JUNE 2014 : ITALY : Verona

                          

A day's sightseeing in Verona

Weather : hot and sunny, 28o

I've always wanted to visit Verona, with all it's romantic  ( but tenuous) connections to Shakespeare and so with Verona being on the rail line between Trieste and Milan, it seemed the perfect opportunity.

Verona is on the fast flowing Adige River had a population of about 265,000. 

         

          

            Towers of Verona

          

                   

           

             Surrounding hills of Verona and Ponte Pietro

The city remains in the plan of the old Roman settlement, which includes an old castle and bridge and colosseum, The Arena, built in 30 AD, and is situated in the main piazza, Piazza Bra. It is now a regular venue for concerts, drama and ballet performances. There is also an impressive entry into the commercial district (fabulous shopping) through the Porta Borsari, a third century Roman gate. Our favourite was the smaller piazza, Piazza del Signori, with it's more intimate cafés and fascinating old buildings. Juliet's house and balcony is nearby, which is the big tourist draw card.

      

          Castelvecchio 

      

          Porta Borsari

      

       

        Piazza Bra

       

       The Arena

                                         

                                     

                                              Juliet's balcony

                                    

                                              Maffei, a restaurant off Piazza del Signori 

                                    

                                       Gorgeous apartments at every turn

Many churches but the one that appealed to us is Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore which is a 12th century Romanesque  church which has remained intact without additions or introduction of other styles  The main duomo has a circular choir stall but I was more interested in a little sculpture of Saint Arcadio obviously a martyr and died a gruesome death.

       

           Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

       

Zeno, a bishop from Africa, evangelised this area in the 8th century. Look at this remarkable process!

          

         Remarkably well preserved frescoes.

         

             Cloisters

            

                                  

                                     San Arcadio in the main duomo.

We visited the Guisti Palace Garden which is nears the city centre with attractive houses nearby. The renaissance gardens were planted in 1580. They are composed of mainly cypress rows,hedge mazes and sculptures  Lovely views of the city from the upper terraces.

        

           Guisti Palace Gardens

Our accommodation is in an apartment building in a newer suburb but only 20 mins walk from the city centre. It had good reviews on booking.com and it is an experience. Gianluca has decorated his large 3 bed roomed apartment with such originality and wacky style. He has snacks and drinks, towels, cushions - no expense spared for guests' comfort. He recommended a good sightseeing schedule, cafés, best gelato and restaurants as well. His suggestions were perfect and although here for a night we feel we've experienced the best Verona has to offer.

Our exuberant host, Gianluca

                                      

                       Our bedroom, full of treats and ripped paged strewn on walls and ceiling

       

            Another style in the bathroom

   Our breakfast. Obviously life is a party!

A surprise in every corner

Two coffee machines. Another George Clooney afficinado.

                                    

So many photos I could show. Each bedroom in another fantasmagorical, in the true sense of the word,  style. But I'll leave you with this gem on the balcony, which Gianluca says is a devil to clean!

M&M

23/6/2014