Verona is the city that gave the world the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet.
And no visit would be complete without standing beneath Juliet’s balcony — the most famous in Italy. Tucked away on Via Cappello, the entrance to Casa di Giulietta feels almost hidden, but as soon as you step into the small courtyard, you’re transported into the pages of Shakespeare’s tale.
Here stands the bronze statue of Juliet, shimmering from the touch of thousands of visitors seeking luck in love. Above, the legendary balcony — though added only after the city of Verona purchased the house in 1905 — still draws lovers from around the world.
And if you look closely, you’ll find the walls covered with handwritten notes and letters. Every year, hundreds of people write to Juliet’s Secretaries, asking for advice in love. It’s impossible not to feel the poetry of Verona’s most famous daughter before stepping into the city’s other treasures.
From here, it’s a short walk to Castelvecchio, the grand medieval fortress that guards the Adige River. Today it’s home to the Castelvecchio Museum, a stunning blend of history and modern design, restored by architect Carlo Scarpa — one of his greatest masterpieces. Its courtyards, brick towers, and graceful bridges form a quiet refuge from the busy city, housing sculptures, paintings, and medieval armor that tell the story of Verona’s golden age.
Crossing once again the Ponte Pietra, I made my way to the Scaliger Tombs, hauntingly beautiful Gothic monuments dedicated to the powerful della Scala family — rulers of Verona in the Middle Ages.
Few stop to admire them, yet these elaborately carved tombs, with their equestrian statues and spires, whisper tales of nobility, ambition, and mystery.
From there, it’s hard to miss the Torre Lamberti, rising 84 meters above the city. Climb its 368 steps (or take the lift partway) for a breathtaking 360° view of Verona’s rooftops, towers, and piazzas — the perfect spot for photographers and dreamers alike.
By lunchtime, we found a cozy corner at Il Vicoletto Trattoria, where I swear by the Fegato di vitello alla veneziana con polenta, while my husband couldn’t resist the cinghiale. Both were divine, and of course, no meal is complete without a homemade tiramisù.
In the afternoon, just half an hour from the city center, we drove into the Valpolicella hills for a wine-tasting experience at Tenuta Serego Alighieri, one of the most historic estates in Italy and home to the world-renowned Amarone.
This noble property has belonged to the descendants of the great poet Dante Alighieri since 1353, when his son Pietro purchased the land. A long, cypress-lined avenue leads to the villa, surrounded by vineyards that breathe history, elegance, and tranquility.
The estate offers the Serego Alighieri Experience — a guided visit followed by the tasting of four exceptional wines. The cellars still use cherry-wood barrels, which lend a unique aroma to the wines, especially their iconic Amarone.
And like all places with a deep soul, Serego Alighieri hides a secret. During World War II, the villa was used as a German ammunition depot. When the retreat order came, Dante’s descendant, Count Pieralvise, organized a dinner — serving Amarone, of course — to distract the soldiers, while the villagers quietly threw the ammunition into the nearby Fosson stream, saving the estate and much of Valpolicella from destruction. Each year, this act of courage is still remembered with a procession and celebration by the stream.
From here, it’s only a short drive to Lake Garda, where the legendary Maria Callas once spent her summers. I still remember the breathtaking performance we saw this summer in Fiesole — Alberto Canestro’s choreography, the music, the air thick with emotion. It felt like Maria Callas’s spirit was still alive in every note, echoing through Verona’s hills.
It’s a fitting end to two days in the city of love, opera, and wine — a place where every stone tells a story and every glass of Amarone tastes like history itself.
And yes, I promise, I’ll write about Lake Garda next.