Located prominently on Via Mazzini, Verona’s premier shopping street, stands a remarkable sculpture depicting the mythological orphan twin founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus, being suckled by the legendary Capitoline wolf. This powerful imagery serves as a constant reminder of the profound and important connection that Verona, Italy, had with the sprawling Roman Empire. Created during the Renaissance, a period of immense artistic and cultural revival, this sculpture is more than just a piece of art; it symbolizes Verona’s deep roots in the Roman world and its enduring identity as a significant historical city.

Verona’s Enchanting Architecture and Pedestrian-Friendly Streets

The architecture throughout Verona, Italy, is simply breathtaking. The buildings are painted in a captivating palette of various hues of yellows, oranges, and peach, colors that derive from the earth’s native soil in the region, creating a warm and inviting glow. These vibrant facades are beautifully complemented by the rich green color of choice for window shutters, adding a delightful contrast. The streets in the historic center are almost exclusively for pedestrians, inviting visitors and locals alike to casually stroll, explore boutique shops, and discover charming trattorie without the intrusion of vehicle traffic. This commitment to walkability contributes immensely to Verona’s relaxed and romantic ambiance, allowing you to truly soak in the city’s beauty at your own pace.

Every building facade in Verona seems to tell a story, adorned with small, intricate balconies and tall, elegantly shuttered windows. In a city where large private yards or expansive gardens are a rarity, these balconies become miniature havens of greenery. The plants displayed on them are meticulously cared for, incredibly healthy, and trail down everywhere, creating cascades of vibrant life against the warm-toned buildings. This dedication to urban gardening adds a unique charm and softness to the otherwise sturdy stone and plaster structures.

Aged iron balconies, graceful arches, lush green plants, and vibrant flowers… Verona is undeniably a visual treat for the senses.

This distinctive window style, with its elegant curves and intricate detailing, carries a somewhat Moorish influence, a design aesthetic that subtly continues its presence into the architecture of Venice, hinting at historical trade routes and cultural exchanges across the Mediterranean.

Fresh flowers in window boxes were an omnipresent joy, adorning nearly every building and adding splashes of color to the city’s warm palette!!

Even more flowers and abundant greenery graced a particularly formal balcony, framed by elegant arched windows, all set against the backdrop of a brilliantly orange-painted building! This scene perfectly encapsulates how attention to detail can be seen everywhere you look in Verona, contributing to its unparalleled charm.

Further showcasing Verona’s aesthetic, we encountered more delightful shades of yellow, peach, and green, beautifully enhanced by tiny, plant-filled balconies that create a lush, vertical garden effect.

Strolling further down the elegant “Via Mazzini”, one particular building’s architectural design, dating back to the illustrious Renaissance times, is an absolute showstopper – it’s genuinely worth stopping and staring up at in admiration. This exquisite blend of antiquity in design and structure is incredibly typical of Verona’s buildings, where every corner reveals centuries of artistry and craftsmanship.

Today, this stunning building on Via Mazzini houses a prominent Gucci boutique, a testament to Verona’s status as a hub for luxury shopping. Nearby, on the very same prestigious street, you’ll find other renowned international brands such as Louis Vuitton, Yves Saint Laurent, Tiffany & Co., and Dolce & Gabbana. Beyond these high-end labels, the street also thoughtfully incorporates a delightful mix of more moderately priced shops, ensuring that there’s something for every discerning shopper.

Italian Street Food and Fashion Finds

And of course, no visit to an Italian city is complete without indulging in its culinary delights! There were lots of tantalizing choices for delicious Italian street food, perfect for a quick, authentic bite.

Amidst the Italian splendor, we stumbled upon this sweet little French boutique, instantly captivating us with its charming and artfully arranged window display. It was a delightful moment of unexpected international flair.

Next, these pieces showcased some pretty hot styles, especially for those with a tall and slender physique. The clever addition of burgundy socks brought a witty touch of sophistication to this elegant ensemble, demonstrating typical Italian attention to detail in styling.

This gorgeous bag (below) was truly my dream bag, one that I, regrettably, could not even fathom bringing home with me at the time. Its beauty lay in the exquisite balance of heavily embossed leather with the bag’s remarkably simple and elegant design. It was a testament to truly tasteful and sophisticated Italian design!

Now, take a closer look at this fascinating piece of fashion ingenuity. A seemingly plain sweatshirt was utterly transformed and elevated by an outrageously awesome rhinestone pin embellishment. What made this even more fabulous was the single, striking green emerald rhinestone delicately hanging at its end. Wow, talk about making a statement with accessories!

In a similar vein, this otherwise plain, almost dowdy-looking outfit was instantly elevated to another level of chic by a comparable pin featuring brilliant blue studs, elegantly paired next to a rather ‘typical’ Burberry scarf. Personally, I’ve never quite understood the widespread rage for such an unattractive plaid print; there is absolutely nothing unique or appealing about it in my eyes, but it often finds its way into Italian styling.

During my visit in October, lots of sophisticated neutrals predominantly colored the Italian fashion landscape, at least within the stylish shops of Verona. To add a touch of warmth and visual intrigue, many ensembles were beautifully accented with faux fur elements, creating rich textural interest suitable for the cooler autumn weather.

Even with neutrals dominating the color palette, the intelligent use of textural elements truly made these designs pop and stand out with effortless elegance. What a truly beautiful and wonderfully crafted skirt!

The Allure of Italian Craftsmanship: Zanellato and Ceramics

My resolute efforts to not splurge money on anything during this trip came to an abrupt but delightful halt when my cousins, Silvia and Cristina, guided me into the exquisite world of Zanellato. The brand’s iconic “Postina” bag, with its distinctive double clasp openings, is quite the rage across Italy, a true fashion statement. This generously sized handbag was famously influenced by the classic Italian movie “Il Postino” (a heartwarming story about a poor Italian postal mailman who falls deeply in love, and the tender saga behind it. He carried his mail in an old, beautifully weathered leather post bag, which directly inspired the unique design and timeless style of this handbag). And indeed, these handbags perfectly capture that rustic yet refined charm. I have been utterly addicted to this brand ever since making my very first purchase that unforgettable afternoon in Verona, and I now proudly cherish a growing collection of these exquisite bags.

Beyond their coveted handbags, Zanellato also extends its impeccable design philosophy to its own brand of apparel, offering pieces that are consistently classy, elegant, and beautifully crafted, embodying the essence of Italian style.

Now, let me tell you (below)… this is absolutely my kind of store! A place where I could happily shop, get completely lost, and potentially go delightfully crazy! I’m talking about ceramics, especially the exquisite Italian “ceramiche” (the beautiful pottery and ceramic artistry of Italy)! It took a monumental amount of self-discipline, but somehow, I managed to stay clear of making any purchases, albeit with great difficulty.

The Tiffany & Co. Experience: A Study in Brand Excellence

Our exploration led us to Tiffany & Co.’s boutique, where Silvia and Cristina indulged in some luxurious shopping. As I patiently waited for them, I was pleasantly surprised and touched when two exceptionally kind gentlemen offered me some refreshing cold Italian water. What truly amazed me was the meticulous coordination of every visual element within the store: from the iconic turquoise blue ceiling and the subtle counter lights encircling the sparkling jewelry cases, down to the attendant’s perfectly matching necktie and pocket scarf, and extending to every minute detail. It was a masterclass in consistent brand experience.

Notice how, in the image below, even the chair’s upholstery fabric and the elegant booklets laid out on the table flawlessly coordinated in that unmistakable Tiffany blue? It’s always this unwavering attention to the smallest details that truly distinguishes excellence from mere mediocrity, creating an unforgettable and immersive brand environment.

And the water they served me wasn’t just any bottle of water. It was a specially selected Italian bottle of water, presented in a glass color that perfectly mirrored the famed Tiffany blue. Quite by accident, I even managed to capture the subtle reflection of the blue signage on the polished glass tabletop, adding another layer to this perfectly curated experience!

Discovering Verona’s Culinary Charms: Tre Marchetti & Locanda 4 Cuochi

After our delightful interlude at Tiffany’s, this quaint trattoria, Tre Marchetti, immediately caught Silvia’s discerning eye. Intrigued, we stepped inside to get a glimpse of its interior, drawn by its inviting facade.

Oh my goodness! What we discovered inside was nothing short of precious: a truly quaint, cozy, intimate, and utterly romantic little trattoria, boasting no more than eight small, perfectly arranged tables. We instantly fell in love with its charm and made a heartfelt promise to ourselves that we would absolutely return here on our very next visit to Verona.

The hand-painted walls were just extraordinary, featuring intricate artistry that enveloped the space. Fresh flowers adorned every table, candles flickered softly, casting a warm glow, and each table was meticulously set with crisp white cloth tablecloths and napkins. The rich parquet floor added a touch of classic elegance, all beneath the gentle sparkle of a Venetian Murano glass chandelier. It was simply…

NICE!

We then turned off the bustling main marble-covered pedestrian street and ventured down a much more narrow, charming cobblestone-covered street, further immersing ourselves in Verona’s authentic atmosphere.

Along with the simple pleasure of walking, riding bikes is an incredibly common and beloved mode of transport on Verona’s car-less streets. This means absolutely no auto smog in the city center, contributing to the wonderfully clean air and peaceful ambiance! It’s also one of the compelling reasons why Italians can indulge so heartily in their exquisite cuisine and yet maintain such enviable fitness and vitality.

As the day progressed, we set off for a late lunch, enjoying another leisurely walk amidst more of Verona’s iconic yellow and orange buildings, their facades softened by the large, vibrant green hanging plants cascading from numerous balconies.

Silvia and Cristina graciously took me to their absolute favorite trattoria, a highly acclaimed Michelin Guide restaurant, Locanda 4 Cuochi. This was truly a special treat, promising an exceptional dining experience.

With an inviting open kitchen design, the chefs at Locanda 4 Cuochi were not just cooking; they were a flurry of delightful activity, truly hopping with passion and precision!

The award-winning menu (pictured above) at Locanda 4 Cuochi, which thoughtfully changes every month to reflect seasonal ingredients, presented an array of exquisite choices. Deciding what to enjoy for lunch was genuinely not an easy task, given the tantalizing options.

What do you think you would have chosen to order from such a tempting menu?

It seemed that literally every meal in Italy, with the sole exception of breakfast, commenced with a wonderful glass of local red wine, setting the perfect tone for a leisurely and delicious dining experience!

This particular bowl of perfectly crafted gnocchi, swimming in a vibrant fresh tomato sauce, generously adorned with pistachios, fragrant basil, and aromatic herbs, was simply incredible. Each bite was a burst of authentic Italian flavor!

Juliet’s House: A Pilgrimage to Romance (and Crowds)

With a truly satisfying lunch complete, our next destination was perhaps Verona’s most iconic and romantic site: Juliet’s house, complete with its legendary balcony.

Helpful signs dotted throughout the city proudly show the way to Juliet’s house, guiding you effortlessly along the route.

Personally, amidst all the signage, I simply adored the charming red bike parked nearby!!!! It was a delightful splash of color.

Upon arriving, we were greeted by the iconic entrance gate to the courtyard of the “House of Capulet,” the legendary family name associated with Juliet. The moment you step through, you are immediately enveloped in a dense swarm of hundreds of people, all eagerly pushing and gently shoving to capture photos of the famous balcony and, of course, countless selfies. It was quite chaotic, and truthfully, the sheer volume of the crowd made the experience less enjoyable than anticipated. I recall being there for no more than ten minutes due to the overwhelming intensity of the crowd. We were advised by locals that the much slower, more serene time to visit is during the quiet winter months, away from the peak tourist season.

As you enter through the gate into Juliet’s courtyard, you’ll find that every inch of the walls is absolutely covered with graffiti, heartfelt love notes, and countless scribblings. Some romantics might call this a form of spontaneous art, a collective expression of enduring love and hope. However, many others, including local authorities, consider it to be an unfortunate act of defacing historical property, raising questions about preservation versus public expression.

What do you think about this unique tradition?

Despite strict regulations, it is technically against the law to mark these historic walls, but enforcing this rule proves to be incredibly difficult given the constant stream of visitors eager to leave their mark.

Beyond graffiti, countless love notes and heartfelt wishes for eternal love are diligently pasted on every available inch of wall space, creating a dense mosaic of romantic declarations. While these notes are officially removed every night, the tradition is so deeply ingrained that the majority of people simply ignore both the law and any official attempts to deter them. In fact, this affectionate ritual extends even further down the street, well beyond the confines of the immediate Capulet house, spreading its message of love throughout the vicinity.

Amidst the EXTREMELY crowded courtyard, you finally manage to look up and catch a glimpse of the famous balcony where Juliet was famously said to cry out to Romeo in Shakespeare’s immortal tragedy. It’s a poignant moment, connecting fiction with a tangible (albeit largely symbolic) location.

Interestingly, the renowned 1968 Franco Zeffirelli film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet was not actually produced or filmed in this courtyard. Instead, due to the small size of the actual courtyard and the perpetually high number of visitors, the film’s iconic balcony scenes were shot in the more expansive and film-friendly landscapes of Umbria.

As you make your way out of the enchanting (and bustling) courtyard of Juliet’s house, you’ll encounter numerous souvenir shops, each offering a plethora of tokens of affection and mementos. This particular shop beautifully featured an array of intricately embroidered satin hearts, perfect for commemorating a visit to the city of love.

Piazza delle Erbe: Verona’s Historic Heart

And now, we arrive at our final captivating stop in Verona: Piazza delle Erbe, which translates to “Herb Street.” This vibrant square is not just a hub of activity but also a place of profound historical significance, home to a large outdoor fresh market offering a delightful array of produce, local goods, and other treasures to buy. In Roman times, this very spot served as the city’s ‘forum’ and the bustling center of parliament, the heart of public life. Later, it became characterized by its brick buildings, eventually evolving into the historic Jewish Ghetto of Verona, Italy, adding another layer to its rich and complex narrative.

Even though much of the architecture in Piazza delle Erbe is constructed of sturdy brick, it still boasts an impressive array of decorative arches, intricate plaques, and elegant sculptures, alongside other forms of beautiful adornment. These details highlight the enduring artistry prevalent throughout Verona, even in its more utilitarian structures.

In the very center of the bustling square, the green market comes alive with a kaleidoscope of colors and aromas. This particular vendor was selling tempting fresh fruit parfaits, a perfect, healthy treat. Even in October, the fruit was still bursting with incredible flavor, a testament to Italy’s bountiful harvests!