But Verona has and is much more than Juliet's house and balcony, the town has something special that existed before the creation of this symbol, something that indeed convinced Shakespeare to choose it as set of his romantic tragedy. Verona is known as the Little Rome because of its importance for the Roman Empire.
But the golden age of the city was during the thirteenth and fourteenth century, under the reign of the colorful and unstable family Della Scala (Scaligeri). This period is in fact known for feuds between families to which Shakespeare alludes in Romeo and Juliet. Today, the city attracts romantic souls and lovers of opera, but even a simple walk through the elegant marble streets of the historic center will provide immense pleasure. Within the walls of Verona, characterized by the presence of two monumental gates, is preserved valuable evidence of gone eras.
The Roman symbol of the city, the Arena Amphitheatre, was built in the first century AD. Due to its elliptical shape, has great acoustics which make it stage of operas and ballets. The urban architecture of the city is influenced in part by the Roman structure and in part by the subsequent medieval imprint, creating a network of streets and squares in which it is pleasant to wander. A part of the remains is underground and is accessed through the archaeological excavations of the Scala family, close to Piazza delle Erbe, where there was the ancient city forum.
You can find the Roman city today also in the triumphal arch erected in honor of the Gavi family and in Pietra bridge, on the Adige river. Another important bridge is Castelvecchio, near the homonymous castle built by the Scala family, dynasty that has left the city also buildings such as the Loggia dei Signori and the Palazzo del Podesta, located in Piazza dei Signori.
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