On Monday we took the city bus into Verona. It was nice to have transportation and not have to worry about driving and parking within the city. Our roundtrip bus tickets for the four of us were 26 euro. Cheap and the best way to get around without the headache of being our own navigators. After about 45 minutes on the bus we arrived right in the city center.
We were the epitome of Rick Steve's travelers with our book and big camera. The walking tour took about 2 hours at a slow pace. It was a perfect way to see the major sights of the city and get the background of each of them.
Our first stop on the tour was the Roman Arena. When we first arrived it wasn't open yet, and by the time we walked back by it the line was too long for what we wanted to wait in.
This place was so neat to see! Most of the stones here are the original ones from the first century A.D. Over the centuries crowds of up to 25.000 spectators have cheered Roman gladiator battles, medieval executions, and plays (some of which are still held there today).
This Porta Borsari and Corso Porta Borsari once functioned as a toll booth.
Here is a tomb from Roman times. During Roman times the outside walls were lined with tombstones, as no one could be buried within the town itself. Inside the cafe is a glass panel on the floor that shows the original Roman foundations and pavement stones below.
This area was once noble family towers. Merchants measured weight of good gthey bought and sold, such as silk, wool, and wood.
These are original paintings lining the area.
The fountain they are standing in front of has been going here for 2,000 years!
I didn't know what to expect when we arrived at the House of Juliet, but it turned out to be very interesting and beautiful. This is rumored to be Juliet's house, but hasn't been proven to be true. (This is also where the "Letters to Juliet" movie was filmed and based on.)
It's good luck to touch Juliet's breast...too many people in line for it so we didn't wait.
The courtyard was beautiful with the ivy hanging. I can only imagine what this place looks like in the high season of the summer.
Lining the walls just outside the courtyard are letters to Juliet. This is just a small portion. It was two HUGE walls written all over.
At the Piazza del Signori.
Jackson loved this whale rib hanging from the arch. Legend has it that it will fall only when someone walks under it who has never told a lie.
This place was recommended in the book to get a sandwich fresh from the deli.
Best 4 euro we spent that day!
The Church of Sant'Anastasia was built in the late 13th century-15th century.
Love the hunchbacks holding the basins of holy water on their backs.
Of course we had to end the day with gelato. I am not a fan of ice cream, but I did enjoy one and it was delicious!
