Verona

Verona
The Historic Centre of the northern Italian city of Verona has been made a World Heritage Site primarily because of its military defensive architecture.

The city’s history spans more than 2000 years: already in the first century BCE a Roman colony was established at this strategic spot. The Arena, the Theatre, the Ponte Pietra bridge and two City Gates still stand til this day.

Another important timeframe was the rule of the Scaliger family (1259-1387). They were responsible for the construction of the Castelvecchio and the adjacent bridge. They also rebuilt the city walls to extend the core of the city well beyond the ancient Roman part.

From 1405 to 1797, Verona belonged to the Venetian Republic. This wealthy period brought three new city gates and numerous palaces and public buildings.

The historic areas were touched by a severe flood in 1882 and World War II. However, restoration and reconstruction was executed with great care, preserving the unique cityscape.

Year Decision Comments
2000 Inscribed Reasons for inscription
1997DeferredAs "Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre of Verona": Bureau - combine it with an eventual nomination of the Historic Centre of Verona OR await completion of Comparative study



Visit April 2007

Verona is a city of gates, towers and bridges. When you walk into town from the railway station the impressive 16th century Porta Nuova marks the beginning of the historical area. A little further there’s the Arena – a Roman amphitheatre from the first century and still in use for Verona’s popular summer operas. It’s an elliptic building, its dark hallways reminding me a lot of a modern football stadium. Construction works were going on, presumably for the opera season.

A few hundred metres to the west is a landmark of another era: the Castelvecchio. From its bridge there’s a good view of what I found to be the most rewarding sight in Verona: the San Zeno church. The interior of this 12th century church has a very pleasing colour scheme, soft colours enhanced by the sunlight coming in. Many frescoes decorate the walls. And I didn’t even get to see the supposedly marvellous bronze doors, they are (temporarily I hope) hidden behind wood.

More to the north there are a number of pretty squares, a Dante statue, the Duomo, the Ponte Pietra bridge and the Roman Theatre. Verona can easily be explored on foot, and there are always plenty of terraces around for lunch or people watching.

Although the city has lived through a number of ruling parties, it has a very homogenuous look. A lot of the same construction material has been used, and the shapes are what could be called ‘elegant romanesque’. On the theme of ‘urban continuity’, some parallels also can be drawn with the German World Heritage of Trier: it’s amazing to see Roman remains of this quality so far north in Europe.

More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery

Reviews

elene (georgia):
:) I was in verona for 10 days . I have unforgetable memories . It is winderful city , with narrow and romantic streets . :) i miss Veronaaaa :*:*:(
Date posted: May 2008
Assif Am-David (Israel):
For me the main reason to visit Verona is its marvelous medievil churches. They are absolutely stunning! Do buy the Verona Card which allows you entry to the five top churches - all of which certainly deserve a visit - as well as to the Roman Arena and Castelvecchio (the Scaglier Palace with a picture gallery). There is also a Roman theatre where plays are performed (don't confuse it with the Arena which is an amphitheatre). Near the theatre there is a nice small archeological museum.
 
Klaus Freisinger (Austria):
Verona is one the greatest cities in Italy, very important both historically and culturally. Several Shakespeare plays are set there, and the balcony from Romeo and Juliet is always a major tourist draw (well, it's just any old balcony, really). The Lion of St.Marks can be seen throughout the city, attesting to the city's past as part of the Republic of Venice. There are many churches, monuments, and fortresses from various epochs, especially the Late Middle Ages, when the Scaliger family ruled Verona, but the greatest sight of them all is the arena, where nowadays operas are performed.
 
Graeme (UK):
Verona is one of my favourite Italian cities. From the open-air opera performances during the summer months to delightful decorations of the pedestrian-only areas during the holiday season, the town just begs to be explored. That being said, some sites are better than others. Don't get dragged into the tourist trap at "Juliet's House", and the arena, unless there is a performance going on, isn't really worth an entrance fee. I prefer instead heading over to the Roman theatre on the opposite bank of the river or strolling around the streets and alleys surrounding the Piazza dell'Erbe. Although the town becomes quite crowded in the summer, its generous open streets offer a welcomed contrast to the crush of Venice.
 
Gatis (Latvia):
Italy sometimes seems just too rich with architecture and history. After visiting 6 - 7 magnificent cities you just get weary. So it happened for me with Verona. Then I did not like it very much.
Now, after some years I begin to appreciate this town. It does not have magnificent views (at least I did not find any), but it is very reach with history and magnificent buildings. It is ridiculous that most tourists associate this town with the story of Romeo and Giulietta - to me (o, yeah, I am not the general tourist, gy gy) far more interesting seemed the story about the tusk of elephant. It is hanging under one arch. It is said that this tusk would fall on the first bypasser who is free of sins. So it hangs there for centuries, thousands of tourists including popes from Rome are passing the arch, I did it as well...
 


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