verona Photos

VERONA is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Situated in Italy, Verona is a history-ladden town, whose vestiges from the Roman times, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance confer it a special charm.

The town has achieved world fame as the site of Romeo and Juliet’s tragedy (by William Shakespeare). The houses of the two Shakesperean protagonists are located in Verona.

Verona is also renowned for its Roman amphiteatre, Italy’s third in size, with a length of 139 m, a width of 110, and a capacity of 25,000 spectators. Numerous other Roman monuments can be found here, such as the 1st century theatre and bridges, arches, walls and gates.

Its best known church is Basilica San Zeno Maggiore, built between 1123 and 1135, famed for its 72 m tall bell tower mentioned by Dante in the Purgatory of his great work, the Divine Comedy.

Ponte Scaligero is another one of its famous monuments, in its time the largest contruction of this type in the world.

The town’s medieval history revolves around the domination of the Scaliger family, whose more notable members were Mastino della Scala (killed in 1272), Alberto, Cangrande I, a great leader and art lover, protector of Dante Alighieri, Petrarca and Giotto. Mastino II (1329-1351) was the wealthiest ruler of his times after the king of France, and Cansignorio contributed much to the beauty of the town, building many bridges and aquaducts.

A beautiful and romantic town, scene to the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet, Verona still celebrates the two lovers, Juliet’s house and its famous balcony being a permanent attraction and a symbol of the town.