Buzz
The bed where director Franco Zeffirelli, along with the talented actors Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey, filmed the iconic wedding night scene in the movie “Romeo and Juliet” (1968), still exists, and the costumes from the film are beautifully displayed.
If you've ever watched this film, you almost vividly recall every detail. The small balcony where Juliet once stood, hand outstretched to her lover Romeo, gazing at the white clouds drifting across the azure sky, evoking the heartwarming echoes of Romeo's words – “Oh, love cursed, love hated. It all seems like nothing. Oh, dazzling light, deep abyss ... Yet, love persists.” (Shakespeare).
A few minutes' walk leads to the tomb of Juliet in a dim, solemn ancient mausoleum, with the flickering glow of nearby candles. Every year, millions of couples come here to pray for an enduring love.
The land of Romeo and Juliet has many other enchanting places. From a distance, the brilliant red glow of the massive ancient Roman architecture, the imposing Roman Arena, captivates me immediately.
Truly magnificent, measuring 139m in length, 110m in width in an oval shape, towering at 32m, the grandstands consist of 44 rows of stone seats arranged in a staircase pattern, accommodating over 30,000 spectators.
Built in 30 AD as a gladiatorial arena, today it still preserves many passageways, with lions and lions fighting Roman warriors depicted in the stone reliefs.
Long gone are the days when the clang of swords echoed, giving way to vibrant evenings of concerts, festive celebrations, and lively markets. If you find yourself on a warm summer night, you'll experience outdoor operas amid the enchanting Arena.
Perhaps the only bridge constructed with warm red bricks here is Castelvecchio Bridge, adorned with white marble tiles below, its towering sides spanning three times the height of a person over the 120m-long Adige River. Legend has it that Cangrande II della Scala had this bridge built for an easy escape in times of peril.
War ravaged the original bridge, reconstructed in 1949. Strolling on the bridge in the late afternoon, you hear the gentle flow of the river, the radiant glow of the sunset, and feel the refreshing breeze.
Heading straight from the bridge leads to Castelvecchio Castle, also crafted entirely in Gothic-style red bricks. Unassuming but fortified, it served as a stronghold during tumultuous times.
Verona rightly earns its UNESCO World Heritage status. Everywhere you turn, you encounter ancient majestic architecture, meticulously crafted structures showcasing a bygone era.
Porta Borsari, Verona's triumphal arch, exudes a charm distinct from Parisian arches. Petite but graceful, it epitomizes the elegance of the first century BCE. With three floors, the main floor below boasts two tall arches, while the two upper floors are smaller, adorned with 12 petite windows.
The pristine white limestone color harmonizes with the intricate station lines, evoking thoughts of the gates to the temples of the Greek god Jupiter in Greece.
Arco dei Gavi's welcoming arch, distinct from Porta Borsari, consists of a single archway, which was once the main entrance to the city. The Roman Theatre, built along the Adige River, showcases the ancient architects' intelligence, with the stage facing away from the riverbank, protected by two walls on either side to prevent floods and river water.
The grandstand consists of stone seats built in a progressively rising amphitheater style on the hill opposite the river. Spectators can enjoy both the theater and the picturesque river scenery.
Verona boasts numerous churches such as San Giovanni in Fonte, San Lorenzo, San Fermo, Santa Anastasia, Sant’Eufemia, and Santa Maria in Organo, with Santa Maria Matricolare standing out. Blending Roman and Gothic styles, the church's front facade is breathtaking, with three varying-sized gables across three majestic floors. Inside, the soaring ceiling is adorned with murals, resembling a small museum displaying countless works of art.
As rich as Verona's churches are, its squares are quintessentially Italian, serene with pigeons elegantly picking up breadcrumbs from tourists' hands. Sitting down for coffee at Piazza dei Signori (or Piazza Dante) is fascinating, surrounded by various structures, monuments, and gardens.
Savoring Verona ice cream with hints of cinnamon and olive oil, while gazing at the solemn 3-meter tall statue of Dante, reveals the Palazzo del Comune, Cansignorio Palace, and the Santa Maria Antica church. Next door is the Palazzo del Podesta, often called 'Dante's house' by enthusiasts, and adjacent to it is the Palazzo del Podesta, the medieval Roman council meeting place with intricate columns and beams.
To get a panoramic view of the city, you must ascend the 84m-high Lamberti Tower built in 1772. Climbing 238 steps to the top, with an elevator option for the less adventurous, the wind at the summit is invigorating. There are two lower levels for a stable vantage point to capture the scenic landscape.
The tower houses two bells – the large one, called Rengo, rings to gather the community for meetings, while the smaller Marangona signals fires and marks the hours.
Bravely venturing next to the large bell is thrilling, but the tower guardians caution against touching it as the sound can be deafening. Paying 5 Euros to enter the tower is well worth it. My new French friend only recommended it after I purchased the 16 Euro Verona travel pass, allowing exploration of all Verona's landmarks.
Wandering through the peaceful stone-paved streets and charming alleys of Verona, I lost count of the historical sites, churches, and palaces. Cafes and bars are abundant, with Delle Erbe and Campidoglio standing out for their delightful aroma and refreshing Bassotti beer with abundant fizz.
The most peculiar is the market in Piazza delle Erbe, selling an array of spices, dried and fresh herbs. Verona's air is exceptionally pure, devoid of any vehicle smoke. At times, it feels like stepping back in time a thousand years.
Juliet's hometown, the lover of Romeo, must undergo a name change; calling it the “City of Historical Treasures” truly befits Verona.
Whispering Tips
1 – Verona's Delights:
+ Risotto Delight: Verona's special rice dish is a captivating blend of cream, butter, and a variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, and meat. Explore different types like risotto al tastasal, risotto al radicchio, risotto all’Amarone.
+ Pasta Extravaganza: Bigoli Pasta, a slender brown spaghetti made from whole wheat, is a unique Veronese creation. Tossed with duck sauce, beef, or even saltwater fish, this dish is exclusive to Verona.
+ Verona's Pride: Horse fillet – A Verona exclusive and a traditional relic from times of scarcity during ancient wars.
+ Pandoro Delight: Veronese sponge cake, a delectable treat that becomes even more exquisite with added hazelnuts. A must-try delicacy.
2 – Optimal time to visit Verona is during June to August when the weather is splendid and the greenery is vibrant.
3 – Embrace the pedestrian lifestyle: Exploring Verona requires strolling on foot to fully experience its majestic fortresses.
4 – Sport a wide-brimmed hat, carry a water flask, and pack a sandwich. Having a picnic amidst the fortresses when hunger strikes adds a delightful twist to your journey.
As recommended by Dương Văn Minh Lộc/Tuổi trẻ
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Reference: Travel guide on Mytour
TravelHub.comJune 15, 2018
