Choose from 89 Fun Things to Do in Veneto
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Piazza Brà
Home to the city's town hall and other important buildings, Piazza Bra sits at the heart of life in Verona. The huge city square welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to stroll the wide expanse, enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of the al fresco restaurants, or attend one of the regular music performances held at the Verona Arena.
The Basics
Any visitor to Verona can expect to cross Piazza Bra at least once during their stay. On the west side of the square is Portoni della Bra"”a grand arched entryway"”and the impressive Gran Guardia Palace. On the south side is the Barbieri Palace, now the city's town hall. The square is a frequent stop on guided walking or bike tours of the city.
On the north side is the liston, a parade of cafes and restaurants named after the paving stones that line the area that's ideal for people watching over a cappuccino. On the east side is perhaps the most famous of all Verona's attractions, the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater that seats 15,000 people. In summer, grand-scale operas are held here"”it's an annual event that is famous worldwide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you're planning to attend a performance at the Verona Arena, book in advance.
- A small shaded garden in the square surrounds a fountain and a bronze statue of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of Italy.
- Visitors can find out more about the buildings in the square on a guided walking tour.
How to Get There
Piazza Bra is located in the center of Verona. It's accessible on foot, by bus, taxi, or as part of a bike or Segway tour of the city center.
When to Get There
A public square, Piazza Bra is open 24 hours a day all year round. Cafes and restaurants are busy at the usual hours, especially in summer. For the best people watching, head to the square early evening to take part in the daily passeggiata, a tradition when Italian families and groups of friends take a stroll before dinner.
Explore Verona Arena
Dominating the eastern side of Piazza Bra is the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater built during the first century AD to hold up to 30,000 people. Visitors can peek inside on a guided tour, or, better yet, by attending one of the summertime opera performances.
Address: Piazza Brà, Verona, Italy
From $ 23
Scuola of San Giovanni Evangelista
The Scuola of San Giovanni Evangelista is a confraternity of the church of San Giovanni Evangelista. This was an association of lay people dedicated to Christian beliefs and linked with the church. It was originally established in the church of San Aponal in 1261, making it the oldest of the six Great Schools of the former Republic of Venice, but it 1307 it was moved. The Scuola became famous in 1369 when the confraternity's Guardian Grande received the Relic of the Cross as a present. Many artists depicted this relic in paintings at the time.
During the 19th century, the Austrian government threatened to take the Scuola's beautiful marble floor. The Venetians organized to raise enough money to buy the building, saving it from being picked apart. They donated it to the world of art, and today it is an art museum where visitors can view its Hall of Columns, Monumental Staircase, the atrium, a variety of marble, and the works of art that decorate the walls.
Practical Info
Scuola of San Giovanni Evangelista is located on Calle de la Laca in the San Polo district.
Address: San Polo, 2454, Venice, Italy
Hours: Vary
Admission: €5
From $ 12
Gran Guardia Palace (Palazzo della Gran Guardia)
Just across Piazza Bra from the Arena, the majestic Gran Guardia Palace (Palazzo della Gran Guardia) is one of Verona's most important historic buildings. Today a popular venue for exhibitions and cultural events, the palace had been used for various military purposes for centuries.
The Basics
This large palace was designed in the early 17th century by Domenico Curtoni, but work was not completed until the mid-19th century under Giuseppe Barbieri. The facade combines elements of two different historical periods"”baroque and neoclassical"”with a row of arches on the ground floor that mirror those of the Roman amphitheater on the opposite side of the square. Originally intended as a covered space for soldiers to train in inclement weather, the palace also served as temporary housing for the Austrian military during Italy's first struggle for independence in 1848. Palazzo della Gran Guardia is open to the public only for exhibitions or other events like art shows and Vinitaly, Verona's wine conference.
Walking tours of Verona almost always stop in Piazza Bra to see both the Arena di Verona and the Gran Guardia Palace, with its adjacent Portoni della Bra city gate, before continuing on to nearby attractions like Piazza delle Erbe, the Castelvecchio Bridge (Ponte di Castelvecchio), and Castel San Pietro.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Piazza Bra is a pedestrian area, so it's a safe place to stroll with young children without having to dodge traffic.
- The square is lined with bustling cafes and restaurants, and is a good place to stop for a meal or snack.
- Exploring Verona on foot with a tour guide requires a bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- When it is open for events, the palazzo's interior is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Verona is a major city in the Italian region of Veneto, and well connected by train to Milan, Florence, and Venice. Piazza Bra is in the city's historic center, a short walk from the main train station.
When to Get There
Though the palazzo does not hold scheduled visiting hours, its full calendar of events means it is open to the public almost daily throughout the year.
Romeo and Juliet
Verona is most famous for being the backdrop for one of the greatest love stories of all time, Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. As a result, two of the city's main attractions are Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta) and Romeo's House (Casa di Romeo).
Address: Piazza Bra 1, Verona, Veneto 37121, Italy
From $ 365
Marmolada
The highest mountain in the Dolomites of northeastern Italy, Marmolada has five peaks, all standing between 3,000"“3,343 m (9,842.5"“10,968 ft); of these Punta Penia is the highest. The northern slopes of the mountain are covered in the only sizeable glacier in the Dolomites, the Ghiacciaio della Marmolada.
Known as the "˜Queen of the Dolomites' and famous for its summer hiking and winter ice climbing, Marmolada forms part of the Dolomiti Superski area, with 1,200 km (750 miles) of groomed pistes. The Bellunese is its longest run at 12-km (7.5-mile) and heads down to Malga Ciapela in the Pettorina valley; this resort is the starting point for the legendary Sellaronda ski tour through the valleys of Arabba, Fassa, Gardena and Badia. From Malga Ciapela a cable car goes up to the peak of
Marmolada's Punta Rocca at 3,309 m (10,856 ft) for glorious views over the jagged, snow-capped summits of the Dolomites and "“ on a clear day "“ even to Venice.
Marmolada and the Dolomites formed the natural barrier that divided Italy from the last fragments of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and was location of much military action during World War I, when Austrian soldiers dug far in to the cliffs of its
northern slopes and resisted Italian attack. The Museum of the Great War up at Serauta is the highest museum in Europe and showcases photos, uniforms, weapons and medals from the conflict; caves and tunnels dug out by the warring factions can
be explored close by.
Practical Info
Dolomites. Malga Ciapela is two hours 20 minutes from Venice by car along the A27.
Address: Trentino 32020, Italy
From $ 127
Music Museum (Museo della Musica)
A nod to Venice's rich classical musical heritage, the small but fascinating Music Museum (Museo della Musica) is one of the city's little-known gems. Housed in the beautifully restored church of Chiesa di San Maurizio, the museum explores the art of violin making and the preservation of rare musical instruments.
The Basics
Visitors can learn more about Venice's most famous composer, Antonio Vivaldi, and gain insight into the city's violin-making legacy, but the most compelling aspect of this free museum are the instruments themselves, dating from the 17th to the 19th century. The collection includes a wide variety of string instruments, including violins, cellos, and harps, with highlights including a 19th-century lyre and an exquisite mandolin inlaid with mother-of-pearl. True lovers of classical music can combine a tour of this small museum with an evening concert in the nearby Church of San Vidal by the Interpreti Veneziani ensemble, which performs works by famous Italian and German baroque composers.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This specialty museum is one of the best in the city of Venice and especially worth a stop for musicians and music lovers.
- The Music Museum is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing if visiting as part of a walking tour.
- Photography without flash is allowed inside the museum, though much of the collection is stored in glass cases so not easy to photograph.
How to Get There
The Music Museum (Museo della Musica) is located inside the Chiesa di San Maurizio (Church of San Maurizio) on Campo San Maurizio, a short walk from Piazza San Marco.
When to Get There
If visiting in the popular summer months, you can duck into the Music Museum to escape the crowds during the peak hours of midday and have a few minutes of quiet respite while enjoying the impressive collection.
Antonio Vivaldi
One of Italy's most famous musicians, Vivaldi was born in Venice in the 17th century and wrote a number of the most recognized pieces of classical music in the world, including The Four Seasons. His work greatly influenced later composers like Bach.
Address: Campo San Maurizio, Venice, Italy
From $ 39
Cinque Torri
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Italy and snuggled up against the Austrian border is a collection of rock formations called Cinque Torri. These five tower-like rocks each have their own name, along with a collection of smaller peaks and boulders that skirt around their base. The captivating crags are part of the Dolomites mountain range, and sit not far from the alpine town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
They're not just pretty to look at, either. During wintertime, this area becomes quite the ski destination. Meanwhile, during summertime, it's an outdoor playground for hikers, bikers and rock climbers. While visiting, explore the different trails, many of which connect and circle back; visit the various refugios, or refuges, where you can grab a bite to eat or even stay the night; and take in a bit of history while exploring the outdoor museum composed of restored war trenches from World War I (indeed, this was the site of major battle).
Practical Info
Cinque Torri offers many trails suitable for all skill levels. During summertime, you can also take the Cinque Torri chairlifts, making it possible for people of all ages to enjoy the views from up high.
Address: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Belluno 32043, Italy
From $ 127
Fontana di Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe (Market Square) is the bustling heart of UNESCO World Heritage"“listed Verona. Cafes and elegant buildings front the rectangular square, whose centerpiece is the 14th-century Fontana di Madonna Verona"”an allegory of the city topped by an ancient Roman statue of a female figure holding a scroll bearing the civic motto.
The Basics
Piazza delle Erbe has been Verona's main market square since Roman times, and still today visitors can peruse stalls stacked high with seasonal produce, local specialties, souvenirs, wine, and olive oil, or settle in at a table outside one of the many eateries that line the square. The prominent Madonna Verona fountain was designed in 1368 by Cansignorio della Scala, Lord of Verona during the reign of the powerful Scaligeri family. The base on which the fourth-century Roman statue stands is decorated with four water-spouting masks that represent the historic rulers of the city: Vero, the Lombard King Alboino, Berengario, and Verona. In addition to the fountain, the piazza is home to the medieval Torre dei Lamberti, Baroque Palazzo Maffei, crenellated Casa dei Mercanti, and frescoed Mazzanti houses, and is an important stop during any guided tour of the city's highlights.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Other sights included in walking tours of Verona are the Roman arena in Piazza Bra, Castelvecchio, and the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore.
- Piazza delle Erbe is a pedestrian area, so it is perfect for families with young children.
How to Get There
Verona is located in Italy's Veneto region, halfway between Venice and Milan and just west of Padua. La Piazza delle Erbe and its famous fountain are in the historic center of Verona, about a 30-minute walk from the train station or 15 minutes by bus.
When to Get There
The best time to visit the square is when the market is open, from 7:30am to 8:30pm Monday to Saturday, and some Sundays.
A View from Above
For a sweeping view over Verona's centro storico (historic center), walk up the hill to Castel San Pietro. The fortress itself is closed to the public, but its esplanade overlooks the rooftops of the city.
Address: Piazza delle Erbe, Verona 37121, Italy
From $ 365
Madonna dell'Orto Church
The Church of the Madonna dell'Orto is a small church in Venice, built in the 14th century by a religious order that no longer exists. Roughly 100 years after it was built, it was taken over by a different congregation. After another 200 years, the church was again taken over by another religious order, and in 1787 the church fell under public administration.
The Madonna dell'Orto church was reopened in 1868 and has undergone several restorations in the 20th century. While the church is officially dedicated to Saint Christopher, it's most commonly known by its nickname, "Madonna dell'Orto" - "Madonna of the Orchard." The name comes from a statue of the Virgin Mary that was commissioned for a different church in the 15th century, rejected by that church, and left in a nearby orchard. The supposedly miraculous statue was brought to the church that would later bear its name, and the statue is still on display in the St. Mauro Chapel.
Artwork inside the Madonna dell'Orto includes work by Tintoretto, Bellini, and Molinari. Tintoretto is also buried in this church, which is in the Cannaregio sestiere.
The Madonna dell'Orto church was reopened in 1868 and has undergone several restorations in the 20th century. While the church is officially dedicated to Saint Christopher, it's most commonly known by its nickname, "Madonna dell'Orto" - "Madonna of the Orchard." The name comes from a statue of the Virgin Mary that was commissioned for a different church in the 15th century, rejected by that church, and left in a nearby orchard. The supposedly miraculous statue was brought to the church that would later bear its name, and the statue is still on display in the St. Mauro Chapel.
Artwork inside the Madonna dell'Orto includes work by Tintoretto, Bellini, and Molinari. Tintoretto is also buried in this church, which is in the Cannaregio sestiere.
Address: Cannareggio, 3512, Venice, Province of Venice 30121, Italy
From $ 75
Piazza delle Erbe
Translating to Square of Herbs, Verona's Piazza delle Erbe is the city's central square and host to the local market. It has been the center of political and economic life in Verona for centuries. It was also once the site of a Roman forum. The 272-foot Tower Lamberti, the tallest tower in Verona, stands in the piazza topped by an octagon-shaped structure that holds the 1464 Rengo and Marangona bells. Palazzo Commune, Verona's town hall building, is also located here. It was built in the Middle Ages, but renovations in the 19th century added a neoclassical facade.
Also located in Piazza delle Erbe is Torre Gardello, which was built in 1370 but not finished until 1626. Palazzo Mafei is a Baroque building on top of which are sculptures of the gods Jupiter, Venus, Apollo, Hercules and Minerva. The most popular attraction in the square is the 14th-century Madonna Verona Fountain, also known as the Virgin of Verona.
Practical Info
Piazza delle Erbe is located between Via Mazzini and the Corso Porta Borsari.
Address: Verona, Italy
From $ 365