I’ve always found it funny when people call Romeo and Juliet “the greatest love story ever told” because – man – it does not work out well for those kids, you know? I’d like to think the greatest love story ever told would at least let them be together for more than a few hours!
Ryan North
We made it to Verona – the city of love! Home to Juliet’s balcony, this city is absolutely plastered with declarations of love and devotion. You can find initials within love hearts scribbled on walls, footpaths, bridges, tables, archways…any flat surface seems to be fair game.
Although neither of us had much interest, we thought we should visit Casa di Giulietta when in Verona. We made our way through the crowds and had a brief glimpse of Juliet’s balcony. We learned very quickly that the love notes we had seen across the rest of the city were nothing compared to the walls of Juliet’s house. True Romeo and Juliet fans had written letters, and stuck them to the walls using chewing gum or band aids…so romantic! Despite the guards and numerous signs warning of fines for defacing the property, one couple had even managed to write their names on one of the cobblestones right in the middle of the square. We didn’t really understand the hype, but it was definitely an interesting sight!
A leisurely walk around the city revealed more beautiful archways, churches, fountains, balconies and lush gardens. The detail on the exterior of the buildings is incredible – and it’s amazing that it has stood the test of time. The Adige River runs through the city, and the many bridges that cross it feel quintessentially European! We climbed up the hill to get a broader view of the city (and to work off the pasta) and we were not disappointed.
As usual, we had lots of great food and wine here (we were even lucky enough to catch up with a great friend for a long lunch!) – but there was one particularly special place that we visited. Salumeria Gironda sits alongside the river, and from the street it appears to be your usual deli selling cured meats and cheeses. But if you venture out the back you will find a precious courtyard overlooking the river and the castle beyond. The staff will pack up your purchases into a little picnic basket, give you some plastic cups for your wine, and you can sit out the back and enjoy it with a pretty special view. Being later in the afternoon, business was slowing down so we even had the courtyard to ourselves – bonus!
Verona is a beautiful city – lots to see, lots to experience, and while the “love graffiti” across the city could be seen as vandalism by many, it certainly adds a distinctive charm that can only be found here in Verona.