One Day in Verona, Italy
Romeo and Juliet. Who doesn’t know or hasn’t heard of that timeless tale of star-crossed lovers in Verona, Italy whose love was not meant to be? Since Shakespeare penned their story in the 1500s, the basic plot has been replicated again and again, not only in literature but in films as well.
The fountain at Piazza del’Erbe.
I read various versions of Romeo and Juliet since high school, and the effect on me was still the same: a deep sympathy for the lovers and an accompanying yearning to experience that same idealized, endless love (crap). Objectively speaking, what’s so romantic about a 13-year-old girl falling for a 17-year-old foolish boy who keeps on falling in love with whoever catches his fancy? In fact, at the time that Romeo and Juliet met, Romeo had been depressed about his unrequited love for another girl.
And yet, for some reason, Shakespeare has managed to touch the core of readers’ emotion. Despite everything that tells us that this was a stupid tale full of needless violence and unrealistic love affairs, we’re still drawn to the tragedy like moth to flame. And at the end of the book or the movie, we still weep with the image of Romeo and Juliet dying in each other’s arms, remembering perhaps, our own tales of woe when it comes to love.
The Gothic Sant’Anastasia church dating back to the 1400s.
BUT this is not a treatise on the story of Romeo and Juliet. This is about my visit to Verona, Italy, the scene of so many of Shakespeare’s plays.
I was almost at the end of my 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe when I went to Verona. My primary reason was simple; the cheapest flight I could get from Italy to Belgium leaves from there. So, Shakespeare + historical buildings + cheapest flight (only 30 euros!) = Verona. It was certainly a no-brainer! I only had one day, but at least I managed to see a bit of this beautiful city.
One of the things that I really liked in my brief stay in Verona was the fact that my hostel was very centrally located. I booked it through Roomorama (more on this in another post), and it was walking distance to the old city center of Verona where most must-see sites are located.
After I had gotten my key from my Roomorama host and left my backpack, I immediately set off on foot to discover the sights in Verona. My first stop: Casa di Giulietta.
The entrance to Casa di Giulietta and Juliet’s Wall.
Juliet’s House is the destination of lovers and those who are wishing to have lovers. Located in the middle of a busy street leading to Piazza del’Erbe, you will only notice it for the fact that the walls of the alley leading to the house is full of graffiti. If you take a second look, though, the “art” that “decorates” the wall are actually names of people who are hoping to have a love as everlasting as the tragic couple’s. Known as Juliet’s Wall, you can find hundreds of bubble gums stuck here where people used to stick their love letters (see the movie Letters to Juliet).
Beyond Juliet’s Wall is the house of the Capulets itself, although it’s said that they really never lived there. If you’re expecting something spectacular, you’ll be greatly disappointed. There’s nothing there but a small courtyard facing the famous balcony and a statue of Juliet. There are hundreds of love padlocks too.
Juliet’s statue in front of the house (note the balcony).
There’s no shortage of people around the statue waiting for their turn to fondle Juliet’s right breast. It’s supposed to bring good luck (like touching the cross in Charles Bridge in Prague, or touching the donkey’s front leg in Bremen, both of which I certainly did), but keeping in mind that Shakespeare’s heroine was supposed to be only 13 years old, I managed to refrain from doing so.
The ancient Piazza del’Erbe which used to be a Roman forum.
If you keep walking from Juliet’s House, you will end up in Piazza del’Erbe, a historical square that was once a Roman forum. It’s the center of the old city and it’s usually full of people just walking around or sitting on the benches eating gelato. The center of the square is taken up by numerous souvenir stalls; in the olden days, farmers came here to sell their vegetables.
Note the old buildings beside the fountain (first photo); the walls are full of paintings! It must be so great to live in a country where your cultural heritage is valued and preserved.
The 3rd largest Roman amphitheater in Italy.
While Verona is best known for Romeo and Juliet, it’s also culturally and historically significant. It has managed to restore a lot of ancient structures—including the third largest Roman amphiteater in Italy—that made it deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
While not as big as the Colosseum in Rome, Verona’s arena is still impressive. Built in the first century AD (yes, it is that old), it’s still well maintained and retains its original structure. When you’re there during the summer season, it’s open for concerts or operas. What would it feel like to sit inside that huge amphitheater listening to great songs while imagining how it was like before when there were gladiators fighting for their lives?
There are actually so much more to see in Verona. However, it rained soon in the afternoon, and without an umbrella, I couldn’t go on walking around. I was also anxious about my interview with CBS News Travel editor Peter Greenberg that night, so I soon went back to my bed-and-breakfast, wishing as I passed by Juliet’s House again, that I could find what she herself had found—everlasting love.
Even though I know it’s crap.
How about you? Do you believe that there is such a love as what Juliet had with her Romeo?
Aleah Taboclaon is a freelance writer and editor. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can also email her; she would love to hear from you! Share and Enjoy
wow! i love this post… you make me wanna go there and see Juliet’s house… i wish i can go to this part of the world soon. darn, i wish i can go backpacking round the world just like what u did
Gladys | ByahengBarok.com recently posted..Balai San Juan on a Summer Weekday
Verona is a city that I would love to visit for the Romeo and Juliet connection. (I loved the Letters to Juliet movie too.). Nice to know there’s more to see there too!
Lisa recently posted..The Broken Chair
@ Gladys: It’s so nice to be there and think–this balcony is where Romeo first overheard her express her love for him haha
@ Lisa: Yeah, there’s certainly a lot more to see there. But it’s a quieter and smaller city than say, Firenze or Rome–perfect to take a breather in.
Aleah recently posted..One Day in Verona, Italy
I didn’t buy the crappy values of love in Romeo & Juliet, but Verona certainly seems interesting. But what a small balcony! I guess 13 yo in ancient Italy must have been small-sized.
Razlan recently posted..Pick Of The Week: The One With HABITU Ristorante the Garden
I would love to visit Verona for all of the romance, beauty and history. I’d be right there with all the tourists at Juliet’s Wall.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Travel Photo Thursday: A Slice of Chicago
@ Razlan: It’s a really charming city. But the balcony’s bigger than it looks
@ Cathy Sweeney: It was an unfortunate time in my (love)life at that time, so I didn’t write anything in Juliet’s Wall. Too bad haha
Aleah recently posted..One Day in Verona, Italy
I love, love the movie Letters to Juliet! After watching the movie, I knew I needed to got to that part of Italy. How lucky for you to have had the chance to visit, Aleah. It does look fascinating! I wasn’t even aware of everything else Verona had to offer. I like to believe the notion of Juliet’s love exists but it’s far too idealistic especially in today’s modern times.
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Ten Don’t Miss Things at Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Thanks for that awesome post and tour. I had no idea they were that young – certainly puts it in perspective
Sabrina recently posted..Caverns in Texas: A Walk Through the Caverns of Sonora
@ Mary: I’m not a hopeless romantic, but it’s easy not to get carried away when you’re in Juliet’s House in Verona. All those hearts in that small courtyard LOL And yeah, the city is still best known for that love story.
@ Sabrina: I didn’t realize it as well until I reread it a couple of months ago haha
Aleah recently posted..One Day in Verona, Italy
I love this post. Looking forward to visit one day here.
Mhie@travelentz recently posted..Glimpse of the Historic Rail Park and Train Museum
I loved Verona when I went there. The Town square is very pretty. I spent a wonderful afternoon there eating gelato. Happy times!
Spencer recently posted..Great Hotels of the World #5 – The Clarence Hotel, Dublin
@ Mhie: Yes, you should
@ Spencer: I ate a gelato, too, on my way to Juliet’s house. Still, I must say that the gelato I’d had in Firenze was better.
Aleah recently posted..One Day in Verona, Italy
I want to go there soon!!
Cisco recently posted..IP telephony introduction
Sounds like a wonderful city to visit. After all the Shakespeare I studied in high school it would be great to visit Juliet’s house.
Nancie recently posted..Travel Bloggers Weekly Travel Photo Choice — Week 2
@ Cisco: Goooo!
@ Nancie: Yeah, it’s nice to see in person the places you’ve only heard about in school. There’s also another Shakespearean play set here, The Two Gentlemen of Verona.
Aleah recently posted..One Day in Verona, Italy
Enjoyed reading this very much! I too will visit Verona when I’m in the area! Besides the Romeo and Juliet connection, I am interested in the history. I would love to listen to music in the amphitheater
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista recently posted..Italy, Czech Republic & Craft Beer
thanks sa pag share sa pictures..
@ Debbie: You should go there during summer, then, when the amphitheater’s open and when they hold concerts. It must be very nice!
@ Arvin: No problem, thanks for dropping by my blog!
Aleah recently posted..Where to Have a Massage in Quezon City
Its a great destination to visit..Very interesting the history..I learn a lot on it..Thanks for sharing..
Laura recently posted..Flip-flops für den Sommer
I love Italy but I am bad luck that never go there, but soon I will travel.
@ Laura: Yeah it is
@ India: You can, and you will. Just set your mind to it
Aleah recently posted..Where to Have a Massage in Quezon City
WOW!! this post is impressive! makes me want to go there.
Riz recently posted..Sightseeing in Putrajaya, Malaysia
hi. place of love story, tales of sweethearts and romance, really a nice place to visit. i recalled scenes from romeo and juliet w/c i watched for i think 4 times already c”,)
btw, how much would be the budget if going there…i really need to have some pics with my wifey.
thanks c”,)
@ Riz: It’s a wonderful place
@ Randz: Budget depends on where you’ll be coming from! From Rome it will be around 50+ euros. Definitely worth going there if you’re already based in Italy.
Aleah recently posted..Where to Have a Massage in Quezon City
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