7 Top Attractions of Verona Italy, Day Trip from Venice
Verona has such a calm aura around it, unfortunately it does not figure high in the tourism map of Italy. And that is so unfair! Partially influenced by this opinion we did not allot much time to this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of Italy. I truly regret this. I did not have enough of Verona.
Day Trip to Verona from Venice
After hiring the car from car rental AVIS in Venice airport we set off for Verona. The distance is 117km via A4/E70 which could have been covered in one and half hours. However driving from Venice to Verona took us slightly more than 3 hours, we took double the time. It shouldn’t have taken that long, but getting accustomed to the left hand driving, sign boards, GPS instructions and distracting scenic sights (for which we stopped often), delayed us considerably. This was our first road trip in Europe, a memorable one!
It was past two when we finally reached the charming town of Verona. We took tips from hotel staff to tour the top attractions of Verona Italy. There is much more than the Romeo and Juliet window there. A few hours of tour through the different top attractions of Verona we could fully relate to Shakespeare as to Why Verona is known as The City of Love!
Charming House in Town of Verona Italy
Top Attractions of Verona Italy
Verona town has been awarded world heritage site status by UNESCO because of its urban structure and architecture. Additionally, this city is popular for the most famous fictitious lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet. You can do a self guided walking Tour of the town. Here is a list of things to do and see in one day in Verona.
Ponte Pietra of 100BC
Ponte Pietra (translates to stone bridge in Italian language) is a cute little Roman arch bridge over River Adige. It is the oldest bridges of Verona dating back to 100BC! Of course it has been rebuilt couple of times and more. The last damage done by German retreating troops after WWII and the bridge rebuilt with original materials in 1957. It connects the old city of Verona with Teatro Romano and Castel San Pietro. We drove through it.
Piazzale Castel San Pietro
The Castel was closed when we visited. We were advised by the receptionist of our hotel to head to Castel San Pietro. “It will be closed, but the panoramic view of the town of Verona will compensate for not visiting the individual sites.” And he was so right, the view we got of the town from there was extremely good.
Piazzale Castel San Pietro Verona
Ponte Scaligero
It is also called the Castel Vecchio Bridge. Lined with red brick made M shaped merlons the bridge looks stunning. It was made in 14th century and is reputed to be the longest one of its time.
-
- River Adige flowing through charming town of Verona
-
- River Adige through town of Verona bidges connecting old and new Verona
-
- River Adige flowing through town of Verona – Ponte Scaligero
-
- River Adige through town of Verona with its many bridges
-
- Verona Italy Red roof tops
Castlevecchio Verona
Castlevecchio was the home of Verona’s ruling Scaligeri family during the 14th century. The town of Verona flourished during this Scaligeri family’s rule. They now use rooms of the castle to display an amazing collection of art and antiquities.Worth spending time to collection of paintings and views around. Read more: Tour of Castlevecchio, City of Verona, Italy
The sky was cloudy, it could rain any moment, but it didn’t that day. Weather so pleasant, what more could we ask for! The many bridges that connect the old and the new Verona.
-
- Charming Town of Verona
-
- Top Attractions of Verona Italy
-
- Charming Town of Verona Red roof tops
-
- Top Attractions of Verona Italy hill side
-
- Charming Old Town of Verona
Piazza delle Erbe
This square is a lively place surrounded by historic monuments and features in top attractions of Verona Italy. If you are lucky to land on a market day there you can indulge in people watching. Plenty to shop around or relax at one of the cafes. Note the statue of Madonna Verona, a Roman sculpture dating to 380 AD mounted on a fountain in the center of the square.
Also just around the corner from this Piazza, you will find 5 Gothic funerary monuments. Incredible Gothic art work! The tombs belong to the Scaligeri family in Verona during 13th and 14th centuries. Behind these tombs is the church of Santa Maria Antica.
Verona Arena, a Roman Amphitheater
This is one of the best monuments and must see top attractions of Verona Italy. Romans had built this arena for gladiator fights, tournaments, races and markets. Restoration and maintenance works in it has preserved this in a wonderful usable condition. Read more: Visit to Verona Arena Roman Amphitheater Italy
Verona Arena
Piazza Bra
Just out side the Arena is Piazza Bra. It is the largest Piazza of Verona lined with several cafes, restaurants and old buildings. A fair was on that day and the place was crowded.
Piazza Bra Verona
Where to Stay in Verona?
Holiday Inn Verona is an ideal choice to stay in Verona. The hotel is ideally located and the staff very courteous. Holiday Inn has the reputation of providing the best facilities to customers and we were not disappointed with our choice to stay there.
Holiday Inn Verona
Pin this for later…
Save this blog to have a wonderful visit to Verona. This post was first published in this blog on 07 June 2010.
Romantic!
Beautiful. I love the way the city grows on both sides of the river. All over Europe. We just don't have sights like these.
Thanks for the virtual tour of Verona! Good shots…
I hope you are enjoying your trip as much as I am through your photos 😆
Verona..very beautiful place and after seeing such wonderful and gorgeous pictures I feel like visiting the place. The buildings looks amazing.
I'm glad you went to the castle — the views of the city are beautiful. With so much beauty and history around you I can understand why you sometimes lingered longer than planned.
What a city!! I had no idea that Verona was so big and how beautiful are all those buildings!
Thank you for visiting my travelling blog and letting me know of your amazing blog. Lets keep in touch. NAMASTE!
nice blog, fabulous picx
Fabulous looking place, would love to go there sometime.
its so… beautiful! wish i can go there sometime!
Italy, a place of romance and charm. Your photos are awesome!
The river, the bridge, the never ending red topped buildings – Awesome!!!
My Best Friend's Engagement
My Outfit at My Best Friend's Engagement
Honestly, not heard of this place, but looking at the picture, I have started research. Great Pics..
Did you visit the famous balcony? Wow, this is some town – would like to see it for myself some day.
Very beautiful city. The houses and buildings are all very unique and interesting.
What a beautiful old world city! Your photographs are stunning. Your color and light so perfect. So very nice, Indrani.
Stunning views – makes me want to uproot and go live there.
Beautiful shots. The place definitely has a magnetic charm.
Such amazing views.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
I very much like the tiled roofs and the pink brick…or is it stone. The photos are wonderful, especially the way you have captured the river.
that's the road trip dream. great photos. i hope there's more to come.
Yes I, too, can see why such passion happens in Verona! What a fantastic place and, as always, your photos are superb, Indrani! Have a great week! Love your new pic, too!
Sylvia
What a wonderful tour of Verona. The city looks like such a great place to explore.
I can see why such passion happens in Verona. Beautiful.
Oh lovely… I've been to venice.. but didnt venture into Verona… It looks magical… awesome post!!
Verona – even the name is magic!