Piazza Brà is a wide open space in the heart of Verona. It is dominated by the Arena, an anphitheater famous all over the world. It was constructed in the first century A.D.. In the past it was used for fights between gladiators and wild beasts. The word “Arena” comes from “Rena”, that means sand, which was used to cover the pit where the conflicts were performed. Today it hosts important opera-shows and other culture events during the summer. Near the Arena there are other two important buildings: Palazzo Barbieri,that is the townhall,and Palazzo della Gran Guardia,where conferences take place.

Verona is the city where the tragedy “Romeo and Juliet” took place. We can visit the house of Juliet and her famous “balcony”.

Walking through “Via Mazzini”, famous for its many shops, we can reach another nice square: Piazza Erbe, full of stalls and surrounded by ancient Palaces decorated whith frescoes.

On the other side of the historical-centre, there is Castelvecchio, a big and beautiful castle built by “Cangrande Della Scala”, the most important member of the lordship in those times. Nowadays inside it there is a nice museum and a big garden where you can relax and enjoy the experience of a fascinating historical past.

Crossing the Adige River we get to the Roman Theatre… …which hosts numerous theatrical and musical events.

From the Roman Theatre it’s possible to see the “Ponte Pietra ”, the only bridge left dating the Roman times. Its name means bridge made of stones.

This is one of finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy, built between the 9th and 12th centuries. It is dedicated to the city’s patron saint. There is an immense 12th century rose window called The Wheel of Fortune that rapresents some events of the man’s life.

SELENA MARINA GIADA ROSSELLA JARKA SERENA