5 ideas for guided tours in Verona

• The Piazza dei Signori

  The historical heart of Verona is centered around the Piazza dei Signori, created during the Middle Ages with the palaces of the Della Scala family, who ruled the city for 125 years starting in the 13th century.

  This square, surrounded by beautiful houses and palaces, is adorned with arcades decorated with stunning crests. Among its iconic buildings, you’ll find:
  – The Loggia del Consiglio, a magnificent building completed in 1493, featuring marble columns sourced from around the world.

  – The Palazzo della Ragione, built in the 12th century, adjacent to Piazza delle Erbe, which houses the Torre dei Lamberti, Verona’s tallest tower offering breathtaking panoramic views.

  – The Palazzo del Podestà, constructed by the Scaligeri family, with its distinctive swallowtail crenellations and grand portal.

  At the center of the square stands a statue of the poet and politician Dante Alighieri, who was welcomed here during his exile from Florence.

• Castel Vecchio

  Built in 1356, Castel Vecchio was both a residence for the Scaligeri family and a defensive fortress.

  With its red bricks, inner courtyard, and ramparts, this iconic castle in Verona offers stunning views of the horizon. Today, it houses a museum dedicated to Gothic art and paintings by Veronese artists from the Middle Ages to the 18th century.

  The Scaliger Bridge, adjoining the castle, spans the Adige River with its three marble arches. Destroyed during World War II, it was rebuilt identically in 1951, preserving its historical charm.

• The Verona Arena

  Verona is home to one of the largest and best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world.

  Built in the 1st century during Emperor Augustus’ reign, the arena measures 150 meters in length and 130 meters in width, accommodating up to 22,000 spectators. Its harmonious architecture combines bricks, flint, and pink marble blocks.

  To this day, the arena hosts performances, operas, and concerts, offering a unique experience in a historic setting. From the upper tiers, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surrounding hills.

• The Giusti Gardens

  East of Verona’s old town, at the foot of a hill, lie the stunning Giusti Gardens, completed in 1570 as part of a palace of the same name.

  These gardens, a perfect example of Renaissance Italian landscaping, offer peaceful walks among flowerbeds, fountains, and statues. A staircase leads to a belvedere, revealing a breathtaking view of Verona.

  The garden is also home to the oldest hedge maze in Europe. Among its ancient trees, a famous cypress that inspired the poet Goethe stands tall, adding a poetic touch to the setting.

• Piazza Brà

  Considered one of the largest squares in Italy, Piazza Brà is the vibrant heart of Verona.

  Facing the arena and near the Palazzo Barbieri, the current town hall, this square is surrounded by the city’s main attractions, cafés, and restaurants. Here, you can savor delicious Italian cuisine while soaking in the lively local atmosphere.

  Since the 12th century, Piazza Brà has evolved from a cattle market to a bustling hub for trading fruits, vegetables, and meats. Today, a marble boulevard runs through its center, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city with a Verona tour guide.