Verona

Verona is a city and comune in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It lies along the Adige River, near Lake Garda, and is the capital of the province of Verona. The city has a population of about 260,000 and serves as an economic and cultural hub for the surrounding area.

Historically, Verona developed from a Roman settlement into a major medieval city. It was governed by the Scaligeri (Della Scala) family in the 13th and 14th centuries, who built fortifications and monuments. The well-preserved center contains notable Roman and medieval remains, including the Verona Arena, a large Roman amphitheatre used for performances since antiquity.

Key sights include the Arena; Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta) with the famed balcony; Castelvecchio and its red-brick bridge; the Roman Gate Porta Borsari; the Ponte Pietra; and churches such as San Zeno Maggiore and the Verona Cathedral (Duomo di Verona).

Verona hosts the annual Verona Opera Festival at the Arena, drawing audiences from around the world. The historic center features piazzas such as Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza Bra, with towers like the Lamberti Tower and numerous Renaissance buildings.

The economy relies on tourism, agriculture and wine production; nearby Valpolicella and Soave produce Amarone, Valpolicella, Recioto and Soave wines. Verona is served by Verona Villafranca Airport and a railway network linking major Italian cities, and by highways such as the A4 and A22. The city hosts the University of Verona and other higher education institutions.