|
Overview
The fame of Verona can date back to
the time when it was employed by
Shakespeare as a setting for his
famous love tragedy between the
young Romeo and Juliet. Not only
that, the city is also replete with
exquisite Romanesque and Renaissance
monuments worthy of adoration by
both cultured visitors and hedonists
alike. This one of the most ancient
and beautiful Venetian cities is a
precious gem of northwestern Italy.
The plus side of traveling to Verona
is you will hardly be disturbed by
enormous tourist crowds like Venice,
hence a chance to thoroughly enjoy a
unique holiday experience in an
Italian town renowned for its
beauty, culinary and warm
hospitality.
History
Verona was developed and prospered
under the Roman rule until the
Empire disintegrated and the
Ostrogoths took over. During the
period of the Frankish rule, Pepin,
Charlemagne's son established his
court in Verona. By the twelfth
century Verona had become a
city-state, and in the following
century approached the zenith of its
independent existence with the rise
of the Scaligers. The Scaligers were
ruthless rulers, but their generous
patronage of arts had furnished
Verona with several fine buildings
which stand unto these days. After
their fall, Milan took control of
the city under the leadership of
Gian Galeazzo Visconti. In 1405
Verona was integrated into the
Venetian Empire until the arrival of
Napoleon. A prolonged interlude of
Austrian rule ensued which was
undone by the unification of Italy
in 1866.
Geography & Climate
Verona is situated near Lake Garda.
It spreads out from the shores of
the Adige River at the feet of the
Venetian pre-alpine hills and is
strategically at the center of the
most important national and
international routes of
communication. The summer
temperatures can reach a suffocating
36ºC in July and August. During
winter, the temperatures can drop to
-2ºC, making it quite cold. The
best time to visit is in the spring
or autumn when the crowds are fewer
and the temperature is warm and
pleasant.
|
