A lovely and historic city in the region of Veneto, in north-eastern Italy, Verona lies in a loop of the river Adige, a short drive from Lake Garda. Verona is perhaps best known for its Roman Arena - every summer the venue for some of the world's great opera. It also boasts 'Juliet's House' (the girl in the Shakespeare play), though this is where 'history' meets fiction and comes out a poor second.
The amphitheatre was completed in 30 AD (Verona became a Roman colony in 89 BC), and is the third largest in Italy (Rome in first place, Capua second), measuring 139 metres by 110 metres, and at one time seating 25,000 spectators in the 44 marble tiers. Marble seats, take note - if you're here for the Opera Festival, do be sure of a cushion, particularly if Aida has tickled your fancy. The two stories that you see today are actually the internal supports for the original tiers, and only a small section of the original three-story outer perimeter remains, decked out in white and pink marble from nearby Valpolicella.
Much of central Verona is pedestrianised, and the delights of the city are all there to be enjoyed on foot, strolling from one side of the river loop to the other. The city also has a thriving conference, trade-fair and exhibition centre, home to the world famous Vinitaly show amongst others. Close by lies the Italian Lake District, Lake Garda (together with Gardaland) being right on your doorstep; the mountains and skiing are not that much further either. Verona boasts some splendid hotels, and the Veronese are a very welcoming people.
To the left you'll find a selection of Verona hotels, just to whet your appetite.
See also Verona hotels (full listings) and our Verona hotel map.
