Things to Do in Veneto

Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in Veneto

San Zaccaria

Just steps away from the hugely popular and bustling Piazza San Marco resides the 15th-century Chiesa San Zaccaria, one of Venice's most artistically dazzling and lesser known churches. Located on the site of a former, much older church, San Zaccaria looks over the quiet Campo San Zaccaria Square. Its layer-cake-like façade features a mix of styles: late Gothic on the lower levels and early Renaissance on the upper ones.

But it's the interior that is a veritable museum of noteworthy art, including one of Bellini's greatest works, La Sacra Conversazione. This magnificent altarpiece is made even better by a small donation that will illuminate the mural, taking it from impressive to altogether magical. Art by other Italian greats, from Tintoretto to Tiepolo, adorn the church's walls as well, making this relatively crowd-free spot the perfect escape while in the tourist-dense Italian city of Venice.

Practical Info

Note that the church closes for four hours during the middle of the day, between noon and 4 p.m. It is easily reachable by foot from central Venice, as it is located near Piazza San Marco.

Campo San Zaccaria, 4693, Venice 30122, Italy

Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon.; Sunday, 4-6 p.m.

Chapels and the Crypt: €1.50

From $ 21

Santa Maria della Salute

With its ornate facade and towering dome, the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute is one of the most beautiful sights along Venice’s Grand Canal. Known simply as La Salute, the church dominates the mouth of the canal and its steps seem to rise directly from the water, inviting visitors to explore its soaring interior.

The Basics

This baroque church, designed by Baldassare Longhena, was built in the 17th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, or Our Lady of Health, for having brought a stop to a devastating plague outbreak that killed a third of the Venetian population in the early 1600s. You can view its grandeur during a gondola ride or luxury motorboat cruise on the canal, or stop in to admire the Byzantine-influenced interior—with its exquisite mosaic floor and impressive artwork by Tintoretto and Titian—during a Venice walking tour. Private tours often combine a stop at La Salute with other famous sights like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace in St. Mark’s Square, and the Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto).

Things to Know Before You Go

Be sure to bring your camera if taking a gondola or speedboat cruise up the Grand Canal to snap pictures of Santa Maria della Salute along with other canalside landmarks.
If you’re planning to visit the interior of the church, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Walking tours of Venice cover a lot of ground, so wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.
There is a flight of steps to enter La Salute, so the church is not accessible to wheelchairs.

How to Get There

From Piazza San Marco, take a water taxi or vaporetto (water bus) to the Salute stop. You can also walk across the Ponte dell’Accademia, weaving your way through Venice’s beautiful alleys to the church.

When to Get There

One of the most picturesque festivals in Italy takes place each year on November 21, when Venice celebrates the Festa di Santa Maria della Salute. The city builds a temporary bridge across the Grand Canal to the church for pilgrims and holds a boat procession in honor of the Virgin Mary. Try to schedule a visit around this time to see the festivities. The church closes each day from noon to 3pm, so be sure to stop by in the early morning or late afternoon to visit when the church is open yet not too crowded.

Exploring the Dorsoduro Neighborhood

Santa Maria della Salute is located in Venice’s Dorsoduro neighborhood, home to other important sights like Ca' Rezzonico, the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, and the Church of San Sebastiano.

Fondamenta Salute, Venice 30123, Italy

From $ 26

Sant'Anastasia

Verona’s largest church, the impressive brick facade of Basilica Sant'Anastasia has been a fixture of the city for hundreds of years. Located in the historical center, it’s also one of the city’s finest examples of Italian Gothic architecture.

The Basics

The basilica is named after Saint Anastasia, a martyr who lived in the 4th century AD. The basilica kept the name of an earlier church that stood on the same site, although it’s also dedicated to St. Peter, one of Verona’s patron saints. Construction of the current church started in 1290 and continued for hundreds of years. In fact, the facade is still unfinished; there’s a painting above the altar that shows how the final design was meant to look.

The basilica was the main place of worship for Verona’s ruling families, including the influential Scaliger family. The interior, with its richly decorated vaulted ceiling and ornate side chapels, often features on guided tours of the city. Another highlight: the fresco of St. George and the Princess by 15th-century artist Pisanello.

Things to Know Before You Go

Entry to the basilica is via paid ticket, but it’s free if you’re attending mass.
Gain combined entry into multiple attractions with the Verona Card.
Pisanello’s famous fresco can be found above the entrance to the Pellegrini chapel.

How to Get There

The Basilica Sant'Anastasia stands on Piazza Sant'Anastasia, and it’s within walking distance of other points in central Verona. Visitors can also opt to visit the church as part of a guided bike or Segway tour. Hop-on-hop-off tour buses are also within walking distance.

When to Get There

The church is open daily; on Sundays and on holidays, it’s open only in the afternoon. It can be especially busy on weekends, so visit during the week for a quieter experience.

Visit the Scaliger Tombs

Although the Basilica Sant'Anastasia served as the Scaligers’ main church, the family also had Santa Maria Antica, a private chapel nearby. Today, this is where you can view the Scaliger tombs, which are famous for their ornate Gothic decoration. A symbol of one family’s power over the city, the tombs add an interesting depth to any visit to Verona.

Vicolo Sotto Riva 4, Verona 37121, Italy

Varies

From $ 21

Sigurta Park (Parco Giardino Sigurta)

Just outside the resort town of Peschiera del Garda on the shores of Lake Garda, the 19th-century English-style Parco Giardino Sigurtà, or Sigurtà Park, is considered among the most beautiful gardens in Europe, with a Great Lawn, large hedgerow maze, Avenue of the Roses, and Water Gardens.

The Basics

Originally the private grounds of the 17th-century Villa Maffei, the garden was created in the early 19th century by the Marquis Maffei, though fell into a state of abandon when the family line ended a century later. The estate was purchased by the Sigurtà family in 1941, who restored the garden to its original glory and expanded it from its original 54 acres (22 hectares) to its current 148 acres (60 hectares). Sigurtà Park is one of the most popular in Italy, so booking tickets ahead is recommended to avoid the line to enter.

Things to Know Before You Go

The park includes a small area with farm animals that visitors are welcome to pet, especially fun for younger kids.
Visitors can explore on foot by following the free map or app provided at the park entrance, by rental bike or e-bike, by rental GPS-guided golf cart, or aboard the park train or shuttle.
The park is entirely accessible to visitors with disabilities, including the park train.
There are a number of snack bars, a gelato stand, and a pizza-by-the-slice shop inside the park.

How to Get to There

Sigurtà Park is just outside the pretty medieval village of Valeggio sul Mincio. From the A4 highway, take the Peschiera del Garda exit and then follow the signs to Valeggio sul Mincio. From the Peschiera del Garda train station, take APAM bus 46 or ATV bus 479.

When to Get There

The best time to come is during Tulip Mania, a few weeks in early spring when the park’s million tulips bloom in profusion. The park is closed from November to March each year.

Seasonal Blooms at Sigurtà Park

Depending upon the month you visit, you can expect to see the park’s famous tulips along with irises, dahlias, roses, lilies, hydrangeas, hibiscus flowers, and a number of aquatic plants like water lilies and lotus flowers.

Via Camillo Benso Conte di Cavour, 1, Valeggio Sul Mincio, Italy

Varies

From $ 14

Scaliger Tombs (Arche Scaligere)

Commemorating the influential Della Scala family, the Scaliger tombs are a series of five Gothic funerary monuments found outside the Santa Maria Antica church in Verona. Dating back to the 14th century, the monuments are famous for their elaborate decoration.

The Basics

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the Scaliger family (also known as Della Scala) ruled the city and wielded a great amount of power. Here, the first tomb built—attached to the exterior church wall—belongs to Cangrande I, the most famous of the family dynasty and the protector of the poet Dante. A statue in his likeness on horseback, decorated with harnessed dogs, fronts his tomb (cangrande means “big dog” in Italian).

Other tombs memorialize Mastino II, watched over by a pair of angels, and Cansignorio, whose tomb is the most ornate, with sculptures of warrior saints. The last two tombs stand in memory of Alberto II—simple without a canopy—and Giovanni, whose tomb is also built into the church wall.

Things to Know Before You Go

You can view the Scaliger tombs for free from behind the ironwork fence, or you can pay the entrance fee to see the monuments up close.
Purchase a Verona Card for free entrance to the tombs.
Join a guided walking tour to find out more about the Scaliger family.

How to Get There

The Scaliger tombs are housed in the courtyard of Santa Maria Antica church in central Verona. They’re easily walkable from other areas the city, and they’re accessible by local bus. Walking tours often combine a trip to the tombs with other memorable sights around the city.

When to Get There

The church and courtyard at Santa Maria Antica are open daily. You can pay to enter the courtyard during the daytime, but the tombs are also worth visiting at night—even if you only view them from behind the ornate fence—when floodlights casting long shadows create a spooky atmosphere.

The Santa Maria Antica church

While you’re visiting the tombs, make time to step inside Santa Maria Antica church, which was built in the 7th century AD and went on to serve as the private chapel to the Scaliger family. With striped walls of tufa and brick, the building is a wonderful example of Romanesque architecture.

Via Arche Scaligere, Verona 37121, Italy

Varies

From $ 52

Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto)

The Rialto Bridge was the first to span Venice’s Grand Canal (Canal Grande) between its two highest points above sea level. The original 12th-century wooden bridge was replaced in 1592 by a stone structure resting on wooden pilings—a bold design by Antonio da Ponte featuring a single central arch over the water that allow ships to pass. Today, the bridge is among Italy’s most famous, carrying an endless stream of tourists and locals across the canal while countless gondolas and vaporetto water buses pass beneath.

The Basics

The Rialto is one of the most famous landmark bridges in Europe, and a popular and crowded Venice attraction connecting the San Marco district, home of St. Mark's Square, to the San Polo district, where Venice's famous fish market has stood for 700 years. The bridge is visited on nearly every walking tour through the "Floating City," along with other historic tourist attractions like the nearby Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale), Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri), and St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco). For a unique view of the bridge far from the crowds, consider booking a Venice gondola ride or Venice Grand Canal evening boat tour to see the bridge from the water.

Things to Know Before You Go

The bridge is lined with tiny shops and leads to the San Polo neighborhood, known for its market and gourmet stores; it’s an ideal spot for souvenir shopping.
The Rialto is a pedestrian bridge but has stairs on each side, so it is not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get to There

The Rialto Bridge crosses the Grand Canal between the San Marco and San Polo districts, and can be reached by vaporetto water bus lines 1 and 2 via the Rialto stop. Along Venice's maze of tiny streets, there are signs and arrows painted on the walls at regular intervals pointing toward the Rialto.

When to Get There

The islands of Venice are crowded with tourists during the popular summer months, and it can be a challenge to navigate the crowds on the bridge. Take an early morning or late evening stroll if visiting between April and October, or book a private tour by boat along the Grand Canal.

The Grand Canal Bridges

The Rialto Bridge is one of four bridges that span the Grand Canal. The other three are the wood-and-steel Accademia Bridge (Ponte dell'Accademia), the modern Constitution Bridge (Ponte della Costituzione), and the marble ‘Bridge of the Barefoot’ (Ponte degli Scalzi).

Ponte di Rialto, Venice 30125, Italy

Open every day, 24 hours a day.

Free

From $ 21

Prato della Valle

The largest public square in Italy is in the city of Padua, although Prato della Valle is much more of an oval than a proper square. The huge space of more than 96,800 square feet (9,000 square meters) has an island in the middle that's surrounded by a canal that has rows of statues on either side. This was once a swampy area, but in the late 18th century, a drainage system was installed and the piazza took on its present look.

There are 78 statues in the Prato della Valle set in two rings, including one dedicated to the man whose idea it was to drain the swamp and build the piazza. There are bridges over the canal so people can walk to the island – Isola Memmia. It's often the site of local festivals.

Practical Info

The Prato della Valle is located south of Padua's city center, near the botanical garden at the university.

Via Michele Sanmicheli, 49, Padua, Veneto 35123, Italy

From $ 110

Prosecco Hills

Prosecco has grown world famous as the sparkling wine of Italy. Grown in the Prosecco Hills just north of Venice, a visit to the wine region is not only tasty but excessively scenic. As opposed to champagne which refers to a region, the name ‘prosecco’ refers to the grape itself, though it is also called ‘glera.’ It is grown in this lush valley of Italy, surrounded by green hills and framed by the Dolomite Mountains. Prosecco has been grown here for more than ten centuries.

Three main towns can be found in the region: Valdobbiadene, Conegliano and Vittorio Veneto. Mild climate and rich soils make this the Vineyards, tasting rooms, and local restaurants all offer opportunities to taste the dry, light sparkling wine at its source. Many of the vineyards have small terraces on steep slopes that offer great views of the surrounding countryside. Wine-centered events take place during the summer months.

Practical Info

The Prosecco Hills are roughly an hour’s drive from Venice. The closest airport is Treviso. It is advised to call ahead to check that a vineyard is open before visiting.

Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy, Italy

From $ 179

San Giovanni and Paolo Church (Santi Giovanni e Paolo)

Venice is home to many important churches, including the huge Basilica of Saints Giovanni and Paolo (John and Paul). Known as “San Zanipolo” in Venetian, this Basilica was the setting for every Venetian doge’s funeral from the 15th century on, and is the burial site for 25 of those doges.

Santi Giovanni e Paolo was built in the 14th century on land donated by a 13th century doge. The church is enormous - one of Italy’s biggest - and contains artwork by notable Italian artists as well as several tombs. Because the church also holds a piece of a saint - in this case, one of the feet of St. Catherine of Siena - it rises to the level of “Basilica.”

Artists whose work appears in Santi Giovanni e Paolo include Bellini, Veronese, and two generations of Lombardo sculptors. Not only does a painting by Bellini hang in the church, Bellini himself is also buried inside. Other tombs in the church include 25 Venetian doges and the 3rd Baron of Windsor, who died in Venice in 1574.

Practical Info:

The Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo is located on a square of the same name in the Castello sestiere.

Santi Giovanni e Paolo, Venice, Castello 6363 30122, Italy

From $ 21

Rialto Fish Market (Mercato di Rialto)

To get a glimpse into authentic Venice, a visit to the city’s historic outdoor fish market is a must. Venetians have been purchasing their fish and seafood, fresh fruit and vegetables, and other foods at the Rialto Market since 1097, making it one of the most long-lived aspects of daily life in the Floating City.

The Basics

At Venice's best-known local market, stalls stand cheek by jowl hawking familiar seafood as well as local specialties from the Venetian lagoon. Browsing the selection is a great way to get an idea of what's local and fresh before you peruse restaurant menus later in the day.

Many walking tours of Venice include a stroll through the Rialto Market along with stops at Piazza San Marco and the Doge's Palace and a gondola ride. An excellent way to visit is as part of a food tour of the city that combines the market with tastings of cicchetti, Venetian snacks.

Things to Know Before You Go

As with any busy outdoor market in Italy, it's a good idea to keep an eye on your valuables.
Be sure to bring your camera, as the stalls filled with artful displays of fresh seafood make for great photo opportunities.
Tours through the Rialto Market are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
The Rialto Bridge is essentially a flight of stairs going up and down, so getting to the market from across the canal may be challenging with a wheelchair or stroller. Instead, take vaporetto Line 1, which is wheelchair accessible, to Rialto Mercato.

How to Get There

Cross the Rialto Bridge from the San Marco side of the Grand Canal to San Polo, then turn right and follow the edge of the canal to Campo della Pescaria, the open square where the Erberia (fruit and vegetable market) is located. Beyond that is the Pescheria, the covered fish market.

When to Get There

The Rialto Market is open Tuesday through Saturday, and the stands are usually closed up by lunch. To see them at their most interesting (and to pick up anything you'd like for a picnic lunch), be there in the early morning.

Food Markets in Italy

Before the recent rise of supermarkets, Italians shopped for their food and housewares in bustling outdoor markets for centuries. A visit to the local market is a fascinating slice of Italian life in any city or town you visit.

42 San Polo, Venice 30125, Italy

From $ 35

San Lazzaro degli Armeni

The Venice Lagoon is hardly short on islands, but if you're eager to explore one of its most unique and lesser known destinations, then boat no further than San Lazzaro degli Armeni. At only seven acres (three hectares) in size, this square-shaped piece of land is home to an Armenian Catholic colony of monks and loads of curious cultural discovery.

It was here that the first Armenian monks settled back in the 1700s, when they began a multilingual printing press, translating various literary works and medieval transcripts into Armenian. Nowadays, San Lazzaro degli Armeni is often visited by travelers via boat tours along the Venice Lagoon. Visitors to the island can learn more about its language-rich history, as well as explore a collection of artifacts ranging from thrones and jewels to ancient manuscripts and Egyptian mummies. Before you leave, be sure to check the gift shop for the island-made rose petal jam.

Practical Info

The island is roughly a 20-minute boat ride from Venice. Before you set off on your adventure, consult the opening hours, which are very limited.

Isola di San Lazzaro degli Armeni, Venice 30100, Italy

Daily 3:25-5:25 p.m.

€6

From $ 35

Santa Lucia Station

If you are arriving in Venice by train from another Italian or European city, you will likely catch your first glimpse of La Serenissima from the Santa Lucia Station (Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia), the city’s main train station and principal transport hub located in the Cannaregio district.

The Basics

The station’s mid-20th-century modernist building was designed by architects Angiolo Mazzoni and Virgilio Vallot, and is set directly on the north bank of the Grand Canal. If arriving for a day trip by high-speed train from Florence or Rome, you can catch the vaporetto (water bus) or a water taxi and float up the Grand Canal and under the Rialto Bridge to Piazza San Marco, where the city’s main sights are concentrated. Otherwise, you can also walk into the center of Venice either through Cannaregio—the largest and most populated of Venice’s six central districts (sestieri), and home to the historic Jewish ghetto and Ca' d'Oro Palace—or cross the Ponte degli Scalzi bridge into the Santa Croce district, where Palazzo Mocenigo, the Museum of Modern Art in Ca' Pesaro, and the San Stae church are located.

Things to Know Before You Go

The train station has a baggage deposit, perfect if you are stopping in Venice for a day trip.
The building is accessible for those with limited mobility, as are many of the city’s vaporetto water buses.
There are a number of small cafés and coffee bars in and around the station for a light meal or snack.
The public restrooms are located on the main floor of the station.

How to Get There

High-speed trains from Florence, Rome, and Milan arrive at the Santa Lucia station, as do international trains from across Europe. All cross the Ponte della Libertà bridge from the mainland to the Venetian islands.

When to Get There

Day trips to Venice by train generally arrive in the early morning hours; if you are coming to the Floating City to stay for a few days, time your arrival after sunset for a spectacular first view of Venice’s Grand Canal by night.

Mestre: Venice’s Second Train Station

The Mestre Venezia train station is the city’s second rail hub, located on the mainland. To reach the Venetian islands from Mestre, visitors must take the bus to Piazzale Roma located across the lagoon near the Santa Lucia train station.

30100 Venezia, Venice, Italy

From $ 139

San Polo

San Polo is one of the oldest of Venice’s six districts, or sestieri, and home to many of the city’s most popular sites including the Rialto Bridge that connects San Polo to the San Marco side of the Grand Canal and the historic Rialto Market, a fascinating slice of Venetian life.

The Basics

The San Polo district lies at the heart of Venice, hugging one of the wide bends in the Grand Canal. Guided walking tours of the San Polo area generally include Campo San Polo, the largest public square in Venice after San Marco, and the Church of San Giacomo di Rialto, said to be the city’s oldest church. The neighborhood is also home to the works of Tintoretto in the Scuola Grande di San Rocco and in Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (the Frari Church), famous for its works by 16th-century painters Bellini and Titian. Private walking tours can easily be paired with a gondola ride and visits to Venice highlights like Saint Mark's Square.

Things to Know Before You Go

The area around the Rialto is always busy, but walk a bit away from the Grand Canal and deeper into this charming neighborhood to discover the quieter streets.
Be sure to bring your camera, as San Polo is a particularly picturesque area of Venice.
San Polo tours are on foot, so wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
There are a number of excellent local restaurants and cafés serving cicchetti (Venetian tapas) in this district.

How to Get There

Cross the Rialto Bridge from the San Marco side of the Grand Canal to San Polo, or take vaporetto Line 1 to Rialto Mercato.

When to Get There

Venice is one of the most popular destinations in Italy and can be very crowded during the summer months. The best times of year to visit are early spring and late fall, when the city is less crowded but the weather is mild.

Venice's Sestieri

Venice has six districts, or sestieri: Castello, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro, San Marco, Santa Croce, and—the smallest—San Polo.

San Polo, Venice, Italy

From $ 66

Santa Maria Formosa

The striking church of Santa Maria Formosa stands in a sleepy piazza of the same name and has seen several transformations since the founding of the original wooden church in 842. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it owes its present appearance to Renaissance architect Mauro Codussi, who was commissioned to rebuild the church nearly 400 years after it burnt down in 1106. Much of the work was finished after his death in 1504 and the church is almost unique for having two marble façades, one overlooking the Campo Santa Maria Formosa and the other facing the Rio (canal) del Novo Mondo. It has a freestanding Baroque campanile (bell tower) that was designed by the priest Francesco Zucconi in 1688, and a vast white marble dome, which was repaired in the same year following an earthquake and again in 1921 after Austria bombed Venice in World War I.

The restrained marble interior is laid out on a Greek cross plan and is largely the result of work commissioned by wealthy merchant Torrino Tononi in 1689; the main highlight of its three aisles is the luminous polyptych Santa Barbara by Palma il Vecchio above the main altar.

It is rumored that Santa Maria Formosa gets its strange name – ‘formosa’ translates as ‘comely’ or ‘buxom’ from Italian – from a well-endowed prostitute who lived in the neighborhood in the late 16th century.

Practical Info

Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Castello, Venice. Open Mon–Sat

10am–5pm. Admission €3. Ferry to Rialto or San Zaccaria.

Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Castello, Venice, Veneto 30122, Italy

Mon–Sat 10am–5pm

€3

From $ 29

Scuola Grande di San Rocco (Scuola of San Rocco)

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco was one of the many “Scuole Grandi” in Venice, typically established by the church for charitable purposes. The “Great School” of San Rocco was founded in the 15th century by a group of Venetian aristocrats, although other schools in Venice at the time were more egalitarian - there was no rule against lower classes joining.

The structure of these “Great Schools” was similar from building to building, with a large meeting hall on the main floor and more private meeting rooms on the upper floor. The Scuola di San Rocco was founded in 1478, but the building to house the confraternity wasn’t complete until 1560. The building that is still known as the Scuola of San Rocco is next to the church of San Rocco, from which the society took its name.

The main draw of a visit to the Scuola Grande di San Rocco is to see the many paintings by the master Tintoretto. He was commissioned to decorate the new building with his works soon after it was complete, and he worked on the project from 1564-1587. Some of Tintoretto’s best-known works are in the Scuola of San Rocco, along with paintings by Titian.

Practocal Info:

The Grande Scuola di San Rocco is in the Cannaregio sestiere. The building is open for tours from 9:30am-5:30pm, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Admission is €10, which includes an audio-guide.

Sestiere San Polo, 3054, Venice, Province of Venice 30125, Italy

Open 9:30am - 5:30pm Daily except Christmas and New Years.

Adult 10 EUR, 8 EUR for young/seniors, Free Children

From $ 22

Scrovegni Chapel

Padua is an Italian city often overlooked by its famous neighbors (Venice and Verona, to name a few) but is a destination in its own right — full of history, culture, and art. The Scrovegni Chapel is perhaps its best example of this, with an exquisite fresco cycle by Giotto that dates back to the early 14th century. The work is widely considered a masterpiece of Western art.

Decorated with ornate biblical scenes, mostly depicting the lives of Mary and Jesus, the colors and detail are well preserved — having undergone extensive renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also allegorical depictions of the Vices and Virtues. Only 25 people at a time are allowed into the rooms which contain the works, and they are situated in tightly-controlled micro climates.

Scenes are displayed chronologically, with special attention paid to facial expressions of those surrounding key figures. Look closely at the shading and placement of light as well, often leading the eye to where it is intended to focus. The masterful work, which has delighted observers for more than seven centuries, is an excellent example of storytelling through visual art.

Practical Info

Reservations to see the frescoes must be made in advance. Tickets can be purchased online and cannot be sold same day. Visitors will have access to an air-conditioned waiting room prior to entering the rooms, in order to properly acclimate. Tickets are €13 on their own, or included with a purchase of the Padova Card. Visits are scheduled for either 15 or 20 minutes.

Piazza Eremitani, 8, Padova, Italy

9am-7pm

€13

From $ 114

Porta Palio

Built in the 1550s, Porta Palio is a monumental city gate in Verona. It stands on the site of a former gate in the Medieval walled city. While the gate is now closed to traffic—whether horse, car, or pedestrian—it stands a reminder of 16th-century Verona.

The Basics

Porta Palio was designed by the Venetian architect Michele Sanmicheli to celebrate the ancient Roman road Via Postumia, which once crossed much of northern Italy. With Doric columns and regularly spaced arches, the design was influenced by Roman architecture. A horse race (palio in Italian) used to be held at the former Medieval gate, hence the monument’s name. The gateway has been closed to traffic for much of its life, which has led to it being nicknamed “Porta Stupa” or “closed gate” by locals.

Things to Know Before You Go

The gate can only be viewed from the outside.
The interior spaces are often used for events performances and exhibitions.
Find out more about the gate and its history with a guided walking tour of the city.

How to Get There

Porta Palio is located at the edge of the Centro Storico (historic center), linked to Castelvecchio by Stradone Porta Palio. It’s approximately a 20-minute walk from the city center and is also accessible by bus or taxi. Hop-on-hop-off tour buses pass by the gate for those who want to see the monument without the walk.

When to Get There

A public monument, Porta Palio can be seen all year round. As only the outside of the gate is accessible to visitors, many people stop here while on a larger walking tour of the city.

Walk the City Wall

From Porta Palio, you can see a length of the Medieval city wall built in the 1200s. These walls were built upon the foundations of pre-existing Roman structures. Like many European cities, Verona was once encircled by defensive walls—and large sections of them remain. In fact, some sections were in use as late as the 19th century, when the city was occupied by Austrian forces. Walk down to nearby Castelvecchio to see the fortified bridge across the river.

Stradone Porta Palio, Verona, Veneto, Italy

From $ 52

Roman Theater and Archaeological Museum

Verona Arena, the first-century Roman amphitheater on Piazza Bra is one of the city’s most famous sights, but Verona also boasts a pristine Roman Theater that is even older than the arena and is set on the banks of the River Adige. Visit the theater to see remains of the stage, stone seating (cavea), and loggia arcades.

The Basics

Verona’s Roman Theater was unearthed during the 19th century, when developers discovered the original marble floor of the orchestra pit and rows of stone seats. Part of the seating was destroyed when the Church of San Siro was built on the site during the 10th century, but otherwise this theater dating from the first century BC is surprisingly intact. On the hill above the theater, the former Convent of San Gerolamo is home to the Archaeological Museum, displaying a collection of Roman artifacts found in and around Verona.

By day, visit the Roman theater with a walking or bike tour of Verona, or join a hop-on hop-off bus tour that stops at the theater and museum. Most Verona tours also include skip-the-line entrance to the arena and stops at the historic center’s top attractions. On summer evenings, you can enjoy a concert in the theater.

Things to Know Before You Go

The Roman Theater is accessible to wheelchairs via gangways in the summer for those attending concerts, and via Vicolo Botte in the winter for those touring the theater.
The Archaeological Museum is not wheelchair accessible.
Both the Roman Theater and the Archaeological Museum offer beautiful views over Verona and the Adige River, so bring your camera.
A tour of the theater and museum is especially interesting for Roman history enthusiasts.

How to Get There

The Roman Theater and Archaeological Museum are located just across the Adige River from the historic center of Verona. These sights are easily reached on foot or via public transportation by crossing the Ponte Pietra bridge. Verona is located in the Veneto region in northern Italy between Venice and Milan, and is a popular day trip from Venice or Lake Garda.

When to Get There

The theater is open all day Tuesday through Sunday and Monday afternoon year-round, but is especially memorable to visit on a summer evening to see a concert or performance. On evenings when events are scheduled, the theater may close early.

Verona’s Roman Amphitheater

The Verona Arena is a spectacular oval-shaped Roman amphitheater dating from the first century. The arena once hosted sporting events, games, and gladiator battles. The arena was opened once again during the 19th century to hold performances, and today audiences of up to 15,000 gather there to watch opera, concerts, and ballet.

Rigaste Redentore, 2, Verona 37129, Italy

Varies

From $ 21

San Zeno Maggiore Church

The striking Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is just as famous for its pink-and-white pastel color scheme as it is for hosting the marriage scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. A lasting example of Romanesque architecture, the building—parts of it, at least—dates back to the 9th century AD.

The Basics

The ice cream–colored Basilica and the Benedictine monastery next door were both constructed to honor St. Zeno, the patron saint of Verona, who died in 380 AD, and there has been a church on the site for more than 1,500 years. Parts of the current building date back to the 9th century, but the structure, like many buildings in Verona, was damaged in an earthquake and subsequently rebuilt and expanded to its present-day size. Its ornate facade is built from cream-colored local tufa stone inlaid with pink marble.

Inside, the massive carved bronze doors are a highlight for many visitors exploring the church as part of a guided tour. The striped walls, vaulted ceilings with intricate decoration, and painted panels depicting biblical scenes will delight fans of Romanesque architecture.

Things to Know Before You Go

Entrance to the basilica is via paid ticket unless you’re taking part in mass.
Pick up a Verona card to save money on the entrance fee to this church and other attractions.
Join a guided tour to learn more about the marriage scene from Romeo and Juliet, and why Shakespeare chose to set it in the crypt here.
The nearly 2,000-year-old remains of St. Zeno can be found in the crypt.

How to Get There

The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is located around a 15-minute walk outside the city center. Visitors can travel by public bus or take the hop-on-hop-off tour buses that operate in the city (Line A stops nearby). Alternatively, guided bike tours of Verona also stop here.

When to Get There

The Basilica is open daily, with opening schedules dependent on mass and other events. It’s busiest on weekends, particularly Sunday afternoons, so plan to visit during the week for a quieter experience.

Stroll along the Adige River

The Basilica is located close to the banks of the Adige river, which flows through the center of Verona. It’s the second longest river in Italy, rising in the Alps before flowing out to sea south of Venice. A stroll along its banks through central Verona is a great way to see the city’s buildings and bridges from a new angle; the experience is especially pleasant at sunset when the low sun turns the buildings golden.

Piazza San Zeno, 2, Verona 37123, Italy

Varies

From $ 21

Querini Stampalia Foundation (Fondazione Querini Stampalia)

Palazzo Querini Stampalia is one of Venice’s few noble palaces open to the public. Here you can tour the 18th-century ducal apartments as well as view the extensive collection of fine art—including works by Giovanni Bellini, Pietro Longhi, and Tiepolo—at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia (Querini Stampalia Foundation).

The Basics

La Fondazione Querini Stampalia was created by Count Giovanni—the last of the Venetian Querini Stampalia family—as a cultural center; today it houses a library and art collection, the original apartments, and exhibition areas for concerts and events. Architect Carlo Scarpa reworked the ground floor and garden in the 1960s, and Mario Botta completed a later renovation and expansion were completed in the 1990s. But the palazzo dates from the 16th century and the ornate stuccos, Meissen porcelain, and fine tapestries of the original noble apartments remain.

A stop at the Querini Stampalia Foundation is a highlight of any Venice walking tour that combines quieter, lesser-known sights with skip-the-line tickets to A-list attractions like St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.

Things to Know Before You Go

The foundation’s 700-year-old library, considered the most beautiful in Venice, is open to the public.
The foundation often holds contemporary art exhibits in the Carlo Scarpa Area during Venice’s Biennale.
The complex’s ground floor houses a bookstore and café.
The palazzo is accessible to wheelchair users via a secondary entrance with a bell to alert staff.

How to Get There

Entrance to Querini Stampalia Palace is on Campo Santa Maria Formosa, Castello 5252, a short walk from Piazza San Marco and the Rialto or San Zaccaria vaporetto (water bus) stops.

When to Get There

Venice is one of the most visited cities in Italy, so less famous sights like the Querini Stampalia Foundation are a welcome respite from the summer crowds. The foundation holds regular events, so check their program calendar to experience a workshop, classical concert, or temporary art exhibition.

The Querini Stampalia Library

The Querini Stampalia Foundation’s library has a collection of over 350,000 historical and modern pieces, with a reading room of about 32,000 books, more than 350 magazines and journals, and 20 local, national, and international newspapers. Count Giovanni wanted the citizens of Venice to have access to culture, so he stipulated that the library be open on Sunday, on holidays, and late into the evening. The library is free for visitors aged 16 and up.

Santa Maria Formosa, 5252, Sestiere Castello, Venice, Veneto 30122, Italy

Varies

From $ 16