In the footsteps of Romeo and Juliet…
It is one of the few cities that has both enchanting architecture and monumental buildings, but is also the city of lovers.
Verona is known thanks to William Shakespeare, who ironically had never been there. His “Romeo and Juliet” drama is also famous around the world, and thanks to the two lovers, so is the city of Verona. The rulers of the city maintain the aura of the tragic love story, a marketing technique that works around the world. Throughout the year you will encounter crowds of tourists under Juliet’s balcony in via Cappello 23, especially couples. Partners leave padlocks, whilst others write their names on a wall in the entrance of the courtyard to Juliet’s house. Here you can find the monument of Juliet. The legend says that touching the breast of Juliet brings luck in love. The balcony under which Romeo had to stand to declare his love to Juliet was built in 1935, while the entire castle is from the 1400s.
The romantic story of a tragic love. Juliet’s house is easy to find, with several signs throughout the city.
The lonely hearts can go to see Juliet’s tomb, situated in the crypt of the Church of San Francesco al Corso. The coffin is made of pink marble and was exhibited in 1937 in order to offer tourists a place of worship.
The year 1937 is also linked an interesting story. In the San Francesco al Corso Church a letter arrived, addressed to “Juliet, Verona”. The contents of the letter were so nice that one of the grave watchers decided to respond. In the following years thousands of letters arrived in this way. Most of them were collected by a professor and journalist, Gino Beltramini. Then a Juliet Club was founded, which still exists to this day, and has been interestingly presented in the film “Letters to Juliet.” The Club of Juliet is ran by volunteers who respond to the majority of the letters. In addition, the Club has taken the old letters from Gino Beltramini and takes care of them (I found this beautiful story here http://www.kierunekwlochy.pl/werona-wlochy).
Verona has a Roman arena in the city center: the third amphitheater in Italy in terms of size. It was built in the first century BC and to this day holds the works and concerts of the biggest stars in Italian and foreign music.
As in all Italian cities, it is a great pleasure to walk on the beautiful coloured streets, where you can discover many interesting and inspiring places: a church or a house, a beautiful souvernir shop or a bar with delicious coffee.
It is definitely worth seeing Piaza Brà (where the arena is) and Piazza delle Erbe (a short walk from Juliet’s house). If you have time, do not forget to go to Verona and spend at least one day there.