Schmap Verona Historical Background

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Verona - Historical Background
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This wonderful city along the Adige river, at the foot of the Lessini Mountains (today a National Park) has been the site of various human settlements for the past 300,000 years. Stone was used as one of the principle natural resources by these early settlers, who began working with materials other than flint. They fashioned numerous objects from instruments for use in daily life to religious artefacts.

Roman Civilisation

At the time when the region was first touched by Roman civilisation, it was probably inhabited by Celts. The Emperor reinforced the city's defences with strong city walls. Extraordinary monuments were built and the urban structure began to take shape—it was an interesting mix of the Medieval and the modern.

Economy

Over the years, Verona became a very important city due to its geographical location (even today, it is an important industrial and commercial gateway to the north and the centre of Italy) and its port provided access to northern Europe. For this reason, it became one of the most highly developed urban centres in Italy.

Scala Family

After the succesive barbarian invasions between the fifth and the tenth century, Veron was finally made a Free City at the beginning of the thirteenth century - after a long struggle against Frederico Barbarossa, it came under the rule of the Scala family in 1260. It was the Scala family who transformed it into one of the most important kingdoms of the time. It took in most of the Veneto, as well as the large regions of Emilia and Tuscany and was dotted with magnificent buildings and works of art.

Venetian Republic to Hapsburg Empire

In 1405, it became part of the Venetian Republic. In 1796, it was occupied for six months by Napoleonic troops. By 1801, it had been successfully divided up by the French and the Austrians, and it was definitively annexed by the Hapsburg Empire in 1814.

The War of Independence

During the nineteenth century, Verona took on an important administrative and military role. The city's defences were reorganised and strengthened: Verona became the principle stronghold of the "Quadrilateral" (the other three being Mantua, Peschiera and Legnano) which became the pivotal point of the Lombardy-Veneto defence structure during the War of Independence. The province of Verona officially became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.

Varied and Unique Architecture

There are several artistic spots to visit around the city—the following are a few which are not to be missed: the Piazza dei Signori, which is a truly beautiful sight, flanked by the Palazzo del Comune with its neo-classical façade; the imposing Medieval Torre dei Lamberti (83 metres high); the Palazzo Tribunale, or Palazzo del Capitanio, a Scaligieri palace with a characteristically angular tower (the Scaligeri ruled Verona from 1260 to 1387); the Loggia del Consiglio (a splendid example of Veronese Renaissance architecture) and the "Duomo" (cathedral). This was built in the twelfth century, on the site of an early-Medieval church. It underwent many renovations between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The façade successfully blends Roman and Gothic architectural elements. Its gateway and Roman entrance hall are beautiful. The interior is Gothic and houses many priceless artistic treasures including an altar-piece by Tiziano depicting The Assumption (1535), which is in the first chapel on the left.

The Palazzo Pompeii (now home to a museum of natural history) was designed by the architect Sammicheli. In fact, Sammicheli's work is also visible throughout the city as, he was respnsible for its complete restructuring.

The Piazza delle Erbe (once the site of an ancient Roman forum) is characterised by monuments dating back to various periods which stand opposite the market. It is also home to the Arena - one of Verona's most famous monuments. It was built in the first century A.D. and has been expertly preserved, thus making it one of the world's most evocative and important operatic theatres. The interior is elliptical and measures 44.43m X 73.58.

The Castelvecchio is a splendid example of military architecture. It was built towards the end of the fourteenth century, when the nobility began to doubt the allegiance of the city.

Last but not least, is Juliet's House,- where Shakespeare's heroine was said to have lived. It is now a place of pilgrimage for many star-crossed lovers.

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Consiglio Lodge

For the City Council

Piazza dei Signori, 5
Verona 37121
Italy

The Loggia del Consiglio was built between 1485 and 1492, to house the City Council. It was later restored between 1870 and 1874. It was the last building to be built in the Piazza dei Signori, with the obvious intention of celebrating the city's glorious past, present and future. For this reason, upon completion it was fitted with statues of the five greatest men of Verona during the Roman period: the poet Catullo, the writer Pliny (although he was actually from Como), Emilio Macro, the architect Vitruvio and the writer Cornelio Nepote. Over the door there is the inscription: 'Divine love in return for divine faith'. This was a gift to the city of Verona from Venice, as a reward for allowing itself to be tacked on to the Venetian Republic. Inside the building, various paintings with historical themes have been preserved. These were all commissioned by the City Council in 1596. Amongst these, is the 'Madonna with Saints Zeno and Peter -the patron saints of Verona and Veronese noblemen' by Bernardino India and Orlando Flacco.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: wcities

House of Juliet

A romantic balcony Via Cappello, 21
Verona 37121
Italy
This is an obligatory port of call for any visitor to Venice, not least to see the Juliet statue, dedicated to the joys of being in love.The building, is based on the 13th century design, was built on the remains of a Roman 'insula' building. The elegant balcony which looks out over the courtyard was renovated by Antonio Avena in 1935, while the much-photographed Juliet statue is by Nereo Costantini. Juliet's house is now the property of the state and is used to house temporary art exhibitions.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Roman Forum in Piazza Erbe

Focal point of urban life Piazza delle Erbe
Verona 37121
Italy
The central Piazza delle Erbe was the focal point of urban life in ancient Verona. It is located on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. Originally it was large (56metres x 68 metres) and rectangular and then it was adapted to a Medieval shape and reduced in size. It was then delimited by the construction of the Palazzo del Comune During the Scaligera period, it became a centre for trade and commerce; to this end, various symbolic elements were added, such as the Fountain of the Madonna Verona, the Market Column (a Gothic structure built in 1401 to bear the viscount's insignia), the 'berlina' (a marble canopy built to host the investiture of public office) and the San Marco Column.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Signori Palace

The heart of the city Piazza dei Signori
Verona 37121
Italy
The very noble Piazza dei Signori is the heart of Verona. Its perimeter is surrounded by historical buildings, which accentuate the important role the place has played in the city's politico-administrative spheres. On the piazza we find the Palazzo del Comune, the Palazzo del Capitanio, and the Loggia del Consiglio. The buildings are joined with elegant arches, mostly dating from the 14th century. There are wide ranges of styles, which are nevertheless characterized by great harmony.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Tower of Lamberti

Beautiful panoramic view Piazza dei Signori, 2
Verona 37121
Italy
+39 45 803 2726 From the Torre dei Lamberti (84m high), you can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Verona. You enter it through the courtyard of the Mercato Vecchio. You can either take a lift or climb up on foot (for which your ticket costs a little less). Work commenced on the tower (which is made from tufa and brick) in 1172; it was built in stages, and finally completed between 1448 and 1464 with the addition of an octagonal bell-tower at the top of a window with three lights. The two prinicpal bells were fitted in 1295, and have retained their historical names: 'rengo' (to call the Council and the people to a meeting) and 'marangona' (to warn people in the event of a fire).

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Verona Arena

Temple of opera Piazza Bra
Verona 37121
Italy
+39 45 800 3204 The Arena, located outside the city walls, is a Roman amphitheatre built in the first half of the first century A.D. It is the third largest building of its type and is the most well preserved. It has been used to host games and battles, plays in the 12th century, jousting in the Middle Ages, and in 1913, it became the largest operatic theatre in the world. The acoustics and the sheer size of the place lend themselves well to grandiose operatic performances, amongst which the performance of Giuseppe Verdi's 'Aida' is particularly famous. The interior is open to the public.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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