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Travelling can
be one of the best ways to learn more about new places,
cultures and traditions followed in different parts of the
world. |
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Verona - The City of Love
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Verona is not as famous as
the other Italian towns like Rome, Pisa, Florence or Venice. But this town
treasures the most famous love story in history: Love Story of Romeo and
Juliet. William Shakespeare has immortalized the town of Verona in his
famous novel featuring the love tragedy of lovers Romeo Montecchi e
Giulietta Capuleti perhaps, better known worldwide simply as
''Romeo and Juliet''.
While in Verona you will be surprise to see that
Casa de Giulietta, or Juliet's house is an actual house, with
an actual balcony, just like you imagined while reading the play. The
background is perfect with ivy growing off of the neighboring walls, and
the balcony is the perfect height for any Romeo to try and romance a
Juliet. Romeo's house is only a short walk down the road, but it's not as
impressive as Juliet’s. |
Despite the debate as to
whether the characters actually existed, tourists continue to flock to the
famous balcony, and to participate in the strange tradition of rubbing the
right breast of the bronze statue of Juliet for good luck.
Location:
Verona is located in the Veneto region
of north-eastern Italy, approximately 70 miles west of Venice.
The city was originally a Roman settlement, but along with other such
cities, it suffered a major decline during the fall of the Roman Empire.
Verona became a city-state in the 12th century. In 1405, it became part of
the Venetian Republic. Following a period of Austrian rule, officially an
Italian city during the Unification of Italy in 1866. Today, Verona is the
largest city on the mainland of the Veneto, and it is a major agricultural
and industrial center.
Verona is known as Piccolo Roma which means little Rome and
aptly so. Verona also known as Urbs Nobilissima, and it is the second
biggest city in Veneto (after Venice). During its golden era in the 13th
and 14th century, the city flourished as a capital of culture and art.
Verona is situated on the foothills of the Alps and at the mouth of the
Adige valley. The city is blessed with music especially when it hosts the
summer opera festival every year (July to August) in the Roman Arena.
Verona is often called "the gateway of Italy". Verona has lots to
offer, right from its monuments, squares, churches to its ancient
treasures that present the history and art through the centuries.
The city is most famous for its Roman Amphitheatre, the Arena, completed
around 30 AD. The Arena is the third largest in the whole of Italy, after
Rome’s Colosseum and the Arena at Capua. The splendid and famous ‘Arena of
Verona’ can hold the seating capacity of around 22,000 people. It’s used
today to house the opera, fairs and various other events.
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While exploring this
beautiful town you come across many historical buildings, among them is
the Castelvecchio, or the old castle, which was built in the 14th century
and contains a fine art gallery. Castelvecchio had witness the several
wars that took place throughout the years. Even Napoleon had his hands on
this castle for a period of time. Constructed entirely of stone and
featuring a massive clock this castle houses a museum where you can find
all sorts of artifacts from its original time period.
The Piazza delle Erbe is considered one of the most historic and beautiful
squares in Italy, while the Piazza dei Signori contains buildings built by
Andrea Palladio. In addition to this Verona has lot to offer, the
Romanesque basilicas, the gates (Porta dei Leoni), the bridges (Ponte
Lapideo or Ponte Pietra and Ponte Scaligero), while standing on these
bridges gives you a beautiful view of Verona. |
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Verona has been named
a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its value and importance for
many historical buildings, rich artistic and cultural heritage.
Eat & Drink: A trip to Verona would not be complete without experiencing the local
cuisine of the Veneto. Verona is home to both world-renowned
restaurants and the more traditional trattorias, where typical
regional dishes such as bean soup and the handmade pasta "bigoli" can
be enjoyed. Polenta and risotto are plentiful in Verona restaurants.
Verona is at the heart of great wine-making areas and produces notable Valpolicella, Bardolino, Soave, Custoza, and Lugana. |
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Shopping:
The shopping in Verona at
Via Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via Capello is
absolutely wonderful, except it's quite expensive. This area is known for
its elegance and expensive designer clothing and it shows. You can find
some great gift items that are much lesser in value, but still great gifts
in general.
Accommodation: The city of Verona and the surrounding areas offer guests a wide variety
of accommodations in all price ranges. While Verona is often a day-tripper
destination, one can get a much better feel for this city by including at
least one overnight stay. |
Getting There:
By Air:
The Verona Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN) is located 12km from Verona's
city center.
By Train:
Italy's national train company, Trenitalia, services Verona. The main
station is the Verona Porta Nuova, which offers lines to Rome, Milan,
Venice, Florence and more.
By Car:
Verona is accessible by the Serenisssima Highway (A4) and by the
Brener-Moderna Highway (A22).
Verona, this splendid city is truly a city for all seasons, and one which
welcomes its visitors to explore all that it has to offer. Plan your next
vacation to Italy! And enjoy a memorable holiday in one of the most
monumental, artistic, elegant, romantic and full with interesting
sight-seeing town.
Come and witness the memory and the image of the balcony onto which Juliet
stepped out to talk to her beloved Romeo; the tomb on which their
bittersweet affair was finally burnt out, the tormenting reminder of a
beautiful yet tragic love story will linger on above all. A story and a
tradition have given Verona the name "city of love".
Contributing Writer: Swapnil Gunjal, Travel
Writer
swapu02@rediffmail.com
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