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Verona, Italy
Verona is a compact jewel of a walking city with layers of history at every step. The Roman Arena, the third-largest in Italy, still hosts world-class opera performances under the stars. Piazza delle Erbe, the ancient Roman forum, bustles with market stalls surrounded by frescoed palazzi. The so-called Juliet's balcony draws crowds, but the real highlights are the Romanesque Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, the Castelvecchio medieval fortress, and the views from Castel San Pietro across the river. The Ponte Pietra, a Roman bridge rebuilt after wartime destruction, frames perfect photos of the old town. Verona is also the gateway to Valpolicella and Soave wine regions, and the trattorias within the walls serve some of the Veneto's best cuisine.
explore by interest
If visiting during the opera season (June through August), book Arena tickets early and bring a cushion — the ancient stone seats are beautiful but hard.
April through June and September bring pleasant walking weather, while summer opera season in the Arena is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.