6 Fascinating Facts About Verona: Discover the Hidden Gems of This Enchanting Italian City!

1. Romeo and Juliet's Balcony Prank

Verona's lover's paradise, La Casa di Giulietta, might be the most romantic prank in history: the balcony where star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet are said to have wooed each other? Actually, it's the former 12th-century abode of a family called Cappello, whose name inspired Shakespeare's oh-so-serious Capulets, bought by the city chieftains in 1905. Thanks to thirsty tourists wandering in hope of a brush with eternal love, poor Juliet's bronze statue is slowly turning green with patina. And if your heart is throbbing with letters to Juliet? Fear not, for Verona's very own Cupids are here, forming a secret society of love advice-givers!
Source => atlasobscura.com

2. The Mighty Lemon of Castel Vecchio Bridge

If life gives you lemons, Verona gives you the mighty Castel Vecchio Bridge – a true architectural escapade: Constructed in the 14th century by Cangrande II della Scala as an emergency escape route from his castle, this fortified bridge features the world's largest bridge arch at the time, spanning 48.70 meters, pentagonal towers, and shrinking spans. Though destroyed by German troops in 1945 and rebuilt by Libero Cecchini in 1951, this bridge still hides in the shadow of its famous neighbor, the Castelvecchio Museum.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

Did you know that Venice had its own "OG" of industry, with the largest pre-industrial complex in Europe, featuring stunning architecture and majestic Greek lions? Discover more about this monumental site!

=> Fun Facts about Venice

3. Tipsy on History in Valpolicella

Ever thought of getting tipsy on history? You'll find the perfect spot to do just that in Valpolicella! This Italian paradise offers a cocktail of heritage, culture, and, of course, their famous red wine: Soak in the ancient Roman vibes at San Giorgio's temple and church, swoon over Renaissance masterpieces at Villa della Torre or Villa Mosconi Bertani, and find your inner romantic among the dreamy Italian gardens at Villa Rizzardi. Cheers to a divine experience!
Source => veronissima.com

4. Verona: Rome's Mini-Me

You know how Rome wasn't built in a day? Well, neither was its mini-me, Verona: Standing the test of time for over 2,000 years, the Verona Arena – a slightly tinier colosseum – has been stealing the show ever since the 1st century BC, hosting everything from gladiator battles to operatic spectacles.
Source => agriturismo.life

5. Star-Crossed Weddings at San Zeno

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a star-crossed wedding stole the limelight, giving new life to Shakespeare's immortal dream: The Basilica di San Zeno in Verona is believed to have housed the crypt where the legendary Romeo and Juliet got hitched, with its Romanesque architecture playing a fitting backdrop for the tragedian romance. Dedicated to St. Zeno of Verona, the church transitioned from earthquake survivor to a haven for Juliet-hit tourists, marrying history, literature, and tourism into one magnificent structure.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

6. Scaliger Family's Gothic Showstoppers

When it comes to ruling with style, Verona's 13th-century Scaliger family really knocked 'em dead, going out in a Blaze of Gothic Glory: The Scaliger Tombs, located outside Santa Maria Antica church, are intricately designed funeral monuments featuring statues of the deceased donning armor atop their own elaborate baldachins, making them a jaw-dropping example of Gothic art.
Source => en.wikipedia.org