Falling in Love with Verona

Verona is a city capable of captivating even the hardest of hearts. Once you've been enchanted by Verona's magic, you'll forever long to return. I am not sure what it is; yes, there is plenty of history, the Roman Arena is incredible, there's the whole Romeo and Juliet thing, and the piazzas are full of charm, but there is more. a certain sense of joy and a feeling of well-being that envelopes me every time I set foot here.

This summer, like many summers before, I have spent some of my happiest days being a part of Veronese life once again. Strangely, no matter how many times you visit, Verona never ceases to captivate you. I am never disappointed. In fact, rather than being disappointed, it seems to simply get better and better.

If you would like to feel the sense of wonder that is Verona and become a part of a truly special city, then I'd suggest you click here to begin organizing that. Once that is taken care of, come back and enjoy some of these photos and videos.

A view across old rooftops from the modern Best Western Hotel. Incidentally, this is one of the hotels you should really consider if you are visiting. For a more opulent experience try the Gabbia d'Oro (Golden Cage).

Street Life

Via Sella leads onto the most exclusive shopping street, Via Mazzini. This is where all of the locals come for the evening walk (passeggiata) to see and be seen, gossip, and socialize the old-fashioned way. Grab yourself a gelato at one of the many gelataria in the area and join in the parade.

Verona is a great city for shopping, the third best in northern Italy after Turin and then Milan.

Floating above the crowds, this girl seems oblivious to everyone. I have absolutely no idea how she does it, and I spent ages trying to figure it out. When I asked her, she said, "mind power." Mmm!

Another one of Verona's many street artists, I found this one rather scary and a bit creepy.

I love little shops like this, which are always full of delicious treats. You'll find similar ones in nearly every neighborhood of the city.

Porta Borsari is the 1st-century Roman gateway to the city. This is a really pleasant place to sit and sip a martini or an Aperol spritz.

A typical courtyard, most buildings have these and some are really lovely but you seldom see them unless the portone (main doors) are left open.

These narrow lanes always remind me of Venice. Wandering away from the main tourist streets is the best way to discover them.

Piazza Bra

The photos and videos above show Piazza Bra, which is perhaps the largest piazza in all of Italy and one of the loveliest too. It has pastel-colored buildings, a shady park, and a Roman arena—it's difficult to beat all of that. Sit at one of the many restaurants and bars lining the piazza, especially in the early evening on a summer's day, and sip an aperitivo while watching life happen in the piazza. It's one of those Italian experiences that is bucket list worthy.

Piazza delle Erbe

Piazza delle Erbe is much smaller than Piazza Bra but is just as lovely—maybe even lovelier. It is home to the open-air market, and the buildings lining the piazza are some of the city's most beautiful. For more on this and other highlights in Verona, click here.

Hills, Rivers and Rooftops

The Adige River encircles the old town, and across from the old town lies the Roman Theater and gorgeous rolling hills.

The bridge that the often evil Scaligers, the medieval rulers of Verona, used as an escape route from the city when they finally received payback for all their nasty behavior. For more on the Scaligers, their castles, their violent ways, and the major influence they had on the Veneto, click here.

The Roman Theater, where summer evenings of Shakespeare can be enjoyed in an unbeatable setting.

The view across the Adige river, looking towards the old town and taken from the Roman Theater.