Verona is a majestic Italian city steeped in history and famous for being the home of doomed lovers Romeo and Juliet. Archaeological sites and ruins, spectacular gardens, ornate palaces, and delicious restaurants are just a few of exciting and visually pleasing places to visit in Verona.

Gardens

The most famous of Verona's stunning gardens is, by far, Giardino Giusti, designed by Agostino Giusti. Created in the typical Renaissance style, this garden boasts grottos, hedges, fountains, mythological statues, and a winding staircase leading up to a balcony overlooking the city. The view is definitely worth the climb. All the different sections of the garden are ordered in a geometrical pattern as well, as is the norm in Renaissance gardens. Giardino Giusti is not only famous for its beauty and reputation as the most incredible garden of Veneto, it is also famous because of its famous visitors, including Mozart and Goethe.

Another excellent garden is Parco Giardino Sigurta. There is a small train running through the length of the garden that children can ride on, making it a perfect place to take your kids. The area also boasts grottos, colorful flower beds, and ponds. For a more unique garden experience, you can visit Il Cimitero Monumentale, an impressively landscaped cemetery. It is known for its imposing sculptures at the cemetary entrance which were possibly inspired by the statues in the tomb of Pope Clement XIII.

Archaeological Sites and Historical Buildings

Visiting the famous, ancient ruins and more modern, monumental buildings of Verona, Italy is almost a requirement. You cannot leave the city without catching a glimpse of its rich history in some of its many archaeological sites. The Roman Theater is one of these impressive sites. Located at the base of St. Peter's Hill, the theater was supposedly built towards the end of the first Roman period of urbanization in the area. Another must-see ruin is the Foro Romano in Piazza Erbe.

A more recent, but still historical, building is Palazzo Bevilacqua. It was constructed in 1534 and designed by Michele Sanmicheli, who designed three other buildings in Verona as well. The architectural style is very ornate, with a stone ground floor, busts of Roman warriors, and an intricate balcony. Nowadays it is the home of the State Technical Institute.

The Casa di Giulietta, or House of Juliet, is another famous structure. Constructed on the ruins of a former Roman Insula building, the house was designed in a 13th Century style. Nearby is a statue of Juliet, made by Nereo Constatini, to celebrate being in love despite the sad ending to her love story with Romeo. The house is owned by the state, and there are sometimes art exhibitions displayed there.