45 807 9400.
Opening times:
Mon-Thurs 0900-1700, Sat-Sun 1400-1800.
Website: http://www.museostorianaturaleverona.itAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Chiesa di Sant’Anastasia
Constructed between 1290 and 1481, Verona’s largest church is also a repository for some of the city’s best art. The bare exterior disguises an interior rich in frescoes. Look out for Pisanello’s storybook fresco of St George Setting out to Free the Princess from the Dragon.
Address: , Piazza di Sant'Anastasia, Verona, 37121Telephone: +39 45 592 813.
Opening times:
Mon-Fri 0900-1830, Sat 0900-1800, Sun 1300-1800 (Mar-Oct); Mon-Fri 1000-1700, Sun 1300-1700 (Nov-Feb).
Website: http://www.chieseverona.itAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
IAT Verona
Address: , Piazza Bra, via degli Alpini 9 , Verona, 37121Telephone: +39 45 806 8680.
Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900–1800, Sun 1000-1600.
Website: http://www.tourism.verona.itIAT Verona is a small and friendly tourist office selling English language guides and offering a range of free maps, including a shopping map and a guide with information about all the main historical sites. A second tourist office can be found at Verona Porta Nuova railway station, Piazza XXV.
Tourist passes
The VeronaCard (www.veronacard.it) gives free or discounted access to museums, churches and other attractions in Verona. Visitors can buy either a one- or a three-day pass. The card is sold at museums, churches and tourist information offices.
