Verona, one of the most beautiful cities, but perhaps a little forgotten.
Think that this city is almost two thousand years old.
Originally it was a Paleoveneto settlement,
which then with the Romans became a rich and powerful city.
The Romans exploited its strategic potential,
as a connection point with Northern Europe.
Catullus, a poet of love, was born in Verona.
It was this city that was the backdrop to the dramatic love affairs imagined by Shakespeare.
Although this city is located a stone's throw from where I live, I had never given myself the
opportunity to explore its historic center to discover its wonderful treasures.
I had gone to the city several times, but always for other purposes: either for study reasons,
or to see some beautiful show inside the Arena.
Going by train was the best choice.
During the trip I was able to continue the research on historical buildings and select the places to visit.
I think it was also convenient from an economic point of view.
If you are in Italy and want to book
train tickets , in most cases you should go to the Trenitalia website.
We just need to enter the departure station, the arrival station, the date and time in which
we want to make our journey and, if necessary, the date and time of the return.
Finally, the number of passengers.
Here, these are the solutions of the trains that go to Verona during the day.
These are mostly regional trains.
As you can see, with 28 euros I bought a one way ticket
and a return ticket for two people.
So, as I said, regional trains are very cheap.
Obviously, regional trains are much slower than high- speed trains
, such as the Frecciarossa and Frecciabianca.
Leaving the Verona Porta Nuova station, you find yourself in front of a
large square not far from the Adige river, which crosses the entire city.
After indulging in a delicious pineapple and coconut smoothie, we walked
along Corso Porta Nuova, which connects the station area with the historic center of Verona.
Already along this road you can admire the first historic buildings and monuments.
Crossing the wonderful Portoni della Bra, you enter the square of the same name: Piazza Bra.
The Verona Arena is a Roman amphitheater that is nothing short of wonderful.
In the past, gladiator fights,
games, bull hunts, equestrian competitions and shows took place inside .
The name "Arena" derives from the word "rena", which is the sand that was placed in the center,
in the place where the shows took place.
The mix of ancient and modern found in Verona is interesting.
Medieval buildings alternate with more modern buildings,
including very ancient Roman remains.
Piazza delle Erbe is the living room of the city,
where the Veronese meet to go shopping or for the "ritual" of the evening aperitif.
In this place you can see the liveliest and most popular side of the city.
We are now in Piazza delle Erbe, the oldest square in Verona.
Here, during the weekend, the market takes place and, as you can see,
around it there are wonderful historic buildings from the medieval era.
Legend has it that, during the flood of 589, the water blocked the threshold of the
church of San Zeno, a building built on the burial place of bishop Zeno.
The latter was the eighth bishop of Verona. He was of African origin and converted the city of Verona to Christianity.