What to see in Verona
Must-see attractions in Verona
Verona is a concentration of beauty that captivates at first glance.
Whether visiting for the first time or returning once again, there are countless highlights that go far beyond simple monuments. From the magic of the Arena to the romance of Juliet’s House, and up to the panoramic views from Castel San Pietro, here are the absolute must-sees to discover the soul of the city.
Verona Arena
An undisputed symbol of the city, the Arena is one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the world.
Built in the 1st century AD, it is older than the Colosseum and once hosted over 30,000 spectators for gladiatorial games. Despite the 1117 earthquake that destroyed the outer ring, the remaining “wing” still reveals its majestic structure.
Today, after two thousand years, it is the most prestigious open-air opera venue in the world, where acoustics and atmosphere turn every performance into a unique experience—not only for opera, but also for unforgettable concerts and musical events.
Juliet's House
Housed in a 13th-century palace on Via Cappello, Juliet’s House is where literature meets reality. Though inspired by
Shakespeare’s tale, the residence historically belonged to the Cappello family, whose coat of arms is still visible in the courtyard.
Beyond the famous balcony and bronze statue, a destination for lovers from all over the world, the building is a refined example of Veronese Gothic architecture, capable of evoking the timeless atmosphere of the medieval city.
Castel San Pietro
If the Arena is the heart of Verona, Castel San Pietro is its gaze. This hill, inhabited since the Iron Age, is where the first urban nucleus of the city was born. The imposing barracks visible today date back to the Austrian era, but
the true magic lies in the panorama: from its square, the city unfolds like a tapestry of red rooftops and bell towers mirrored in the Adige River.
The perfect spot to embrace all of Verona at a glance.
Castelvecchio
Built in the mid-14th century by Cangrande II, Castelvecchio is the city’s most impressive example of military architecture. Its iconic swallowtail battlements and defensive keep tell the story of the Scaliger dynasty’s power.
Today it houses the Civic Museum, renovated by Carlo Scarpa, where medieval works and sculptures stand out, including the famous equestrian statue of Cangrande.
Ponte Pietra
Dating back to the 1st century BC, Ponte Pietra is the oldest Roman bridge still standing in Verona. Crossing it is like traveling through time: its arches blend original marble stone with red brick from the Scaliger period, telling two thousand years of history.
Destroyed by bombing in 1945, it was faithfully rebuilt by the people of Verona, who salvaged stone by stone from the bed of the Adige River.
Today it is a symbol of the city and offers one of the most iconic views of Castel San Pietro.
Palazzo della Gran Guardia
Located directly opposite the Arena, this imposing late-Renaissance palace stands out for its long façade. Construction began in 1610 to host military exercises, but was only completed in the 19th century.
Its architecture blends the solidity of the rusticated ground floor with the elegance of the upper level inspired by Palladian style.
Today, it is one of Italy’s most prestigious exhibition and congress venues.
Scalinger Tombs
Just steps from Piazza delle Erbe lies one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the mausoleum of the Della Scala family.
This monumental complex, among the finest examples of Gothic art in Europe, houses the tombs of the rulers who governed Verona in the 13th and 14th centuries. Protected by finely crafted wrought-iron gates, the tombs impress with their verticality and richly decorated spires and sarcophagi—
a powerful symbol of the dynasty that shaped Verona’s history.