October
2012
Verona
is a charming city, and our weekend there was simply lovely, in a very gentle
way.
Here are a few brief observations.
The old part
of the City sits within a tight bend of the River Adige. This means that is is a tiny place easy to walk across, and almost everywhere
has as a background the river or the march of Cyprus trees on the surrounding hillsides.
The medieval
streets lining the river are as gorgeous as anywhere we have seen.
Ancient Rome
is everywhere. The picture on the right was taken from above the Roman
Amphitheatre, one of the first build outside of Rome, while below is the Verona
Coliseum, site of the summer-long festival of Opera.
The season
was over when we got there, but we are tempted to try and return for the experience.
The
cathedral is quite small and quite charming. Built on Roman and early Christian
foundations, the cloisters include Roman remains and mosaics.
Last
year we were captivated by Monty Don’s series on Italian Gardens. One he
features was Verona’s Giardino Giusti. At
its lower level it is formal and green, typical Italian style, but you climb
through apparently wild woods to the Belvedere, giving long, clear views across
the City. When we visited it was quiet, peaceful and restful.
And you can’t ignore hte deeply authentic Juliet’s balcony!