Verona: Cultural Sites, Garden Art and the Adige

Museums and architectural history

The Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano is housed within the walls of the former San Gerolamo monastery, a late medieval building dating from the late 15th century. The museum’s archaeological focus and the history of the former monastery therefore come together in one place. The museum is also located in one of Verona’s most scenic and archaeologically interesting areas.

The Maffeiano Lapidary Museum was founded in 1745 and is one of the oldest public museums in Europe. Its collection includes stone sculptures from the Greek, Etruscan, ancient Venetian, Roman and Arab periods. Castelvecchio houses collections of medieval, Renaissance and modern art. The two institutions have different focuses: the Maffeiano traces several cultural traditions through stone sculptures, while Castelvecchio brings together art from three periods.

Gardens and views

Giardino Giusti was laid out in the second half of the 16th century. Fountains, grottoes, Roman artifacts and viewpoints preserve typical elements of a 16th-century garden. The garden therefore combines designed spaces with historical artifacts and viewpoints.

There are also different perspectives for taking in the views. The 84-meter-high Torre dei Lamberti was built in the Romanesque style in 1172; from its top, the view stretches across the historic center. Colle San Pietro also offers a view of Verona. These give you a choice between a view from a tower and one from a hill, while the Torre pairs its panorama with a building whose date is clearly established.

Nature and outdoor activities along the Adige

Parco delle Colombare in the Torricelle is suited to urban trekking and offers views of Verona from above. This adds an active dimension alongside museums and gardens. Isola del Pestrino is considered an area of fundamental importance for the protection of flora and fauna.

There are also protected natural areas along the Adige. One, with local flora and fauna, lies in the northwest of Verona, between Chievo and Parona. In the south, a protected natural area along the river covers 37 hectares. Corte Molon is a historic rural farmstead in the northern natural area along the Adige that can be visited, adding a connection to rural architectural history to the nature themes.

The walking route through Veronetta provides a concrete planning guide for a city walk: it is 2.5 kilometers long and takes about three hours. Treat the duration as an approximate estimate and allow around three hours.

Events and culinary experiences

The annual summer opera tradition at the Arena dates back to the first performance in 1913 and was interrupted only during the two world wars. The Arena is also used as a venue for concerts and operas; visits are subject to the arrangements in place on the day of the event. The ruins of the Teatro Romano are also still used for spectacular events, with a program that varies by season.

The official bike tour of Verona starts at Piazza Bra. The Verona Card gives you access at a special price to major cultural attractions. As card conditions and prices may change, check the current terms before using it.

As a culinary activity, the Veneto-myCard experience Food Tour di Verona takes you through the historic city and includes several stops at historic establishments. La Soffritta’s cooking class teaches you how to prepare fresh pasta and traditional desserts under the guidance of an instructor. The availability of these experiences may change; check before making firm plans.

Discover more destinations: Bardolino, Calmasino, Caprino Veronese, Castello, Cisano Di Bardolino, Colà, Colognola Ai Colli, Costermano, Custoza, Garda, Grezzana, Marano Di Valpolicella, Oppeano, Pacengo, Pescantina, Peschiera Del Garda, San Giorgio In Salici, Torri Del Benaco, Verona, Castelnuovo Del Garda, Marciaga, Nogarole Rocca, Assenza, Castelletto Di Brenzone, Braga, Zevio, Villafranca Di Verona, Vigasio, Valeggio Sul Mincio, Stra, Sona, Sommacampagna, Soave, San Zeno Di Montagna, San Martino Buon Albergo, Sanguinetto, San Giovanni Lupatoto, San Bonifacio, Poiano, Nogara, Lugagnano, Fumane, Dossobuono, Cavaion Veronese, Bussolengo, Castel D'azzano, Avesa, Affi, Caselle Di Sommacampagna, Rosta, Caldiero, Sandra, Lazise, San Pietro In Cariano, Belluno Veronese, Villa Bartolomea, Pastrengo, Bovolone, Legnago, Settimo, Ganfardine, Bevilacqua, Pai, Malcesine, Sant'ambrogio Di Valpolicella, Erbé, Tregnago, Brenzone, San Rocco, Parona Di Valpolicella, Illasi, Cologna Veneta, Angiari, Isola Della Scala, Negrar, Montorio, Rivoli Veronese, Pesina Spezie, Cavalcaselle, Pesina, Salionze, Arbizzano-Santa Maria, Quinto Di Valpantena, Povegliano Veronese, Spiazzi, Bonferraro, Gazzo Veronese, Cerro Veronese, Cerea, Sorgà, Ronco All'adige, Corbiolo, Novaglie, Dolcé, Beccacivetta-Azzano, Lavagno, Bosco Chiesanuova, Via I Maggio Mediana Dell'industria, Mezzane Di Sotto, Trevenzuolo, Salizzole, Badia Calavena, Buttapietra, Tacconi, Ronchi, Festara, Monteforte D'alpone, Mazzano, Cariano, Brognoligo-Costalunga, Valgatara, Palù Dei Mori, Pedemonte, Nassar, Moschina, Marchesino, Sant'anna D'alfaedo, Ferrara Di Monte Baldo, Ceraino, Selva Di Progno, Isola Rizza, Roveré Veronese, Velo Veronese, Castion Veronese, Martella, Bernardine, Borghetto, Arcole, Belfiore, Fornello, Volargne, Bonavigo, Veronella, Erbezzo, Cavalo, Pressana, Malpasso, Rivalta, Bionde, Pontepossero, Cazzano di Tramigna.

For the regional travel overview: Veneto.