Travel Flashback: Verona, Italy

When I was in college, the summer after my sophomore year, I took most of my savings and sprung for  a three week European adventure with the college travel company, EF College Break. It was a great way for me to go off on and travel on my own for the first time but in a way that made it super easy to meet people. It was a solo trip, with training wheels. 

After leaving the beautiful Venice, we were on our way to Lucerne, Switzerland. But, first we had a little stopover in Verona. Of all of the stops on my European road trip, Paris, London, Amsterdam, Venice, I had not given much thought or excitement to the idea of Verona. But, after spending a day there I realized how wrong I had been. 

Verona is hailed as a city of romance, I mean it is the home to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and honestly it lives up to the name. It's streets are full of quintessential Italian charm, the sidewalks are even lined with marble and this city had by far the best, cleanest and best designed public restroom I've ever seen. 

*look at little 20 year old Kelley, who was obviously more focused on comfort than fashion this day.

If you get a chance to visit Verona here some sights you can't miss.

Juliet's House - Yes, we all know that Romeo and Juliet is a ficctional story that was created by Shakespeare hundreds of years ago but that doesn't stop thousands and thousands of tourists from visiting the Casa di Giulietta every year. It is a 13th century home that in the 1990's was converted into a museum dedicated to Juliet. For the small price of 4 euros you can enter the house and step out onto the balcony made famous by the words "Romeo o Romeo." Or just visit the courtyard where there is a statue of Juliet and rumor states that if you touch Juliet's left breast it will bring you good luck. You may notice the years of wear that the left breast has versus the right. If you are not feeling romantic and having some troubles in the love department, don't worry. If you send a letter to Juliet's house you will get a personalized letter in response giving you advice. Its reported that they receive over 5000 letters a year.

Lamberti Tower - Wanting to get a better view of Verona? You must make a visit to the Lamberti tower which is located in the heart of Verona. Dating back to the 12th century, the 275 foot structure offers incredible views of the city. On a clear day you can see all the way to Austria. It costs 3 euros to get to the top by elevator or 2 euros to climb the 350+ steps to the top.

Verona Arena - A Roman amphitheater that was built in 30 AD, is even older then the Colosseum in Rome. Located in the Piazza Bra it  is one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind. The thing that makes this arena even cooler is that it is still in use. The arena is still used as a site for popular productions of several different operas every year. It has also been the venue for past concerts by various artists including, Paul McCartney, Pearl Jam, Pink Floyd, One Direction and many more.

Take a stroll along the river - Some of my favorite views of the city were along the Adige River. You may even make it to the Ponte Pietra and old Roman Arch Bridge that was completed in 100 B.C A historical note about the bridge, most of it was destroyed in World War II when it was blown up by retreating German troops, but, it was rebuilt in 1957 using original materials. 

Italian food - Exploring all the streets, side streets and alleyways you are sure to find an adorable Italian cafe with outdoors seating and a multitude of wine choices because they are everywhere each one as delightful as the next. So wander around! Get lost! You are sure to find just what you are looking for.

Verona surprised me with how it captured my heart. I hope to make it back one day and spend more time there exploring the city! Maybe even catch the opera at the Arena.

Have you been to Verona, did you love it? Would you add Verona to your European to-do list?