Romeo and Juliet in Verona – 7 Verona Unmissable Attractions

Known as the city of love, Verona is famous for its links to Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare’s play about star-crossed lovers. Here are 7 of the best sights related to Romeo and Juliet in Verona. Discover the best Verona attractions and find out more about the fictional young couple and their famous love story.

Shakespeare and Romeo and Juliet in Verona

There are quite a few myths surrounding Romeo and Juliet in Verona. Find out what is fact and what is fiction and admire attractions such as Juliet’s tomb and house, the Verona Love Wall and Juliet’s Club.

Where Is Romeo and Juliet Set In Verona?

The timeless tale of Romeo and Juliet happens to be a masterpiece of literature that has remained a steadfast favorite among readers and playwright enthusiasts for generations. The backdrop of this extraordinary tale is the historic city of Verona, renowned for its stunning architecture and remarkable cultural heritage.

Nestled amidst picturesque hills in northern Italy, this romantic city provides the perfect setting for the fateful tragedy. From its opulent palaces to its breathtaking squares, Verona offers just the right amount of sophistication and charm for this tragic love story to unfold.

As the play progresses, the characters’ fates ultimately draw them away from Verona and into the lesser-known city of Mantua. The story’s climax in Mantua adds a powerful and dramatic element to the already captivating play. Without question, the setting of Romeo and Juliet plays a critical role in the success of this timeless masterpiece.

Where is Verona?

The Italian city of Verona is situated in the region of Veneto. This prosperous town in Italy has a very picturesque setting.

Located on the banks of the Adige River, Verona is 1 hour by train from Venice. One of the most important Italian cities in Roman times, Verona has many well preserved monuments from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance era.

Thanks to this and the Verona Romeo and Juliet connection, this is the 4th most visited city in Italy. William Shakespeare begins his famous play with the words “In fair Verona, where we lay our scene“. It is still a very picturesque Italian town today.

Is Romeo and Juliet Real?

The first thing to bear in mind is that William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is based on a legend, and Shakespeare himself never visited Verona.

In the 14th century, Verona was a very rich town ruled by the Della Scala Family. Shakespeare set several of his plays here including The Two Gentlemen of Verona, a comedy.

The bard’s inspiration for Romeo and Juliet was an ancient Italian legend, upon which the writer Masuccio Salernitano based a novella in 1476. The tale was subsequently retold by Luigi da Porto in 1524 and then by Matteo Bandello.

Verona was the tale’s setting and the main characters were named as Romeo and Juliet. The Capulet and Montague families in Shakespeare’s version were genuine Veronese aristocrats mentioned in Dante’s Divine Comedy. 

1. Juliet’s House in Verona

However from here on, the willing suspension of disbelief is called for, as Juliet’s House belonged to the Cappello family. Known as la casa di Giulietta in Italian, it is certainly a similar sounding name to Capulet.

This resemblance was seized upon by enterprising locals who proclaimed it to be Juliet’s House, or Casa di Giulietta in Italian.The house on Via Cappello close to Verona Arena dates from the 13th century.

Popular belief is that the famous Romeo and Juliet balcony dates from medieval times. However Juliet’s balcony was actually added in the 1930s, created from parts of a 17th century sarcophagus. Most surprising of all, there’s not even a balcony scene in Shakespeare’s play!

If you head inside, there’s a small museum with the costumes and the bed that feature in the 1986 Franco Zeffirelli classic film, as well as some other interesting exhibits.

The real highlight is the famous balcony and the bronze statue of Juliet. When visiting the house of Juliet, do your best to arrive at opening time (8.30 am from Tuesday to Sunday, from 1.30 pm on Mondays) and you might manage to recreate the Romeo and Juliet iconic balcony scene yourself.

Visitors can also pose with the sculpture of Juliet in the small courtyard. Those looking for love might wish to rub Juliet’s right breast for good luck!

In the courtyard of Juliet, there’s also Romeo e Giulietta Shop, a gift shop selling Romeo and Juliet themed souvenirs.

2. Verona Love Wall

In the courtyard of Juliet’s House, there’s a whole Love Wall covered with graffiti, chewing gum and notes from visitors. The local authorities had originally tried to impose fines on those defacing the wall but realized they were fighting a losing battle so they cleverly created special removable panels where you are allowed to write or stick a message.

At peak visiting times, it can get extremely crowded in the courtyard. If you’re lucky to be staying at Palazzo Victoria, this beautiful townhouse has its own replica Love Wall, so getting a photo was a lot easier. We recommend travelling with Classic Collection Holidays, the luxury tailor-made holiday specialist.

3. The Juliet Club

One of the most charming Verona attractions,  The Juliet Club is a legacy of the Romeo and Juliet story. Made famous by the film, Letters to Juliet, starring Amanda Seyfried and Vanessa Redgrave, it was established to help the thousands of people suffering in love. Volunteers reply to all love letters addressed to Juliet, whether delivered by email, letter or by hand.

4. Romeo’s House

This is where fiction definitely rears its head, as Romeo’s House actually belonged to the Cagnolo–Nogarola family. However, it is a genuine medieval building and bears a plaque on the wall with this unforgettable quote:

‘Oh Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?’
‘Tut! I have lost myself; I am not here.’

As it belongs to a family, the house on Via Arche Scaligere cannot be visited but is well worth a look from the outside.

5. Juliet’s Tomb

Shakespeare chose the monastery of San Francesco al Corso as the scene of the tragedy where Romeo went to die next to Juliet. Located outside the city’s medieval walls on Via del Pontiere, Juliet’s Tomb, known in Italian as the Tomba di Giulietta, also houses a museum of frescoes. A series of wooden plaques feature key scenes from the play…

You might recognize this statue of the famous British bard. Shakespeare is seated next to another famous quotation from his play:

‘Eyes, look your last! 
Arms, take your last embrace! 
And, lips, oh you the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss a dateless bargain to engrossing death!’

Entering the crypt where Juliet is allegedly buried in a simple grave, you feel a sense of awe and sadness. Entrance to Juliet’s tomb is included with the Verona Card. Alternatively, you can buy a combined ticket for Juliet’s House and Juliet’s Tomb.

6. Letters to Juliet Location Tour

One of the best ways to see Verona is to take a guided tour. The city is fairly compact and has a high concentration of interesting sights. 

The Verona in Love Tour for small groups will show you the key filming locations from the Letters to Juliet movie. Led by an expert tour guide, this 75 minute walking tour is a great insight into this romantic city.

7. Medieval Verona

What is impressive about Verona is how they are keeping their medieval legacy intact. There are regular medieval markets held in Piazza delle Erbe, where the stall holders dress up in historical garb. Here are some more tips on what to see in Verona.

If you’re fortunate, you might also chance on a medieval parade as we did. It feels like you have time travelled back to the age of Romeo and Juliet in Verona.

Final Thoughts on Romeo and Juliet in Verona

So does it matter that elements of the Romeo and Juliet story in Verona are exaggerated or invented? To us, not at all, as we willingly visit film studios and other attractions that are based entirely on fiction.

It just goes to show how timeless the play is, for its continued resonance with people from all over the world. Moreover, the city itself is one of the most beautiful that we have visited in Italy where competition is high!

What are your thoughts on this and have you visited Verona?

To finish, here are some immortal lines from Juliet herself:

Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.

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Here are some more fun suggestions for things to do in Italy.

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