The City where the famous – Romeo and Juliet and Two Gentlemen of Verona were set to have dragged many people to visit the City. Apart from the Shakespearian connection, the city is declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, because of its Urban Structure and Architecture. The city has influences of Roman, Gothic, Renaissance and Byzantine architecture. From Tombs to its own Colosseum, great engineering, beautiful interiors of churches, to beautiful squares and piazzas, the city has it all. You can climb on a tower and see the whole view.
Here’s a list of 15 Places, Architects must visit in Verona:
1. Piazza Bra
Also called Bra, It is the largest piazza in Verona, shaded by Cedar and Pine Trees. There are many significant buildings in and around, with construction taking place around over many centuries. It contains Verona Arena, Gran Guardia and Palazzo Barbieri. Traditional fair is held each year between 11th and 13th of December.
2. Verona Arena
You might know this place, where the famous boy band – One Direction performed in 2013 or the place where Whitney Houston performed. It is one of the best-preservedtheatres in the world, even better than Roman Colosseum. Large scale opera performances are performed here, including concerts and plays. Built-in AD 30, with a capacity of more than 30,000 people, the round façade of the building was once covered with white limestone.
3. Juliet’s House
No, Juliet is a fictional character created by Shakespeare, it was the house that inspired Shakespeare. This house was owned by Cappello family, Capulet (Juliet’s surname) is similar (also Romeo-Juliet was set in Verona), which resulted in city citizen’s declaring that it was ‘Juliet’s House’ and so the famous tourist attraction was created. It’s a fine example of Inns of Gothic Architecture. But the famous balcony was added in the 20th Century by putting together pieces from the 17th-century sarcophagus.
4. Piazza DelleErbe
Heart of Verona, this is a buzzing place, which is surrounded by historical monuments. Towards the north is the Town Hall, West has Baroque Pallazo. The north-western side inhabits the site of the ancient Roman Capitol Hill, which looks towards the forum. Visit to capture the façade frescoes, reminiscence the old tower houses or admire the beauty of Madonna Verona, a sculpture built in 380 AD.
5. Castel San Pietro
Built-in 1398, but it was blown up the French in 1801. It was designed by Colonel Petrasch of, Austrian Engineering. At first, it was built in a neo-classical style which was not accepted then they moved on to the Romanesque Revival style. It is the property of the city of Verona since 1932 and not open to the public because of its condition due to neglect of man, but you can visit the esplanade in front to enjoy the magnificent view of the city.
6. Ponte Pietra
Ponte Pietra is a beautiful example of a bridge constructed in stone, located in one of the strategic sites of Verona, it has great panoramic views. This bridge had many cases of collapse in the years 1007, 1153, and the 12th century. But it was built again in the year 1959 after the Germans destroyed five arches of the bridge. A great example of roman bridges, this can be considered as a programme of constructions from different periods.
7. Teatro Romano
Set on the foothills of St. Peter, though affected from damage from the weather, lay entirely buried underneath huts for centuries. It was only in the year, 1830 Veronese Monga purchased the land and started the excavation work. The scenic building was developed to have a stage, backstage and scenery front. Today there remains a cavea and stone seats of the ancient Roman theatre.
8. Castelvecchio
It is the most important construction of the Scaliger dynasty. Castle is powerful and compact in size with very little decoration, built-in red bricks it is an example of Gothic Architecture. Once destroyed by Germans and the Austrians, it was restored in the year 1949, also 1963 and 1965. It has 7 towers and merlons running along the castle walls. Like all castles, it has a ditch around it, which was surrounded by water. It’s now home to a museum and an officer’s club.
9. Sant’Anastasia
It is the most important Gothic style religious monument in Verona. Constructed in brick it has a Rose window on the façade in the centre. Based on a Latin Cross Plan, the church ends with an apse. Like typical Gothic churches, this too has stained windows. The Church’s construction was spotted by Scala Family with Architect is unknown. It has 12 great white marble columns. The style dates from the early 1400s.
10. Duomo Di Verona
Also known as the Verona Cathedral, it was built in Romanesque style but later modified. The façade is divided into three parts, with a pediment, porch and sculptures. The lower floor is constructed of white and rose marble. It is decorated with a series of paintings and Renaissance artworks by Veronese artists. It houses The Chapter Library of Verona Cathedral, one of the oldest libraries that are in function.
11. Chiesa Di San Giorgio in Braida
Its façade is made up of white marble, the rest of the church is made up of brick. One side of the church is facing the Adige River. The interior has a single nave and is simple and grandiose at the same time. There are four lateral chapels on each side. Underneath the dome, there is a choir. This place is filled with artwork and it’s an example of Romanesque Architecture.
12. Giardino Giusti
It is the most beautiful late renaissance garden. Second world war hit this garden bad, plants were overturned and uprooted, it was badly damaged. It was not known the plants were common or of precious varieties, but now it has been restored to its original glory. It’s not your typical garden, It is made inversely as compared to garden present in the city. The dwelling on a lower level with a courtyard, the pathway leads up, giving a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
13. Casa Di Romeo
Not located far away from, Juliet’s house, you’ll find Romeo’s house a medieval structure. It is a private property and it is said to have belonged to Romeo and his family. A restaurant nearby has some of the rooms of the house. An inscription on the facade of the house that reads, “Oh Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” “Tut! I have lost myself; I am not here.” The presence of Romanesque windows along with Gothic and Renaissance influences creates an influence on the brick façade.
14. Porta Borsari
Plan of this complex is italic, with two fornices. It is an example of military engineering of Rome. It originally had an inner court, which is now disappeared. The gate’s Roman name was Porta Iovia, as it was located near a small temple dedicated to Jupiter lustralis. It is assumed that there were two guard towers nearby.
15. Scaliger Tombs
They are a group of five Gothic funerary monuments of the Della Scala family. Tombs are located outside the church of Santa Maria Antica. Built-in gothic style, it is topped by a statue of the dead. They are one of the finest examples of Gothic Art. They are not like the saintly tombs but like the place where people have fallen asleep forever live.
