What a famous bridge in Verona. Verona, from myths to reality

Verona is an amazing city, located near Venice and Milan. Filled with sights and architectural monuments, it is like a magnet attracting travelers from different parts of the world. The beauty of natural landscapes and medieval buildings every time makes the heart beat faster, and after parting with the city, returning here again and again.

What to see in Verona on your own?

Beautiful places and main attractions: photos with descriptions in Russian.

Juliet's House in Verona

Juliet's House is a small brick house in which, according to legend, the young heroine of the famous Shakespearean tragedy lived by us all. The most interesting place in this house is the courtyard with a balcony, where Romeo confessed his love to Juliet. Near this famous balcony there is a bronze statue of Juliet. It is believed that touching the right chest of the Shakespearean heroine will bring happiness and luck. In addition, among tourists there is another belief according to which, lovers kissing under the Juliet's balcony will never part. Therefore, it is easy to imagine what is happening there, given that this place is visited annually by hundreds of thousands of tourists! Being in this place, you can taste the extraordinary love story that Shakespeare showed us in his work!

Arena di Verona

Arena di Verona - a huge amphitheater, which has been preserved in excellent and amazing condition to this day. This is surprising since he survived world wars, earthquakes and floods. And sometimes it just doesn’t fit in my head how to build and save this creation without any supreme help. Now, as before, theatrical productions and operas are held here. It is believed that the best productions of "Romeo and Juliet" are held here. Many world voices come to perform on the millennial stage, and thousands of tourists to watch it.

Castelvecchio Castle

Castelvecchio Castle was built in the 8th century as a defensive fortress. It has a Gothic architecture and, by the way, is very similar to the Moscow Kremlin. This castle looks, as they say, very strict and angry. But at the same time it is a strong and aesthetic building. After all, the bridge in this castle stood without reconstruction, attention, more than 500 years! The castle itself contains a large collection of paintings and sculptures and ancient weapons of various masters of the Middle Ages.

Justy's Garden

It is here, in the garden of Justy, that an oasis of peace and tranquility reigns. And it is here that you can escape from dusty streets, from a noisy city, from the fleeting rhythm of life. There you can just stop and breathe in this fresh air of calm and understand how beautiful this world is all the same. Understand that there are places in this world where you can forget about everything. This park complex is decorated with fountains and statues. A wonderful alley with tall trees stretches from the front gates. There are also terraces on the upper and lower levels, with amazing views of Verona. The warm air will make you feel the atmosphere of those times when Emperor Joseph II, Goethe and Mozart walked around this park.

Palazzo Maffei

One of the many palaces of the city, built in the 15th century in the Baroque style. The building is decorated with statues of ancient Roman gods, half columns and balconies. Inside the building there is now a hotel, the ancient interior of which allows guests to feel the atmosphere of antiquity. A Gardello clock tower was erected next to the palace, older than the Palazzo Maffei, which has been reconstructed more than once.

Lamberti Tower

This building, located on Erbe Square, was built in the 12th century, initially it was lower than in our time. Over the years, its height has reached 84 meters, and now it is the tallest building in the city. The observation deck offers stunning views of Verona. The architecture of the tower retained the imprint of those eras during which it existed; at its top are bells, the size of one of them exceeds 4 tons - this is the second largest bell of Verona.

Verona Cathedral

The main cathedral of Verona, created in the 12th century, is a surprisingly beautiful architectural monument, in which two styles prevail: Romanesque - from the outside, Gothic - inside the cathedral. In the building itself you can see ancient works of art of great value. In the bell tower of the cathedral is the oldest bell in the city.

Gavi Arch

This historic building, owned by the noble Verona family of Gavi, was erected by architect Lucius Vitruvius Zerdon in the 1st century. n e. In 1932, the monument was reconstructed, to which the arch changed its location more than once. Decorated with columns, an elegant pattern in the shape of plants, as well as statues that were later lost, the Gavi arch served as a model of a classical antique structure during the creation of other architectural monuments.

House of Merchants

Domus Mercatorum, or the House of Merchants, is an old building in the Gothic style, which contains traces of the Middle Ages and has been changed by the hand of a person more than once, it is located in Piazza delle Erbe. Until the 14th century it was wooden, and then its walls were rebuilt into stone. Later, the House of Merchants was decorated with arches. Already from the name it becomes clear that historically the building belonged to craftsmen and merchants. Today, the building belongs to the People's Bank.

Scaliger Arches

The arches of the Scaligers, built in the 14th century, are majestic burials of the rulers of the city, originating from a noble family: Kangrand I, Mastino II and Cancinorio della Scala. The arches are made in the Gothic style, each stands out for its architectural features, each is decorated with an image of a ruler resting in it. These historic sites are located next to the Santa Maria Antica Church.

Santa Anastasia

The church, created in the Gothic style, was built from the 12th to the 15th centuries in honor of St. Anastasia the Decisive. The cathedral consists of three rooms with columns; the marble floor is tiled. Santa Anastasia is a stunning work of art: it is decorated with ancient frescoes, bas-reliefs depicting the life of the great martyress herself, and many of them are dedicated to the life of the Apostle Peter. Inside the walls are painted in the Renaissance style.

Forty Contemporary Art Gallery

The ancient Forti Palace was restored in the 20th century, after which a museum of modern art appeared here. Initially, in this place you could see a private collection of art collected by Achilles Forti, who donated it to the city. Then, due to constant replenishment of the collection, it grew and now amounts to 1,400 exhibits, of which only a small part are works of modern art, and the rest dates back to the 19-20 centuries.

Monument to Dante Alighieri

The monument, erected in honor of the 600th anniversary of the great poet, who presented the world with "Divine Comedy", is located on Piazza Signoria. After being expelled from Florence, Dante spent part of his life in Verona, which served as the occasion for the creation of a marble monument. The statue depicting Dante stands in deep thought, the poet holds a book in his hands. In the same square, very close to the monument, there is a cafe, also dedicated to Dante.

Church of San Fermo Maggiore

Our modern church building, made in the Romanesque style and complemented by Gothic elements, was erected in the 11th century on the banks of the Adige River. Prior to this, another church existed in the same place, created back in the 8th century in honor of the holy martyrs. Here is the burial place of saints. The building is divided into two parts: the upper and lower churches. In the church you can see many old works of art and admire the rich decoration of the premises.

Verona Madonna Fountain

This is an architectural monument of the 14th century, erected by order of a noble family of Scaligers and located in Piazza delle Erbe. Above the fountain rises the figure of the Madonna, holding the emblem of the city in her hands. The bottom of the fountain is dotted with coins - people who come to this place believe that they will be provided with wealth, you just need to throw a coin in the fountain. This tradition dates back to the days when merchants and merchants of Verona made profitable trade deals between themselves around the fountain.

House Romeo

According to legend, passing from one admirer of Shakespeare's work to another, the Montecca family lived in this house. The building, built in the 14th century, combines two styles: Gothic and Romanesque. The house cannot be viewed from the inside, because it is privately owned, part of the house is reserved for the hotel. Initially, this building belonged to the counts of Nogarola, only after a long time it turned into the house of Romeo. Not far from it is another building - the house of Juliet.

Tomb of Juliet

The grave of the famous Shakespearean heroine is in the monastery of San Francesco Al Corso, in this place the lovers died. The tomb is located among the exhibits of the archaeological museum. The coffin is covered with cute declarations of love, at the bottom are flowers. Near the tomb there is a picturesque monastery garden, decorated with bas-reliefs dedicated to Shakespeare, in the center of the garden there is a well into which tourists throw coins - for good luck.

Captain's palace

Cansignorio Palace, or the Palace of Captains, is a 14th-century building in Piazza Signoria. Initially, the building was a fortress, built by order of the ruler of Verona, Cancinorio della Scala. Later, it housed the residence of the governors of the city, and then the city prison. Numerous reconstructions transformed the Palace of Captains, there is very little left of the previous architecture.

San zen maggiore

The church, built over the tomb of St. Zinon of Veronia, was erected in the 5th century. This ancient building has a long history: the basilica was transferred, destroyed, reconstructed many times until it became what it can be seen now. The church building is decorated with bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible, sculptures of saints, bronze panels showing the wonders of St. Zinon, and you can also find his relics in the basilica.

Palazzo della Rajone

The Palazzo della Rajone is located between the Piazza delle Erbe and the Piazza dei Senoria. The building was built in the 19th century and has since undergone several renovations. For several centuries, many city institutions have visited its premises. Even time can not destroy the traces of luxurious exterior decoration. The attention of tourists is immediately attracted by the striped facade of the building. Inside, you can admire both ancient and modern painting.

Garibaldi Monument

Giuseppe Garibaldi, who lived in the 19th century, is a national hero of Italy, a revolutionary liberator who has done a lot for his country, so the monuments to this great man can be found throughout Italy. One of them was built by grateful Italians in Verona near the house of Juliet. Giuseppe Garibaldi rides a horse here, the hero is often visited by tourists.

Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra is an arched bridge 120 meters long, thrown from one bank of the Verona river Adige to another. Its construction began in the 1st century BC, when the ancient Romans lived on this site. Initially, the bridge was made of wood, but more than once collapsed into the river, so later it became marble, and then, after several destruction and reconstruction, it turned into stone. Ponte Pietra offers stunning views of the picturesque landscapes of Verona.

Porta Borsari

This is the facade of an ancient Roman building, built in the 1st century AD. Previously, Verona barracks were located in it. Only a three-story facade has survived to our days, semicircular arches rise above the road. The historical monument is decorated with columns. Our current name arose in the Middle Ages and is translated as a tax; then a customs outpost was found here. The facade has been preserved quite well and is an example of magnificent ancient Roman architecture.

San giorgio in braida

This Catholic monastery was built in the 11th century. And now you can admire its architecture: the building consists of one nave, there are five altars in the building. Previously, the bell tower rose above the monastery, but then a dome was created in its place. Among the objects of San Giorgio in Braid there are real works of art. The style in which the monastery was built can be attributed to the architecture of the Renaissance.

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

In many places of beautiful Italy you can find such monuments. The man in whose honor this building was erected on the Slavic embankment in the 19th century is the first king of united Italy. On both sides of the monument is decorated with figures of lions and women depicting Venice. On the one side of the monument, the statues symbolize the defeat in the uprising against the rule of Austria, on the other - the accession to Italy.

Archaeological Museum

The museum arose in 1923 in the monastery of San Gerolamo near the Roman Theater. Among the archaeological finds in the collection you can find many objects of the times of Ancient Rome: there are figurines and sculptures, household items, murals and mosaics, as well as a large number of other exhibits. The building itself is also a historical monument, a work of art. The collection of the archaeological museum is replenished thanks to donations.

Capitals Library

This is an old library of Verona, where you can find many ancient books, the most ancient of which is a book from the time of Antiquity, written in 517 by the lecturer Ursichino. The library building was erected in the 18th century, where precious manuscripts were transferred. During the war, the library was destroyed, some books were lost, others were damaged on others. The building was later reconstructed. Now in the library of Kapitulov you can find a huge number of ancient and rare books.

Church of Santa Maria Antica

The Romanesque church is located in the city center and is one of the most visited places in Verona. The building was built in the 7th century, but was badly damaged after the earthquake, and over time it was reconstructed more than once. For some time the church belonged to the important Verona clan della Scala. Santa Maria Antica consists of three naves. Frescoes of the 13th century are preserved in the basilica. Now tourists can see this building as it was in the 12th century.

Church of san lorenzo

The building of the modern church of San Lorenzo was erected in the 12th century on the site of a more ancient church - this is how old documents say. Some fragments of the former building were found during restoration. The church immediately attracts attention with its facade: striped walls, columns attached along the edges, a Romanesque style of architecture. Inside the building are preserved matronae - places for women. The columns are decorated with eagles, clutching their prey in the claws. The church has been reconstructed more than once.

Porta leoni

Porta Leoni, or the Lion's Gate - is the gate of the times of Ancient Rome, which stood at the exit from the city. They got their name thanks to the sarcophagus standing next to them with images of lions, and before that they were renamed more than once. Porta Leoni was built in the 1st century AD and served as a defensive outpost. The gates reached a height of 13 meters, connected to the fortress wall and towers.

Roman theater

The ancient Roman theater was created in the 1st century AD, it is located on the hill of San Pietro. It combines Ionic and Tuscan architectural styles. Before the height of the theater was 27 meters. Places reserved for viewers are divided into lower and upper regions. The architecture of the Roman Theater was severely affected by the spills of the nearby Adige River. In the restored theater, performances are held today, which anyone can watch.

Porta Nuova

Porta Nuova Gate was built in the 16th century, was the main front gate of the city, and also performed a protective function. In the building you can trace the features of medieval architecture. In the 19th century, the gates were rebuilt. Previously, a lion towered above the gate, and then the Austrians replaced it with a coat of arms with figures of a two-headed eagle and griffins; a statue of an eagle was lost over time. Later, the gate was reconstructed.

Palace of Podesta

The palace was erected in Signorio Square in the 13th century by order of a noble family della Scala, ruling Verona. The great Dante, who was in exile from his hometown of Florence, once lived in this palace. Podesta is the position of manager; such managers held political meetings in the palace, hence the name of the building. A bas-relief with a lion was installed above the castle portal. The top of the building is decorated with battlements, the walls and ceiling inside are painted by Italian painters.

  Be sure to visit Verona - your time will not be wasted in vain and memories will remain in your memory for a long time, and the desire to come back here will arise again and again.

Architectural heritage

The stone bridge, located in the historic center of Verona, just 150 meters north of the cathedral, is not only the first stone bridge that was once built in Verona, but also the first large marble structure in the city. Until now, he is given great historical and cultural significance. It is the only Romanesque bridge in the city of Verona, which, despite years and wars, has never been completely destroyed. For the first time, the construction of a bridge at this place was already done in the 2nd century BC, its predecessor was almost entirely made of wood, only after a while it was replaced by a stone structure. The times of devastating earthquakes that greatly shocked Verona in the XI-XIII centuries and caused significant destruction of other architectural structures, touched the bridge slightly, a small part of it was collapsed, but then restored again. More significant reconstructions were carried out only at the beginning of the 16th century, they were led by the Italian scientist and architect Fra Giovanni Giocondo. The Second World War tried to destroy the structure, despite the retreat in April 1945, the Nazi army almost completely destroyed the bridge, leaving only an arch located on the right bank of the Adige River. It is worth noting that it was erected at the end of the XIII century, representing great historical significance, after the war, with the participation of architect Piero Gazzola, its restoration began, which led to the creation of an exact copy of the remaining parts of the bridge.

Features of the erected structure

The stone bridge, which today consists of five differing from each other in the size and shape of the arches, is lined with white marble and red brick. If you look closely, you can see that all the arches are supported by specially equipped supports that are sunk to the bottom of the Adige River. The third support is equipped with a small round window, and the fifth - a semicircular Romanesque window. According to historians, the original structure was decorated with four identical windows, which were laid after numerous medieval reconstructions, most likely this was done in order to give the structure more stability and reliability. The stone bridge, called Ponte Pietra, from the Italian Ponte Pietra in translation sounds like a "bridge-stone." Today, visitors from many countries around the world come to Verona to admire the beautiful Roman arch bridge, thrown across the Adige River. It is worth noting that the very first bridge built on this site back in 89 BC. e. bore a completely different name, the locals called it the Marmoreus bridge, only after further significant rebuilding the building got its real name. A distinctive feature of the bridge is an old watchtower, erected on one side, and a length of 120 meters. In addition, after the withdrawal of the German invaders, many bridges in the city were completely destroyed, and still have not been restored. However, the architects managed to collect the Stone Bridge from the original fragments remaining at the bottom of the river.

Verona is the second city in Italy after Rome in terms of the number of well-preserved Roman buildings: there is an ancient theater and amphitheater, a stone bridge over the Adige river, the Gaviev arch and city gates, the decorative apparatus of which glorifies the Roman Empire.

Just walk around the city and the magnificent buildings and ruins of antiquity will remind you of its rich past. Walking along the pavements, under which there are ruins and mosaics of ancient Roman villas and mansions, you can see fragments of these monuments in specially equipped archaeological sites of Skavi Scaligieri and Villa di Valdonega.

History

The first contacts of future Verona with Rome are noted in the IV century. BC. The peoples who inhabit this area begin to enter into regular trade relations with the Eternal City.

Porta Borsari, one of the ancient Roman monuments of Verona / www.shutterstock.com

With the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Verona first adopted Christianity (this occurs between the 3rd and 4th centuries), and then became the prey of many conquerors because of the Alps. In these dark centuries, the city experienced a short period of prosperity from 493 to 526, when Verona became one of the favorite cities of the Theodoric king of the Ostrogoths. He builds palaces, plumbing, baths and new walls here.

From 1181 to 1185 Pope Lucius III lives here. At this time, Verona became an active participant in the struggle of free communes for autonomy, which the emperors Friedrich Barbarossa and Frederick II Staufen tried to challenge. After some time, the power in the city was taken over by Ezzelino da Romano, and since 1263 Verona has been ruled by the Scaliger dynasty for more than 120 years.

The family of Della Scala did not disdain any means to come to power, but managed to provide the city with long-term economic prosperity, which he had not known since ancient Rome. They built castles, churches, palaces and turned Verona into one of the cultural centers of late medieval Italy: Giotto, Dante and Petrarch visited the Scaligers, and the latter found a manuscript of letters from Cicero in the library of the local chapter.

On October 17, 1797, the entire region came under Austrian control and remained in this status until 1866, with the exception of the period from 1805 to 1814, when Verona was part of the Italian kingdom. At this time, fortifications were actively being built, Fort Pastrengo, Arsenal and San Pietro Castle were being erected.

What to see

Amphitheater Arena

This is the main monument of Verona, where major concerts and music festivals take place. It recalls the ancient past of the city and is the third surviving amphitheater in size after the Colosseum in Rome and the amphitheater in Capua. "Arena" was built in the I century. BC. This elliptical structure rests on a continuous sequence of 27 double stone arches.

In the era of the Roman Empire (the "Arena" was built during the reign of Augustus and Claudius) there were gladiatorial battles; the name "Arena" comes from the Latin word "harena" - "sand": this coating absorbed the blood remaining after the battles. For many centuries, tournaments and duels were staged at the amphitheater, staged ballets, circus shows and tamed bulls; since 1993, the largest open-air opera festival has been held here, and this is an absolutely unforgettable experience.

Bra Square

When inspecting Verona, it’s wise to start from Bra Square: it is located in the very center of the city and is usually well lit by the rays of the sun. Here you will find buildings of various times and styles.

The most famous of these are the Arena, the Palazzo Barbieri and the Palazzo della Gran Guard; the Alpine Fountain, the Liston walking bridge and the aristocratic palazzo along it, the walls of the Visconti dynasty, the monument to Victor Emmanuel II and the pentagonal tower also deserve attention.

"Alpine Fountain" is set in the middle of centuries-old fir trees decorating the central square. It was built in 1975 in honor of the twin cities of the Scaligers and Munich. Locals affectionately call it "lemon ginger" for a shape resembling a citrus juicer, and enjoy swimming in it when Verona athletes win important victories.

Opposite the fountain is the Palazzo Barbieri - the building of the city municipality, where city council meetings also take place. This monumental neoclassical building was built from 1836 to 1848. and reminds of ancient temples. Its scale makes a powerful impression. The central part of the facade is occupied by a protruding portico with columns of the Corinthian order, a wide staircase and a large triangular pediment with the emblem of the city. Two wings are decorated with massive half-columns that add monumentality and set the rhythm for window openings on two floors of the building.

Palazzo Grand Guard / (c) wikimedia.commons

A little further is another monumental palace, the Grand Guard, which seems to be trying to compete in grandeur with the bulk of the "Arena". It was built from 1610 to 1853. and consists of two floors and an attic. The building is almost 90 meters long; its facade is decorated with thirteen majestic arcades with a powerful and rude rustication. Above the second floor there is an architrave with metopes and triglyphs.

Piazza delle Erbe

For many centuries, Grass Square has remained the center of Verona's social, economic, and religious life. In the ancient Roman era, the Forum was located here, the length of which approximately coincided with the length of the current area. The Forum had the Capitol, several temples and therms, interconnected by a covered gallery with numerous shops.

During the period of the free commune, the buildings of the main state institutions were located here, and under the Scaligers, trade and cultural functions were added to the political functions.

In the eastern part of the square, from the side of Mazzini street, is the Palazzo della Rajone (aka the Palazzo del Comune) of the 13th century, the centuries-old center of political power in the city. A tower rises above the palace, erected in 1172 by the Lamberti family in the Romanian style characteristic of that era; its traces are still visible closer to the base of the structure, made of bricks alternating with tuff. Over the years, the tower was made taller, materials and styles changed, although the result always remained harmonious, and in 1464 an octagonal belfry was completed. The tower reached 84 meters and became the highest in the city.

In the northwestern part of the square there are two buildings of historical and artistic interest: the baroque Palazzo Maffei and the old Gardello tower. The palace was built in the XVII century. and became the first Baroque building in all of Verona. Its elegant and refined building has three floors and a magnificent facade, decorated with six statues of mythological characters. All of them are made of marble of local origin, except for the statue of Hercules: it was found on the ruins of the temple of the 1st century. AD (its ruins are visible in the cellars of a restaurant located on the ground floor).

The Gardello Tower was built in the 13th century, but the present appearance acquired under Cansignorio della Scala, who ordered the tower to be put in order in 1363 and raised to its current height of 44 m.

On the corner with Pellichchai Street stands the magnificent Domus-Mercatorum building, erected by the Scaligers in 1301 to guide the city workshops, when a new market was placed on the square (there was not enough space for the old one, which was located on the small Mercato-Vecchio square) . Over the years, he repeatedly rebuilt and changed his mission, but at the end of the XIX century. was returned to its original form of a medieval fortified house.

Ponte di Pietra Bridge

This bridge was built in the first century BC. instead of the previous wooden. Without a doubt, it is the oldest and one of the most beautiful Roman buildings of the city, as well as one of the symbols of Verona. In the era of antiquity, Verona had seven bridges over the Adige River, two of which were located near the Roman Theater: Ponte Marmoreus (now Ponte di Pietra) and Ponte Postumius. In 905, a flood occurred on Adige, and the latter was dilapidated. Three centuries later, in 1239, he finally surrendered to the mercy of the elements.

For more than two thousand years of its history, Ponte di Pietra survived many floods and collapses and was rebuilt several times. Now it looks like a donkey's back and rests on asymmetric arches, which, of course, are significantly different from the original configuration of the structure. However, it is this unusual layering of materials and forms, which indicates various stages in the life of the bridge, that gives it a special charm. The ideal time for a walk around Ponte di Pietra is the evening, when skillfully tuned lighting, reflections and splashing of river water make it one of the most romantic places in Verona.

Juliet's House

Juliet and Romeo - the two most famous lovers in the world - found immortality thanks to the pen of William Shakespeare. Verona, one of the most beautiful cities in Italy, whose historical and cultural heritage impressed artists, poets, travelers and famous people at all times, was the backdrop of their tragedy. The story of the unhappy love of Romeo and Juliet unfolds in two well-defined points in the city - the house of Juliet and her grave.

The house was built in the XIII century. This is a tower house, for a long time owned by the Dal Cappello family, whose coat of arms - the headgear - is knocked out from the inside of the entrance arch facing the courtyard. On the facade of the building is the famous balcony, from which Juliet allegedly spoke with her lover. The house can be visited: inside there is a plausible reconstruction of a 15th century house distributed over several floors; the walls are decorated with frescoes restored now, and besides them, the interior stands out with benches with carved drawers, brick fireplaces and other details.

At the back of the courtyard is a statue of Juliet by Nereo Costantini. Thousands of tourists from all over the world come here every year.

Antique theater

Today, from the Roman theater, built on the side of the hill of San Pietro closer to the end of the 1st century. BC, there were only places for spectators and a tribune, as well as individual arches and impressive fragments of the scene. New civil and religious buildings were built on the ruins of the theater in the Middle Ages. Clearing of the monument began in 1834.

Antique Theater / www.shutterstock.com

In the upper part of the theater, in the premises of the former monastery of San Girolamo, is the Archaeological Museum. It was founded in 1924. The exposition presents hundreds of objects found in Verona and the surrounding area, as well as materials from city collections. Many things are stored in storage rooms and are shown only at individual exhibitions.

Lamberti Tower

Lamberti Tower was built of tuff, bricks and marble in the Middle Ages. In 1464, it was restored, and in 1779 a large clock was installed on the tower. Its height is 84 m. The tower is famous for its two bells - Rengo and Marangona; the first gathered a city council or called citizens to arms, and the second beat the clock or warned of a fire.

The tower can be accessed by stairs or by elevator. From there, a magnificent view of the old city and the surroundings of Verona.

Cathedral

Although Verona Cathedral is located on a small and strict square, it is the most beautiful and richest church in the city. The graceful church of the Assumption of the Virgin on the site of the early Christian basilica, towering above the roofs of the houses of the historic center, was consecrated by Pope Urbano III in 1187.

Interiors and details of Verona Cathedral / www.shutterstock.com

Over the following centuries, he underwent numerous alterations with the aim of its expansion and decoration. In the middle of the XV century, its naves increased in height, a late Gothic facade was added. In the XVI century. architect Michele Sanmikeli designed the bell tower of the cathedral. In the XVIII century. the side chapels of Santissimo Sacramento and Madonna del Popolo were remodeled in the Baroque style, and in 1880 a new marble floor was created. The construction of the campaign was resumed in 1913.

The facade of the cathedral is divided into three parts by triangular buttresses. Gothic and Romanesque are bizarrely connected here: this is the architecture of flowers, the dominant of which is a magnificent two-level rub. At the bottom of it support twisted columns that rest on winged griffins. On the columns are semicircular arches with floral ornaments, hunting scenes and saints' figures on the sides.

In the upper part, we again see a semicircular arch with a tympanum above it and arches that rest on eight columns. Prophets and animals are carved on the magnificent portal, and in the upper part it is decorated with a lunette with a multi-colored bas-relief depicting the Madonna on the throne with a baby, surrounded by wise men and shepherds who arrived to look at him.

Even higher it’s easy to notice the modifications of the XV-XVI centuries, when the building was added, a pair of large double bifor windows appeared on the facade, a rose in the middle, surrounded by a blind loggia with eight copies of small columns, and even higher - the last level with the coat of arms of Cardinal Agostino Valleri, who was bishop of Verona for three decades (from 1565 to 1599) and an important member of the congregation of the Roman Inquisition.

Enogastronomy

Verona's culinary tradition is based on two pillars: traditional local products and the imagination of chefs. One of the most famous local dishes, gnocchi, was once the food of ordinary people. The day of "gnocchi" is considered to be "Fat Friday", when this potato dumpling becomes the queen of the Verona Carnival. From the first courses it is worth noting tortellini di valeggio sul Mincio, bigoli with duck, risotto with minced meat “tastasal”.

  Truffle tortellini

And, of course, one cannot fail to mention local cheeses, first of all, Monte Veronese from Lessinia pastures, which are made in three versions. The basis of its excellent taste is excellent milk and strict adherence to ancient production technologies.

  Rice Al-Tastasal

In general, Verona presents Venetian cuisine in all its diversity. The territories around Verona are very different in climatic and geographical features, so the cooks have at their disposal a wide variety of high-quality products. In the area of \u200b\u200bLake Garda, they make excellent olive oil, as well as a large selection of wines.

  Bigoli with a duck

Verona is Italy's leader in terms of the amount of DOC wine produced (1.5 million hectoliters per year). Of the 22 DOC wines produced in the Veneto region, 10 come from Verona's vineyards. Two wines of the highest category Bardolino Classico Docg and Recioto di Soave Docg are also produced in Verona. Verona's vineyards are located on the hills stretching across the province from Lake Garda to the Val d’Alpone Valley near the border of Vicenza.

  Vineyards in the Valpolicella Valley

A large area of \u200b\u200bvineyards contributes to the variety of wines produced. This bardolino, lugano, bush and garda grown in the hills around Lake Garda. Valpolicella and soave are considered the homeland of Valpolicella, Val Pantena, Val Squaranto, Val Mezzane, Val d’Illazi, Val Tramigna and Val d’Alpone. In the east they make Durello and Monte Lessini; in the north, Val d'Adige and Val Lagarina produce the enachio autochthonous wine once again popular.

How to get there

By plane

By plane: Catullo / Villafranca Airport is 12 km from the center of Verona. It is connected by train to Port Nuova Station. Daily flights depart from the airport to Milan, Rome and other cities of Italy and Europe.

By train

Verona's main station is called Verona Porta Nuova. Here the main railways of the country intersect: Milan-Venice and Rome-Brennero. Also from this station is the Verona-Mantova-Modena branch.

By car

Two motorways, A4 Turin-Venice and A22 Brennero, lead to Verona.

From the Cathedral of Verona, we came to the Verona bridge of Ponte Pietra. In antiquity, this bridge was called Marmoreus. Over the entire long history of its existence, the bridge has undergone many changes, only fragments of ancient cladding have survived to this day. The Germans, leaving Verona in1945, blew up all city bridges. They didn’t care whether it was a unique antique bridge or a remake, did not spare anything. It is good that the Veronians foresaw this, photographed and measured the bridge. As soon as the war ended, the builders of Verona picked up all the fragments from the bottom of the river, carefully connected them and added the lost parts of the bridge.

Ponte Pietra Verona

Pietra Bridge Verona Italy

Verona houses

From the bridge you can look into the luxury Verona balconies.

Promenade Verona

Church of St. Stephen Veron

Next to Ponte Pietra (you have to go to the end) is the church of St. Stephen, whom Europeans really honor. There is an assumption that it was this church that served the Veronians in the Middle Ages as the City Council. This place is a prayer place, because already in the VI century there was an early Christian oratorio. Here is another Roman monument - the theater. A little further, on the hill of the periphery quarter of Valdonega, is the Temple of the Madonna of Lourdes. The temple is relatively young, but very important for Verona and the entire region. The ancient temple destroyed the earthquake of 1511. Interestingly, this area from the time of the Crusades held on its land many chapels and churches. The thing is that the Verona landscape reminded the crusaders of Palestine, and because they had to leave Vostor, they began to "sculpt" the likeness of holy places from Verona. San Leonardo Hill is located in statistically correct places, therefore Ergerceg Maximilian of Habsburg in 1838 ordered to make a well-defended fortress from the church. It is said - done, a fortress, and part-time political prison functioned here for more than a century. However, in 1958, on the 100th anniversary of the appearance of the Madonna in the French town of Lourdes, the monks ordered a sanctuary to be built on the site of the citadel, and after 6 years the sanctuary of the Virgin Mary of Lourdes appeared here. In addition, there is a cave in which St. Theresa witnessed the appearance of the Virgin Mary. During the bombing, the original cave did not survive, but the statue of the Virgin was miraculously preserved. Now the temple seems to soar above the small medieval Verona, protecting and preserving it. In general, on the opposite side of the bridge is beautiful, here you can also wander.

City Verona Italy

And we went back to the city center, to the largest temple of Verona - the Basilica of St. Anastasia. Very beautiful old Verona houses came across the road.

Beautiful Verona

Beautiful houses of Verona

St. Anastasia Verona

St. Anastasia

This Gothic basilica was built by the Dominicans, started in 1290 and finished in 1481. A couple of steps from the basilica is, in my opinion, the most beautiful square in Verona: Piazza delle Erbe.

Erbe Square Verona

Piazza Erbe Verona

This square is located on the pestle of the ancient Roman forum and contains many interesting sights. I'll tell you a little about them. On the southwestern corner of the square is a merchant’s house (Domus Mercatorum) with battlements, almost like in the Moscow Kremlin.

House of Merchants Verona

In the Middle Ages, this building was the residence of corporations, and the location opposite the Verona City Hall seemed to hint at a confrontation with the economic and political authorities.

Palazzo Maffei - a powerful baroque building, decorated with antique statues of Jupiter, Apollo, Venus and others.

Palazzo Maffei Verona

Near the palace is the Clock Tower or Tower del Gardelo 1370 built. Further it is worth paying attention to the luxurious house of Mazzanti, beautifully painted with frescoes on mythological themes by the master A. Cavalli in the XVI century.

Verona Fresco House

Verona bone arch

Another massive building of the square is the town hall, which is called the Palazzo della Rajone. On the building you can see the typical Verona masonry of tuff and brick mixed with white stripes. The tallest tower in the city of Lamberti rises above the town hall complex. By the way, you can climb it, because it has recently been restored.

Verona Town Hall

In the center of Piazza della Erbe is the Gothic fountain of the Verona Madonna, an image which is highly revered by the Veronians. This is an ancient fountain of 1368.

Verona Madonna, fountain

Nearby is the "gazebo" of Berlin, which served as a place of ceremonial entry into public office. Now they are surrounded by tourists who sit on it, resting after long walks. The unique monument of the Venetian past of Verona is the column of Leo St. Mark (this is a restored copy). The symbol of Venice, as it were, recalls that Verona was under the rule of the Most Serene Republic for 400 years.

Leo St. Mark Verona

Now in Piazza della Erbe a tourist market has been developed. They sell all kinds of souvenirs, masks and leather, as well as funky fruits.

Souvenirs in Verona

We bought a glass filled with slices of various fruits, and almost swallowed our tongue. After Moscow's half-ripened bananas, strawberries and watermelons, Italian fruits seemed an exquisite treat. In May, there is a beautiful strawberry, pineapple, papaya, peaches, oranges and melons. Come into any frutorium and boldly buy fruits. The time was approaching dinner, the hot sun was very hot. We sat in one of the cafes in the square and drank icy white wine, watching the tourists.

Verona Cafe

Then we went through the arch with a bone and found ourselves on another very beautiful square Verona Piazza Signori. Although it seems that it is just a continuation of the Piazza della Erbe, divided by an arch, in fact, Signori Square is an independent ensemble of buildings.

Signori Square

Piazza Signori Verona

The combination of buildings creates the aristocratic appearance of the square, all houses are very beautiful.

Piazza dei Signori Verona

Piazza Signori Verona

Piazza dei Signori Verona

Piazza dei Signori Verona

Dante thinks about something and watches everyone down.

Ponte Pietra, which means “stone bridge” in Italian, is an arched bridge connecting the banks of the Adige River. It was built at the end of the 1st century BC. through the ford and originally bore the name Pont Marmoreus. Later, as a result of numerous reconstructions due to floods and earthquakes, he received his current name. Once upon a time, the famous Postumieva road leading from Genoa to the Brenner Pass in the Alps passed along it. In ancient Roman times, a similar bridge was built nearby - Ponte Postumio, which, together with Ponte Pietra framed the ancient Roman Theater. On its stage unfolded majestic navajias - “naval battles”. In 1298, by order of Alberto I della Scala, the span closest to the right bank of the Adige was rebuilt. The total length of the bridge is 95 meters, the width is about 4 meters. On the right bank it abuts against a watchtower.

At the end of World War II, the five-span Ponte Pietra, like the other Verona bridges, was blown up by retreating German troops, and only in 1959 it was restored, lifting up original fragments from the bottom of the river. Of course, not all the components were found, therefore, various materials were used for the reconstruction - in addition to white marble, red brick was used, which gave the building a special picturesqueness. Ponte Pietra was once Verona's first stone bridge, but today it is the only Roman bridge left in the city.