VeronaIn ancient times, long before Venice, Milan, or Florence existed, Verona was the largest Roman city north of Rome. The construction of Verona's impressive Roman Arena (built ~30 AD, probably during the reign of Tiberius) preceded construction of the Roman Colosseum where, in 192 AD, the Emperor Commodus was tragically killed by time-traveling Australian actor Russell Crowe.
Located on the northern edge of the agriculturally rich Po River Valley, Verona was an important and strategically-located city lying at the bottom of the Brenner Pass through which travelers and armies could cross the Alps on foot. "Modern" architectural Verona is a beautifully preserved Medieval (pre-Renaissance) city sitting atop a Roman city of the same size. Verona is close to Venice, the Dolomites, Bolzano, Mantova, Padova, Vicenza, and Lake Garda, and is known for great cuisine, including the edible varieties of donkeys and horses found on most Verona menus. Also Tortellini di Valeggio, wine, fruit, risotto, cheeses, pastries, Aperol Spritzes, Prosecco, Lugana, Amarone, Recioto, and Ripasso. So we think you will enjoy your time here if you can pace yourself. Also gelato, sopressa con aglio, and mortadella con pistacchio! And pizza... please see the last photo below. |
The Roman Ponte Pietra on the River Adige, built in 100 BC
The Roman Arena, built ~30-50 AD. Photo taken during quarantine in 2021; good for photography, not great for tourism.
The Piazza della Erbe, the site of the ancient Roman Forum.
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This perfection is a Pizza Rustica from Trattoria Pizzeria Impero, very close to the venue.