VERONA: A Journey Beyond Romeo and Juliet's Balcony
Zeke and Terri from the roof of Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo overlooking Piazza delle Erbe (May 2024)
While most tourists flock to Juliet's famous balcony, our exploration of Verona revealed a city where every stone tells a story spanning two millennia. From its imposing Roman Arena to hidden medieval courtyards, Verona captivated us with layers of history that few visitors take time to discover.
The majestic Castelvecchio stands as a testament to Verona's medieval might. This fortress-turned-museum offers more than just impressive architecture – it provides a window into the city's strategic importance throughout history. Our local guide, Maria Pia, brought these stones to life with stories of power struggles, artistic achievements, and daily life through the centuries.
Our visit coincided with Le Piazze dei Sapori, filling the historic squares with local flavors. At Osteria al Carro Armato, we embraced Verona's culinary traditions with their renowned horsemeat dishes, a local specialty that tells its own story about the region's history and culture. Meanwhile, dinner at Ristorante Caffe Vittorio Emanuele offered a more contemporary take on Veronese cuisine.
The climb up Torre dei Lamberti rewarded us with panoramic views of the city's red-tiled roofs and the surrounding hills. From this vantage point, you can trace Verona's development from Roman times through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, each era leaving its mark on the cityscape.
A highlight of our visit was experiencing Il Volo in concert at the Roman Arena. Sitting in this 2,000-year-old amphitheater, watching world-class performers under the stars, created one of those magical travel moments that can't be planned. The Arena's perfect acoustics, honed over centuries, reminded us that some things truly do get better with age.
The Palazzo Maffei Casa Museo and Lapidare Museum Maffeiano offered deeper dives into Verona's artistic heritage. These lesser-known museums house collections that rival those of more famous Italian cities, yet offer a more intimate viewing experience.
For travelers seeking to explore beyond the obvious Romeo and Juliet connections, Verona offers rich rewards:
Ancient Roman engineering still shapes daily life
Medieval fortifications tell tales of power and protection
Renaissance palazzos showcase artistic sophistication
Local cuisine reflects centuries of cultural influences
Modern life seamlessly integrates with historical spaces
Join us as we explore the many layers of Verona's history, culture, and flavors – proving there's so much more to this city than star-crossed lovers!