Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Saving with the Verona Card
The Verona Card is a money-saving tool for tourists, which nets users free bus
trips, as well as access to all local museums, churches, and other monuments.
It's valid for 1 day ( 8) or 3 days ( 12), and is available from all participating
attractions, tobacco shops, and tourist offices ( % 045-8068680; www.tourism.
verona.it).
The tourist information office (Piazza Chiesa, 34; % 045-7050088; www.
verona-apt.net; usually open Mon-Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 10am-1pm and 4-7pm with
shorter hr. in winter) works hard to supply maps and information about the city
and surrounding area. There's an office near the Arena (Via degli Alpini, 9; % 045-
8068680; www.tourism.verona.it; Mon-Sat 9am-6pm) and one at the train station
( % 045-8000861; Tues-Sat 8am-7:30pm and Sun-Mon 10am-4pm).
If you'd like to be guided around the city, you can join one of the walking tours
starting at the equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, in the Arena Square,
every evening at 5:30pm (Apr-Sept). Contact Juliet & Co. ( % 045-8103173;
www.julietandco.com) for information; tickets cost 10, children are free.
Piazza delle Erbe & Northwestern Verona
The original, fortified Verona was centered on its ancient Roman forum, which
became the site of the city's medieval market, popular for its sale of exotic herbs,
spices, and other lifestyle goods imported through Venice's bustling trade port.
Today it is still known as the Piazza delle Erbe, and vendors still man the stalls
at what is an irresistibly lively and eclectic market. Besides fresh goods from
nearby farms, many of the umbrella-canopied stalls hawk V ERONA -emblazoned
souvenirs, while some crafty artists sell handmade reproductions of famous paint-
ings. At the northwestern end of the square is the baroque-style Palazzo Maffei,
built in the 17th century, and worth a close-up look for the classical statuary atop
the balustrade—gods and goddesses from the ancient pantheon. In the square, the
column nearest the palace is topped by the winged lion of St. Mark, symbolizing
Venetian rule. Nearby, the beautiful 14th-century fountain is capped by a Roman
statue inappropriately known as the Madonna of Verona.
To the east of the fountain, you'll find the Arco della Costa or “arch of the rib”;
pass under the hanging whale rib in order to reach Piazza dei Signori (also called
Piazza Dante), a quiet square where you'll instantly feel as though you've escaped
the crowds. The square is centered on a statue of the great poet, Dante, who
found refuge in Verona under the Scaligeris after fleeing Florence for political
reasons.
The architecture around the square is worth some attention. Directly across
from the Arco della Costa is the 13th-century home of the Scaligeri family. Dante
stands facing the Palazzo della Ragione (Palace of Reason), built in the 12th
century in the Romanesque style; visit the courtyard behind the imposing facade,
and pay particular attention to the Gothic-style stairway, built in the mid-15th
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