10 Reasons to Visit Verona Over Venice
Venice can be unpleasantly overcrowded and overpriced, and travelers there will have a hard time finding authenticity amidst so much mass tourism. Verona, however, is a much quieter town with no less romance and beauty. From opera festivals held in ancient Roman ruins, to modern-day takes on traditional cuisine, the city has a great deal of culture to be discovered and experienced. In Verona, you’ll find a delightfully vibrant northern Italian town with a more down-to-earth feel.
Romance central
It’s no wonder that the place that Shakespeare chose to set the immortal Romeo and Juliet carries some unearthly charm. The city has a monument dedicated to her next to a gorgeously crumbling old balcony that they attribute to the Capulet family. While the connection is entirely made up, there’s more than enough beauty to justify it.
Wine country
The countryside surrounding Verona is known for its delicious wine, including the rich and intense amarone, made in a special process that uses raisins instead of grapes. Make a trip to the vineyards in the countryside, or just drink your fill at the local bars and enoteche.
La Piazza delle Erbe
The heart of local life in Verona, where vendors sell vegetables and fruits by day and young people bring the party by night. It’s surrounded by lovely medieval and Renaissance architecture and there is an arch called Arco della Costa, with a real hanging whale rib. The legend goes that this bone will fall on the first person to pass who has never told a lie, so the excessively virtuous might want to keep an eye out.
Specialty foods
There are all kinds of special dishes and ingredients that are specific to the city. For example, the local wine is used in cooking to make the delightfully dark risotto all’amarone. Wonderfully airy gnocchi and the thick and chewy bigoli are two traditional pasta dishes. For the main course, horse meat is the local delicacy and polenta the accompaniment of choice.
Roman ruins
Verona sits happily at the number two place for Roman ruins in all Italy behind Rome. You’ll see the remains of ancient roads and walls incorporated into the fabric of everyday infrastructure. As in the rest of the city, the old and new coexist with nonchalance.
Art in a medieval palace
This incredible fortress from the Middle Ages was restored in the 20th century by renowned architect Carlo Scarpa, so you’ll be seeing not only Verona’s medieval history, but also its modern one. It now houses a wonderful art collection including work by Bellini, Tiepolo and Mantegna. It’s a great way to spend the day, with lovely views of the river.
Budget eats
The range of eating options in Verona will be more authentic and at lower prices than anywhere you’ll find in Venice. Away from the touristy hotspots, you’ll find a huge range of options for eating well on a budget, with local people and students.
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