Verona

Piazza Bra, popularly known as Bra, is amongst the best places to visit in Verona to enjoy the city's rich history, culture, and cuisine. The Verona Arena, an amphitheatre, is the square's major draw for being one of the world's largest and dates back nearly 2000 years. It is now a renowned opera and contemporary music venue with frequent performances that draw tens of thousands of fans. The Gran Guardia, the Palazzo Barbieri, and the town hall in Verona are a few notable historical structures in the area that exhibit the beauty and grandeur of bygone eras. The horse-riding statue of the Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II dominates the square's centre and the Fontana Delle Alpi adds a magical touch to the area. The Piazza is dotted with top-notch restaurants and outdoor cafes where you can grab a bite while taking in the sights and enjoying the ambience. 

Renowned as the Bridge of Victory, this 1920s bridge is an iconic historical landmark made up of white stone over the river Adige. The bridge was constructed as a memorial to honor the dead of the Veronese war and commemorate the triumph over the Austro-Hungarian Empire during World War I.The bridge features 3 arches and marble-like stones covering the internal concrete structure, giving it strength and appeal. Four equestrian statues on the pillars on both sides of the bridge's two entrances represent victory. There is an inscription depicting the words of the King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele III, dedicated to the Italian soldiers on the base of the bridge.The bridge is also a popular Verona viewing point with views of the magnificent Castelvecchio castle on one side, Torricelli hills, San Giorgio in Braida cathedral, and the hilltop shrine Santuario Della Madonna di Lourdes on another. Sunsets from this historically significant architectural marvel are undoubtedly breathtaking.

Tomba di Giulietta, Juliet’s Tomb, is one of the best places to visit in Verona that fans of the tragic love story should visit during their trip. It is a red marble sarcophagus situated in the former convent of San Francesco al Corso, which is now the G.B. Cavalcaselle Museum of Frescoes. Juliet's sarcophagus was restored and moved to the complex's underground crypt in 1868 by the City of Verona, where it is still kept. Many local and foreign couples travel to Juliet's Tomb today to wed as the complex also serves as the civil wedding venue. Visitors to the underground tomb who have failed in love leave letters addressed to Juliet in the empty sarcophagus to express their pain or seek solace. A large group of secretaries collect these messages and give a response because Juliet's story may be a legend, but the pains endured by men or women in love are real and touching. Taking a trip to this unique site is certainly a unique experience for everyone in love.

The Ponte Pietra was built around 100 BC as a wooden bridge to cross the Adige River, which was replaced by a stone bridge by the Romans. This bridge had been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt and was lastly blown up by Germans in 1945. It was brought back to its ancient glory in 1959 using the original materials that fell into the river after the bombing. The bridge features five arches of different sizes; the two closest to the left bank of the Adige River are from the Roman-era stone bridge, the one closest to the right bank is from 1298, and the remaining two date back to 1520. Its extensive history and use of original elements from all eras, from prehistoric to modern, have made it an illustrative example of the city's rich heritage. Ponte Pietra's historical significance and picturesque views of the city entice visitors interested in history and architecture.

The Arena, a monument from the 1st century, is a grandiose structure that serves as the symbol of Verona and opera. It is one of the world's largest Roman amphitheaters, with a seating capacity of up to 30,000 people. One of the city's oldest and best-preserved historical landmarks, it once hosted gruesome events like gladiator fights, and hunting contests, as well as entertaining shows, such as equestrian circuses, competitions, and many others. Now it hosts a variety of internationally famous large-scale opera performances and concerts with stunning lights and special effects that create a unique atmosphere. The arena offers guided tours that allow visitors to explore all its sections and learn about its history and architecture. This grand jewel is a must-see for those visiting Verona to experience a complete package of art, history, and culture. Its grandeur and allure leave a lasting imprint on the hearts of all who visit. 

With a history that dates back to the first century BC, the Piazza delle Erbe is one of Verona's most important historic squares. It was Verona's political, economic, and social hub during the Roman era, and is always lively with both locals and visitors. Surrounded by historical buildings and monuments like the Palazzo del Comune, the Torre dei Lamberti, the Palazzo Maffei, and the historic Torre del Gardella, the square is also an attraction for architecture and history buffs. The fountain with the Madonna Verona statue is Piazza Erbe's oldest structure. Whereas the Tribuna, a monument that has historically been used for a variety of ceremonies, and the San Marco Lion, a white marble column that represents the Republic of Venice, catch your eyes instantly. The market is held daily in the central area, where you can shop for fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs. There are a plethora of bars, cafes, and taverns making it an ideal location for spending some time with friends and family. 

Piazza dei Signori, a grand square surrounded by magnificent buildings and located in the historic Città Antica, is stunning from every angle. From the Arco Della Costa gateway, the Romanesque-style Palazzo Della Ragione, to the Case Della Pietà and Palazzo del Capitano, each landmark at the plaza has its own appeal. This picturesque square is also referred to as "Piazza Dante" because of the huge statue of Dante Alighieri in the center. Another draw of the square is the 276-foot-tall Lamberti Tower, which offers a bird's-eye view of the square and Verona's historic old town.The square is surrounded by charming cafés and eateries, making it a wonderful place to hang out with friends and family. You might come across some street musicians performing in the square, making for a pleasant evening. The square is steeped in history, has a bustling ambiance, and is one of the must-visit Verona attractions.

Castel San Pietro perched atop a verdant hill Colle San Pietro is a walled city known for its ruins of the first settlements, which date to the seventh century B.C. From this magnificent vantage point, you can take in the expansive view of the entire city as well as the pristine Adige River, which is especially beautiful at dusk and dawn. Castel San Pietro still has the ruins of an ancient castle San Pietro, which was built in the 14th century by Gian Galeazzo Visconti and later demolished by Napoleon's troops. A 19th-century Austrian neo-Romanesque Fortress was built in the same location, which attracts everyone with its stunning architecture and extensive history. It is now one of the most popular places to visit in Verona for offering the panoramic scenery of the city embraced by the Adige. It is accessible by car, funicular, or stairs, offering a tranquil journey.