Escape to Shakespeare’s Verona — the city of love

The quaint town, which does not see many tourists from Pakistan, should be in your next travel itinerary

KARACHI: Set out of a fairy tale, in the heart of Italy’s Veneto region lies the medieval and majestic Verona. Often overshadowed by its neighbour Venice in the east, Verona is lesser-known in our part of the world. The quaint town does not see many tourists from Pakistan compared to Rome and Milan but that does not diminish the fact that this jewel of Italy enjoys so much of character and beauty. Travel folks in the country can include the city in their next itinerary.

Famous for its Romanesque architecture, classic beauty and literary fame, perhaps the biggest worldwide exposure Verona received was through William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet — a tragedy written on the two lovers from this Italian suburb. Today, the city’s overall demeanour, alleys, and cobblestone streets express the poet’s legacy with art everywhere. Known as ‘the city of love’ a lot like much famed Paris, Verona allures history freaks, literature buffs, thinkers and couples into its unapologetic, old-fashioned charm.

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The city pretty much identifies itself as the home town of Romeo and Juliet and where the Verona lovers didn’t really exist for real, such was the influence of the Shakespeare’s play that it has become quite possible to relive and experience their epic love story in this picturesque town.

A visit to Juliet’s house

The attraction is one way of living the Shakespearean fairy tale a bit more closely. Better known as ‘Casa di Guilietta’, no trip to Italy is complete without seeing Juliet's house, a must for people into literature! Thousands pay the ‘love pilgrimage’ to the site every year to pray for the long fidelity of their relationships. The famous balcony where Juliet confessed her love is also attached to the centuries-old building, which supposedly belonged to a family in Italy with a name similar to that of Capulets (Juliet’s family). Legend has it that touching Juliet’s statue brings good fortune and hence you see the ritual quite commonly practiced in the courtyard. The house has become a major tourist attraction in Verona with hundreds of thousands of messages and notes inscribed on the walls by the lovers from across the globe.

Romeo’s house

Not too far from Juliet’s place lies ‘Casa di Romeo’. Comprising high walls with rich red marble, this medieval piece of art looks more like a castle. Tradition has it that the house was associated with the Montagues, Romeo’s family, for a long time (Montagues and Capulets were real families from Verona). The house is well-guarded and has several traditional courtyards. While it is not allowed to go inside the house, tourists still visit the famous landmark to pay tribute to the spirit of love — which is certainly widespread in Verona’s breeze.

Juliet’s grave

Shakespeare’s fans also find Juliet’s tomb in Verona that reminds the couple’s sad tale of death. A real sarcophagus (a stone coffin) has been placed in the monastery for the two. Some believe that the grave was the spot in the world of Shakespeare where Juliet rested after she killed herself with Romeo’s dagger.



The story might be fictional but it is evident that people come here with a genuine sense of emotions – such is their attachment with the characters!



Arena, Castelvecchio and Piazza Bra

Verona might have a lot to do with Shakespeare but that is certainly not the only charm that attracts the visitors. The city was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for all the history it is embedded with. It is home to some of the ancient castles, cathedrals, gardens and an amphitheatre that sums up in itself centuries-old events. The town is surrounded by river Adige, offering stunning views especially during the sunset.

Castelvecchio

The city also makes an ideal destination for a Euro trip with Austria’s Tyrol province only a few kilometres away. Verona’s Porta Nuova train station is easily accessible from Milan, Venice and other cities.