Verona
is a work of art in itself, a fascinating
cross-roads of historical periods and cultures (both classical and Germanic), a
blend of both Nordic and "Mediterranean" influences; the city is at the same
time both ancient and modern.
A walk through its narrow cobbled streets allows you to get in touch with its varied and
fascinating past, traces of its splendid Roman origins and its prevailing medieval
structures dating back to the time of knights and castles, its magnificent
Renaissance palaces as well as the impressive fortifications which protect the
city.
A suggestive blend of Italian art and history continues to fascinates Verona's
many visitors
Arena, Verona's most famous monument, visited by tourists
from Italy and the world. Italy holiday offers.
Situated in Piazza Bra', the
Amphitheatre built in AD 30, in the period which marked the end of Augustus
reign and the beginning of that of Claudius. It is the third largest
amphitheatre in Italy, after the Coliseum and the amphitheatre of Capua The
amphitheatre could host more than 30,000 spectators in ancient times.
Its elliptical shape produces perfect acoustics from every physical stand point
in the arena and enhances its capacity to accommodate a great number of people
even today. Performances used to take
place in the centre of the amphitheatre, the arena or the area
covered in sand where gladiatorial combats were held, the sand being used to
absorb the blood of gladiators and animals.
The amphitheatre consists of three concentric rings, only a brief section of the
external ring remains the so called Ala. The fade was built in limestone
white and pink in colour from the Valpolicella quarries. Its original colour
has been restored to it's former glory thanks to recent restoration. The second internal ring remains
intact with its double tier of seventy-two arches
"There is no world without Verona walls": the pen of William
Shakespeare has lent Verona fame and immortality with his tale of two
star-crossed lovers, Romeo Montecchi and Juliet Capuleti.
The story of their tragic love is set in two precise locations - Juliet's house
and the tomb.
The Capulet House, best known as "Juliet's House", dates back to the thirteenth
century. It is tower-shaped and belonged to the Dal Cappello family, whose
coat-of-arms is visible above the inner arch-way of the court-yard. The brick
fade is decorated by elegant gothic windows standing on either side of the
famous balcony on which Juliet is said to have spoken to Romeo.
The house has several storeys and tickets can be bought to visit it. The
interior contains the furniture of a typical fourteenth century aristocratic
household, enhanced by a wide range of medieval ceramics. Antonio Avena's
masterful restoration (carried out in 1935) brought to life the elegant frescoes
within, and which highlight inlaid wooden chests, brick fireplaces, wooden
staircases and landings.
At the far end of the courtyard stands Nero Costantini's bronze statue of
Juliet visited by thousands of tourists every year from all over the world.
