subject: 5 Must See Attractions in Verona [print this page] 5 Must See Attractions in Verona 5 Must See Attractions in Verona
Verona is mostly famous for the setting of Shakespeare's romantic and tragic play Romeo and Juliet. The city of Verona is known as "little Rome" for its importance in the days of the Roman Empire. The following are the main attractions in Verona.
The Arena di Verona is the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world and is the world's third-largest amphitheatre to survive from antiquity. The elliptical arena was erected in slightly pinkish marble around the year A.D. 100 and stands in the very centre of town. It was built to accommodate more than 20,000 people and although most of the outer ring was damaged during the earthquake of 1117, the inner part is still intact. In the summer months, the arena hosts a number of high-profile operas and occasional concerts which attracts cultural tourists from all around the world.
The Castelvecchio Museum was constructed in 1354 by the Scaligeri warlord Cangrande II to serve the dual role of residential palace and military stronghold. It survived centuries of occupation by the Visconti family, the Serene Republic of Venice, and then Napolon, only to be destroyed by the Germans during World War II bombing. Its restoration was initiated in 1958 by the acclaimed Venetian architect Carlos Scarpa and it reopened in 1964. The museum is packed with a rich collection of medieval sculptures and Renaissance paintings.
Juliet's House is situated in Via Cappello, just off the Piazza delle Erbe. It is supposedly the location of the famous balcony love scene from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Although the house is old, balcony added in 1936, it has no connection with Shakespeare's fictional characters and has very little to offer.
The Lamberti Tower (Torre Lamberti) was completed in 1463 and is the tallest of Verona's towers. The tower entrance is through the palace courtyard and although there are 238 steps to the top, there is a lift.
The Verona Cathedral (Duomo) was built after two 8th Century churches on the same site had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1117. The Romanesque style cathedral was consecrated in 1187. The structure was later modified by several renovation interventions, although the plan has remained unchanged.
