Verona

Verona Travel Guide

• About Verona

It’s the setting of the world’s greatest love story, but Verona has more to offer than just Romeo and Juliet. While romance, conflict and passion shaped the city, it’s the Roman, medieval and Renaissance architects that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. Verona’s remarkably well-preserved architecture is crowned by its magnificent amphitheatre, the Arena, which has remained intact for two centuries. 25,000 spectators still take to its marble seats during Verona’s summer opera festival. Known as piccolo Roma (little Rome), Verona’s narrow streets are a rich collection of beautiful buildings and baroque facades. With its stunning historic monuments, wide variety of restaurants and fabulous shopping, Verona has all the ingredients for the perfect weekend break. Roman gates, sections of the original city wall and other ruins are found at every turn. The elegant, three-storey Porta rises wonderfully above Corso Porta Borsari, the city’s best shopping street. Still, it’s Romeo and Juliet who have left the greatest mark. Discover the amour and agony of devotion at the 14th-century balcony of Casa di Giulietta, where lovers graffiti hopeful pleas on the courtyard walls. Romeo’s banishment took place in the magnificent Cortile del Mercato Vecchio, while the tale’s epilogue leads visitors to Juliet’s tomb in the crypt of San Francisco al Corso monastery. Verona has more than its fair share of beautiful churches. With elegant rounded arches and soft yellow stone, the magnificent Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore is regarded as one of the finest Romanesque buildings in the world. Rising above the whole city is Castelvecchio, the ancient castle which overlooks the surrounding Valpolicella and Soave wine districts. But little beats striding along the Via Mazzoni to peek into its boutique shops and designer chains, or visiting the buzzing market stalls on Piazza delle Erbe. Situated in the affluent and culturally rich Veneto region of north eastern Italy, Verona is within a few hours train ride or car journey from Venice, Vicenza and Padua, so works well as a base from which to explore this particularly beautiful and historic part of the country.

• Verona History

With records of a settlement existing at least 550BC, Verona became a Roman colony in the 1st century BC. Thanks to its location straddling the main east-west and north-south trade routes, it was a key base for the empire, which built impressive gateways and a grand amphitheatre. The city’s prime location was not lost on other powerful regional players and with the fall of the Roman Empire, Verona was conquered by Ostrogoths, Lombards and Charlemagne. Finally, in the 13th century, it came under the control of the Scaligeri dynasty. They may have been tyrants, but the family fortified Verona and extended the city’s influence to Vincenza, Padua and Treviso. They were also great patrons of the arts. Dante, Petrarch and Giotto all thrived here in 13th and 14th centuries, and the city experienced a mini golden era of peace and prosperity. But family feuds and fratricides eventually took their toll, and by the 15th century, Verona was under Venetian rule. Under them, the great city gates of Porta Nuova and the Porta Palio were constructed, as was Piazza Brà. Venice ruled the city until Napoleon’s armies swept through the peninsula in 1797. Then Verona was passed as a war trophy to Austria and it only rid itself of foreign domination during the unification of Italy in the 1860s. In 1882, a terrible flood destroyed much of the historic centre. The city’s iconic high walls were thus erected to protect it. However, they weren’t strong enough to repel the bombs of the Allies in WWII, which again damaged much of the city. 40% of the buildings were wrecked, as well as all the bridges which were destroyed by the retreating Germans. Reconstruction was intensive and prolonged, and restoration took place where it could. In the end, enough of Verona survived for it to be named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

• Did you know?

Built in AD30, much of the original Verona Arena is still preserved. However, an earthquake in 1117 completely destroyed the amphitheatre’s outer ring. Rubbing the right breast of a Juliet statue at Juliet’s House is thought to bring good fortune for those unlucky in love. Unfortunately for the forlorn, the bronze sculpture was removed and replaced in 2014 after the caressing caused too much damage. Verona was part of Austrian-ruled Venetia until 1866, when the region became one of the last to join the Kingdom of Italy.

• Weather in Verona

Verona is characterised by a warm and temperate climate, making it a city with significant rainfall. Given its location, high into northern Italy, it is best to avoid the winter months in Verona. Not only is the weather cold, but most of the towns and activities around Lake Garda close. Winter (December to February) is the driest season, but temperatures hover around an average of 6°C (42°F). Spring and autumn are lovely weather-wise, and the city still tends to stay relatively uncrowded. Spring (March to May) experiences heavy rainfall, with May being the wettest month of the year, and temperatures can rise to around 22°C (71°F). Autumn (September to November) also sees heavy rainfall, but temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 18°C (65°F). In July and August, temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F) and visitors flock to the city for the opera season. Book well in advance if you’re hoping to visit in the height of summer.

Things to see in Verona

Attractions

• Piazza Bra

Dominated by the impressive walls of the Arena, and the stylish neoclassical facade of the Palazzo Municipale, this central piazza has been at the centre of Veronese life for centuries. Rimmed by cafes and restaurants in pastel-coloured buildings, it’s an ideal spot for an aperitivo and a little Veronese people-watching. Address: Piazza Bra, Verona. Opening times: Daily 24 hours. Admission Fees: No Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore

Built in the 1120s and 30s, this is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. It has an imposing façade and an impressive bell tower that is mentioned in the Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri. Inside are fresco-clad walls and a crypt with the remains of Saint Zeno. Part of its fame comes from the tradition that its crypt was the place of the marriage of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Address: Vicolo Abbazia 1, Piazza San Zeno, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 800 6120 Opening times: Mon-Sat 08:30-18:00, Sun 12:30-18:00. Website: www.basilicasanzeno.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Castelvecchio Museum

This 14th-century castle belonged to Verona’s medieval rulers, the della Scala family, and was only converted from a military fortress in 1925. It still houses weapons and jewellery, but its most interesting treasures are works by Pisanello, Veronese and Tintoretto alongside a selection of medieval frescoes and sculptures. Address: Corso Castelvecchio, 2, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 806 2611 Opening times: Tue-Sun 08:30-19:30, Mon 13:30-19:30. Website: www.museodicastelvecchio.comune.verona.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Giardino di Palazzo Giusti

One of the most beautiful Renaissance gardens in Italy, the Giardino Giusti behind the palace of the same name is a spacious estate featuring flowers, fountains, statues, a cypress-lined avenue and one of Europe’s oldest labyrinths. It dates from the late 16th century, but has been renovated many times since. Address: Via Giardino Giusti 2, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 803 4029 Opening times: Daily 09:00-19:00. Website: www.grandigiardini.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Torre dei Lamberti and the Galleria d’Arte Moderna Achille Forti

Climb the 84m-high (276ft) medieval Torre dei Lamberti (Lamberti Tower) for spectacular views across Verona. A lift will take you most of the way, but the last few storeys must be done under your own puff. Tickets also allow entry to the adjoining Galleria d’Arte Moderna (Gallery of Modern Art) Achille Forti, home to a fascinating collection of regional  contemporary art from the 19th century to the present day. Address: Cortile Mercato Vecchio, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 800 1903 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00. Website: www.gam.comune.verona.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: No UNESCO: No

• Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum

Dating from 1st century BC, the Roman Theatre has a magnificent hillside location north of the Old Town. After centuries of disuse it was recovered in the 19th century, and has been used for theatre and ballet productions. The Archaeological Museum, located in a former medieval Jesuit convent, is currently closed for renovation. Address: Regaste Redentore 2, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 800 0360 Opening times: Tues-Sun 10:00-18:00. Website: www.museoarcheologico.comune.verona.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Casa Giulietta

While the Capulet family did indeed live in Verona, it is doubtful that they ever lived in Casa Giulietta (Juliet’s House), and the balcony was only erected in the 1920s to satisfy visitors. There is a statue of Juliet in the courtyard. The Montague family actually lived at Casa Romeo (Romeo’s house), found along arche Scaligere 4. It is not open to the public. Address: Via Cappello 23 (Casa Giuilietta), Verona. Telephone: +39 45 803 4303 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00. Website: www.casadigiulietta.comune.verona.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Arena di Verona

The Arena in Verona is the largest Roman amphitheatre in northern Italy, with a capacity of 25,000 people. It was constructed early in the 1st century AD, and has been the site of gladiatorial combat, public executions and, more recently, concerts and opera performances. It also hosts the city’s famous opera festival every summer. Address: Piazza Bra, Verona. Telephone: +39 045 800 5151 Opening times: See website for opening times. Website: www.arena.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: Yes

• Museum of Natural History (Museo di Storia Naturale)

Natural history buffs will lose hours at the Museo di Storia Naturale, where 16 welcoming rooms brim with historic and scientific finds across botany, geology, pre-history and zoology sections. The museum is housed in the grand Palazzo Pompei, once home to the wealthy Lavezzola family, which was built between 15:30 and 15:50. Address: Central Verona, Lungadige Porta Vittoria 9, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 807 9400 Opening times: Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00. Website: www.museostorianaturaleverona.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

• Chiesa di Sant’Anastasia

Constructed between 1290 and 1481, Verona’s largest church is also a repository for some of the city’s best art. The bare exterior disguises an interior rich in frescoes. Look out for Pisanello’s storybook fresco of St George Setting out to Free the Princess from the Dragon. Address: Piazza di Sant’Anastasia, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 592 813 Opening times: Mon-Fri 09:30-18:30, Sun 13:00-18:00. Website: www.chieseverona.it Admission Fees: Yes Disabled Access: Yes UNESCO: No

Tourist Offices

• IAT Verona

Address: Piazza Bra, via degli Alpini 9 , Verona. Telephone: +39 45 806 8680 Opening times: Daily 09:00–18:00. Website: www.tourism.verona.it IAT Verona is a small and friendly tourist office selling English language guides and offering a range of free maps, including a shopping map and a guide with information about all the main historical sites. A second tourist office can be found at Verona Porta Nuova railway station, Piazza XXV.

Tourist passes

The VeronaCard: Gives free or discounted access to museums, churches and other attractions in Verona. Visitors can buy either a one- or a three-day pass. The card is sold at museums, churches and tourist information offices. Website: www.veronacard.it

Things to do in Verona

• Enjoy an atmospheric show in a Roman amphitheatre

One of the most spectacular venues in Italy.

• Arena Di Verona

Telephone: +39 458 005 151 Website: www.arena.it  is a first-century Roman amphitheatre whose open air shows are some of the finest in the world. Seating 30,000 people, its summer festival includes opera, ballet and concerts. Winter visitors should check out Verona’s impressive Teatro Filarmonico.

• Hike its shoreline then cool your feet in Lake Garda

Along with a delightful city centre, Verona is surrounded by a wealth of walking opportunities. For excellent hikes, walk along the shores of Lake Garda, whilst the trek from Il Vittoriale botanical gardens in Gardone Riviera to the Valtenesi vineyards is rewarded with a cold glass of local chiaretto (rosé wine).

• Hop aboard a Lake Garda ferry and explore the surrounding towns

Nearby Lake Garda encompasses an immense 370 sq km (142 sq miles). The Brenta Dolomites raise to the north, while itssouthern gentle hills features a Mediterranean microclimate. The vast lake is best explored by boat, so hop on a Navigazione sul Lago di Garda ‘s Telephone: +800 551 801 in Italy only. Website: www.navigazionelaghi.it  ferry and discover its surrounding towns.

• Speed across Lake Garda using wind power

It doesn’t take long to discover that windsurfing is one of the most popular activities on Lake Garda. Blessed with crystal clear water and highly reliable wind conditions, surfers set out from Torbole, Riva del Garda and Garda town.

• Surf Center Marco Segnana

Telephone: +39 464 505 963 Website: www.surfsegnana.it  has everything windsurfers require, including beginner lessons.

• Tour the city centre on two wheels

With an abundance of greenery and well-marked paths, the river Adige makes a great two wheel escape from the city – not that central Verona is without its cycling charms. Verona Bike Telephone: +800 896 948   in Italy only. Website: www.bikeverona.it  is a bicycle share scheme and is great for gliding between historic sights, especially considering the centre’s traffic restrictions.

Verona tours and excursions

Verona tours

• Walking tours

Juliet & Co organise guided walking tours of the historic city centre in English. There are a number of routes available including Classic Verona, which covers the medieval part of town, Romeo’s House, the Scala family house and graves, plus Erbe square and its lively market. Other tours include Shakespeare in Verona, Verona in the Moonlight and Verona Noir, which recounts the city’s ghastly past. Telephone: +39 347 034 3755 Website: www.julietandco.com

• Bicycle tours

Veronality offers 3-hour guided bike tours of Verona in English. The tour stops at all the top attractions, such as Castelvecchio, Verona Arena, Ponte Pietra and Juliet’s balcony. You’ll also have the chance to visit the main squares and monuments while hearing fascinating and informative stories from your knowledgeable guide. Telephone: +39 045 221 8575 Website: www.veronality.com

Verona excursions

• Valpolicella

Explore the Valpolicella district, a gentle, hilly landscape with several small valleys north of Verona, which is famous for its fine wines – the Valpolicella, the Amarone and the Recioto. The landscape is sprinkled with charming Romanesque churches, impressive Palladian villas, wine cellars, fortresses and parks. The region is justly famous for its cuisine, where boiled meat is an essential ingredient. Website: www.valpolicella.it

• Lake Garda

Lake Garda, situated 30km (18 miles) west of Verona, is a jewel among Italy’s many lakes. Charming villages and small towns dot the landscape around the lake. To the south the lake is characterised by gentle, Mediterranean-like slopes rising to the more dramatic steep hills and mountainsides further north. The lake is a hub for outdoor activities from gentle walks and boat trips to fishing, windsurfing and diving. Ferries traverse the lake regularly. At Malcesine, the rotating cable car to Tratto Spine takes visitors to a height of 1,760m (5,774ft) for amazing views. Telephone: +39 365 20 636 Website: www.visitgarda.com

Shopping in Verona

As a style conscious, affluent city surrounded by skilled artisans and factories, Verona is a great place for shopping, especially the window variety. The historic centre is peppered with interesting little boutiques, whilst the region around Lake Garda is well known for its discount designer outlets. Luxury brands such as Gucci, Max Mara, Burberry, Givenchy and Valentino all have stores in town, but the city boasts individual manufacturers and emerging labels too. Thanks to centuries of skill with leatherwear, Verona is renowned for its high quality shoe shops. There are also fragrance stores offering exclusive blends and plenty of up-and-coming designers selling their wares. Foodies will find a mouth-watering range of fresh pasta, dried herbs, oils and salami in small, specialist delis. Local wines and liqueurs are often available too, complementing devilish Monte Veronese cheeses and warm breads. Antique shops are in abundance as well, but bargain hunters should visit Piazza San Zeno on the third Saturday of the month for a bright and bustling flea market selling jewellery, stamps, clothes and the occasional vintage car.

• Key areas

Via Mazzini is the main shopping avenue in Verona and many of Italy’s high street chains and big brand names have stores here. Via Mazzini can be found at the north end of Piazza Bra, and parallel to it runs the Corso Porta Borsari, which is also lined with fashion stores as well as a number of excellent shoe shops.

• Markets

On Piazza delle Erbe there is a daily market with stalls selling clothes and fruit and vegetables (Mon-Sat 08:00-18:00). On Saturday morning you’ll also find a huge flea market at the football stadium (08:00-14:00).

• Shopping centres

Le Corte Venete, viale del Commercio 1, is Verona’s largest shopping centre. For an outsized commerce complex, however, La Grande Mela, in Lugagnano just outside Verona, offers three floors and over 130 shops.

• Opening hours

In general, shops are open 09:00-19:30, with many smaller shops closing between 13:00 and 16:00. Nearly everything is shut during August, on Thursday afternoon and on Sunday. Many shops are often closed on Monday morning too.

• Souvenirs

Head to Piazza delle Erbe to fill your suitcase with food, dried herbs and wine as well as ornaments and antique postcards. You’ll also find here and round about jewellery and accessories. If you’re on the look out for trinkets and objets d’art to remind you of your stay, then Piazza Bra is another good choice as well as Piazze delle Erbe. Most of the churches, such as Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, offer interesting little pieces and keepsakes.

• Tax information

Value-added tax (IVA) of 21% is added to every purchase in Italy. If you are a non-EU resident and spend more than €155 on a single item then you can claim a refund when you leave the country. The refund is only available from shops that display a ‘tax free Italy’ (or similar) sign.

Restaurants in Verona

Verona has a buzzing restaurant scene with a good mix of traditional Italian cooking and some interesting, modern takes on classic cuisine. Food here is often meaty, although fish is also widely available too, and visitors can tuck into an immense range of antipasti. The Verona restaurants below have been grouped into three pricing categories: Expensive (over €60) Moderate (€30 to €60) Cheap (up to €30) These Verona restaurant prices are for a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of house wine or equivalent, tax and service. Tipping is discretionary, but good waiting staff should be rewarded with a few extra euros on top of the bill.

Expensive

• Il Desco

Cuisine: Italian For some of the finest dining in Verona, if not all of Italy, book a table at Il Desco. Sit down in the refined art-lined dining room at one of the meticulously laid tables and sample chef Elia Rizzo’s elegant regional northern cuisine. Highlights include brodo (pasta soup) with oysters and liquorice ice cream. Address: Via Dietro San Sebastiano 5/7, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 595 358 Website: www.ristoranteildesco.it

• La Fontanina

Cuisine: Contemporary Italian This Michelin-starred restaurant is situated just round the corner from the Arena. 200 years old, its interior is cluttered with pictures and antiques, and its menu offers plenty of traditional, regional cooking with an emphasis on meat. Some lighter, more interesting variations are also included with a superb tasting menu sometimes available too. The wine cellar is particularly interesting with a wide selection of local labels and choice bottles from further afield. Address: Portichetti Fontanelle 3, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 913 305 Website: www.ristorantelafontanina.com

• Ristorante Re Teodorico

Cuisine: Italian and European It’s hard to beat this restaurant’s location, standing as it does on a hill overlooking the Adige River and offering excellent views of the city and its ancient Roman Theatre. An elegant restaurant with a stylish interior, Re Teodorico offers excellent gourmet cuisine drawing on classic Continental and Italian cooking traditions. It’s a very special place with a kitchen to match. Address: Central Verona, Piazzale Castel San Pietro, 1, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 834 9903 Website: www.reteodorico.com

Moderate

• Al Pompiere

Cuisine: Italian The fireman’s hat – after which the restaurant is named – is still on the wall, but the focus of attention at this local institution is the enormous array of local cheeses and the huge hams dangling from the ceiling. You can easily make a meal of the starters and charcuterie plate, or try some of unique local dishes such as oven-cooked pork with polenta or horsemeat stew. Address: Vicolo Regina d’Ungheria 5, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 803 0537 Website: www.alpompiere.com

• Ristorante 12 Apostoli

Cuisine: Italian The twelve apostoli (apostles) were 12 businessmen who would meet on this site in the late eighteenth century to discuss business over wine and generous portions of pasta. Something similar has continued until today at this atmospheric and very traditional restaurant, which has been run by the Gioco family since the early 1900s. Food, served amid the frescos, is hearty and there’s an emphasis on home made pastas and soups. Address: Corticella San Marco, 3, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 596 999 Website: www.12apostoli.com

• Ristorante Arche

Cuisine: Italian One of Verona’s most famous restaurants, Ristorante Arche is a superb 130-year-old fish and seafood restaurant. The cuisine is modern but rooted in old Venetian cooking traditions. As Russian Nobel Prize winner for literature Joseph Brodsky once said, the food here reveals ‘ancient flavours’. There is indeed something pure, original and even archetypal about Ristorante Arche, and for fish lovers it is likely to provide an unforgettable experience. Address: Via Arche Scaligere 6, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 800 7415 Website: www.ristorantearche.com

Cheap

• Corte Farina

Cuisine: Italian Super convenient after a hard afternoon shopping on Via Mazzini, join the crowd of famished shoppers in the sleek lime-green interior of Corte Farina. Choose between Argentinian empanadas (savoury meat-filled pastries) and traditional pizzas, all of which are delivered to your table piping hot from the oven. There’s also outdoor seating in summer. Address: Central Verona, Via Corte Farina 4, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 800 0440 Website: www.cortefarina.it

• Dispensa Emilia

Cuisine: Italian Everything revolves around tradition. Dispensa Emilia is a special place to spend unique moments. Its menu comes from the union of selected typical products and the pleasure of being at the table together to discover the best of Emilian cuisine. Address: Via Comasina, 115, Verano. Telephone: +39 036 2186 0256 Website: www.dispensaemilia.it

• Osteria Sottriva

Cuisine: Italian Tucked under the porticoes in a picturesque street, you can feel the warmth of Sottoriva when you step in the door. It dates back nearly 300 years when they used to serve the boatmen who worked the river Adige. Now they plate up hearty dishes of meatballs, pasta with beans and horsemeat stew to regulars and visitors alike. A handwritten note acknowledges ‘servizio lento’ (slow service) so sit back and relax. Address: Via Sottoriva 10A, Verona. Telephone: +39 045 801 4323

Verona Nightlife

Unlike Venice, its more conservative neighbour, Verona has a healthy but mature nightlife scene. Surrounded by winegrowing regions and host of Italy’s largest annual wine fair, visitors will find bars and traditional osterie (inns) are plentiful. Many also host live music at the weekends. Verona’s club scene, however, is modest. A handful of late night spots dot the fringes of the city and many are small in contrast to the mega-clubs of Rome and Naples. Their doors usually open at 2230 and fill up after midnight. Instead of clubs, Verona offers concerts by the bucket-load. The summer opera and theatre festivals fill the town with visitors, and there’s a year-round programme of music, theatre and dance at the city’s numerous theatres and historic monuments. For more information seek out the Spettacoli section of the local paper, L’Arena, or visit the tourist office.

Bars in Verona

• Caffè Filippini

The best bar in town, Caffe Filippini has been serving cocktails to a cultured-up crowd since 1901. Sit in the classic wood-pannelled interior or at outdoor tables and try the house speciality, the Filippini cocktail, a mixture of vermouth, gin, lemon and ice. Friday and Saturday night, the bar is full to bursting. For something more leisurely come for a pre-lunch café coretto (coffee with grappa). Address: Piazza Erbe 26, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 800 4549 Website: www.caffefilippini.it

• Archivio

House of Craft Cocktail and Beers, Hip, young locals make their way to this smart, funky bar for cold beers, music and gossip. Its slick, cool interior is matched by the choice of music and the food is both a modern take on Italian classics, plus a number of international dishes. The wine list is extensive and well-priced and cocktails change on a regular basis. Address: Via Rosa, 3c, Verona. Telephone: +39 345 816 9663 Website: www.archivioverona.com

• Terrazza Bar Al Ponte

As well as decent wine, chintzy cocktails and hearty food, this elegant wine bar offers regularly changing exhibitions from artists working locally and further afield. Alongside the artworks are great views of the river and the Ponte Pietra with its fourteenth century tower. The interior has comfortable leather seats and a relaxed atmosphere, while the terrace is ideal for watching the sun disappear. Address: Via Ponte Piatra, 26, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 927 5032 Website: www.terrazzabaralponte.eu

Clubs in Verona

• Discoteca Love

Much more than a club was born a stone’s throw from the center of Verona. In fact, at every event the Disco Love Verona nightclub guarantees fun, light-heartedness, excellent cocktails made by professional BarTenders, and dozens of famous guests to all those who choose to experience the night as only we know how to do. The Club is on two levels: the first level, on the ground floor, is the beating heart of the place. From the entrance you can see the modern style with light effects that fully convey the desire for a place that keeps an eye on the future and the modern. A stage created specifically to give importance to the Shows, allows the public to be involved with the artists who follow one another. Connecting the first to the second level, a glass staircase created using the play of light combined with LED technology, and here is the second floor of Disco Love: a large terrace that allows you to listen to the rhythm of our night in piped music, directly below the stars! Address: Via Nicolò Giolfino, Verona. Telephone: +39 329 302 7005 Website: www.discoloveverona.com

• Berfi’s Club

This very smart Berfi’s Club offers some of Verona’s cleverest cocktails to some of its more in-the-know inhabitants. Service is seamless, the atmosphere is relaxed and customers are an interesting mix of those staying upstairs and well-heeled locals. Berfi’s Club is a good place for an aperativo before dinner and perfect for retiring to if the night is still young. Address: Via Lussemburgo, 1, Verona. Telephone: +39 045 508 024 Website: www.berfis.com

• Hollywood Dance Club

This large venue, situated towards Lake Garda, is young Italy at its most glamorous and effervescent best. Twenty-somethings from around the region flock here, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, to dance to the sounds of Italian superstars and big international artists. Regularly changing DJs and exotic cocktails are matched with special dance nights and events. Address: Bardolino, Via Montavoletta, 11, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 511 8918 Website: www.hollywood.it

Live music in Verona

• Il Veronetta

A long-standing city favourite, Il Veronetta, Nested Via Giosuè Carducci is renowned for its tall cocktails and its premium Caribbean drinks. Happy hour, with generous aperitivi (snacks), is served from 1800-2100. The bar is divided in two halves; one catering to the live music crowd and another quieter drinking den. Address: Via Giosuè Carducci, 18, Verona. Telephone: +39 370 119 3686

• Le Cantina del’Arena

For some laid-back live jazz – and a quality glass of wine – book a table at Cantina del’Arena. Styled as a music brasserie, the moody, brick interior and long bar sets just the tone for leisurely strands of the saxophone. Order from the meat grill and finish with a full-blooded glass of the local Veneto Amarone. Address: Piazetta Scalette Rubiani 1, Verona. Telephone: +39 45 803 2849 Website: www.lecantine-arena.com

Theatres in Verona

• Teatro Filarmonico

The first news relating to the Verona Philharmonic Academy, the oldest European musical academy, dates back to 1543, the year in which the association merged with the Accademia Incatenata. Within a few years the prestige of the Philharmonic Academy increased to such an extent that it incorporated other Scaliger entities of a similar nature, as happened with the Accademia “alla Vittoria” (1584). Dedicated to the culture and practice of music and singing, it already assumed a prominent position among the main centers of diffusion of the madrigal in the mid-sixteenth century, above all by virtue of the performance practice for voices and instruments, as recalled by Ercole Bottrigari in Il Desiderio . Address: Via Roma, 3, Verona. Telephone: +39 045 800 2880 Website: www.accademiafilarmonica.org

Verano Food And Drink

Food In Verano

• Risotto with Tastasal

Typical dish of Veronese and Veneto cuisine, this risotto is made of minced pork, salted and peppered.Typical dish of Veronese and Veneto cuisine, this risotto is made of minced pork, salted and peppered. The meaning of the word “tastasal” is just “taste the salt” in Venetian dialect, and in fact this recipe was prepared to check that the meat used for sausages and salamis was properly salted.

• Potato Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi are eaten all year round, but in Verona they are closely tied to Carnival. Here is why! In 1531, due to a terrible famine in the city, there were riots among the population. Some wealthy citizens were able to stop these riots by deciding to provide the poorest with basic food, including gnocchi.

• Polenta

Polenta is another popular Veronese dish, typical of the poor peasants of the Po Valley. It is prepared with maize flour and cooked in salted water.

• Risotto all’Amarone

Risotto Amarone is a traditional Veronese dish made with two key ingredients – Vialone Nano rice and Amarone red wine. Besides those two, the risotto is made with onions, broth, olive oil, butter, salt, and pepper. Although there are just a few ingredients used in the dish, they are all of excellent quality.

• Sfogliatine di Villafranca

Its typical shape is that of a donut. The invention of this sweet, which for over 140 years has delighted the palates of connoisseurs of haute patisserie, is due to Marcello Fantoni, who had inherited the pastry art from his grandfather Giovanni. It was him who created the puff pastry back in 1870 and started the production of this traditional crunchy and delicate dessert, whose recipe is based on simple and natural ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, salt and eggs.

• Pastissada de Caval

Pastissada de caval is a stew made with horse meat, red wine and onions. Traditionally, it was a dish prepared for parties and special occasions, but today it is possible to taste it in many restaurants and trattorias. We recommend combining it with the famous polenta.

• Lesso con la pearà

Lesso e pearà is a typical Veronese dish that is often prepared for holidays and similar festive events in the region. It consists of boiled meat paired with pearà (lit. peppery) sauce. The sauce is made with broth, beef marrow, butter, bread crumbs, and a hefty amount of pepper. The choice of meat is selected according to personal preferences, but the dish is most commonly prepared with beef which should be slowly boiled in a traditional terracotta pot for the most authentic experience.

• Pandoro

The main ingredients of Pandoro are: flour, sugar, eggs, butter and yeast. Its preparation is quite demanding: it must rise for more than 10 hours and requires 6-7 rounds of dough… making this “homemade” quite difficult, which is why most people simply buy it.

Drink In Verano

• Veronese white wines

No ordinary white wines! The Verona region, even though it is famous for its red wines, also produces a number of excellent white wines. The most famous of all is without doubt Soave, a wine with ancient origins.

• Bardolino is a type of dry red wine

Traditionally produced around Verona, on the southeastern shores of Lake Garda. It is predominately made with a blend of Corvina and Rondinella grapes, while other, minor varieties may include Rossignola, Barbera, Sangiovese, and Moinara.