Verona

Verona is a charming Italian city located in the Veneto region, best known as the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. But there's so much more to this beautiful place than just that famous balcony that attracts tourists from around the world.

The city boasts incredibly well-preserved Roman architecture, with the Arena di Verona being the standout attraction. This ancient Roman amphitheater dates back to the 1st century and still hosts spectacular opera performances during summer months. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features beautiful medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces, and charming piazzas where locals and visitors gather.

Verona's food scene is quintessentially Italian, offering outstanding regional specialties and excellent wines from the nearby Valpolicella region. The Piazza delle Erbe, once a Roman forum, now serves as a bustling marketplace surrounded by colorful buildings and outdoor cafés.

What many don't realize is that Verona was an important Roman city, and you can still see evidence of this history throughout town, including the well-preserved ancient gates and the remarkable Roman Theater. The city changed hands multiple times throughout its history, giving it a unique architectural character that blends Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance influences into something distinctly Veronese.