Friday, August 29, 2008

Italy - Verona

Verona is a city and provincial capital of Veneto in Italy.
Population of about 260,000 people.


Street of Verona - Piazza Erbe (Vegetable Square)
It was a raining day when I was there.
Most of the streets stalls were close.
I did manged to buy a packet of fresh purple grapes from a fruit cart.
We were all in a rush, so I didn't really have much time for sightseeing.
But overall, it was a nice place to visit.

Verona is the setting of William Shakespeare "Romeo and Juliet".
This place has since became a tourist attraction.
Postcard view of the Juliet's balcony and Juliet's tomb.

Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House)
Romeo and Juliet may or may not have actually existed but it has attracted tourists and lovers from all over the world.
The story of Romeo & Juliet were repeated endless everyday to the curious tourists.
Juliet's house is very near to Piazza Erbe.
Build in the 13th century.
A massive restoration were made in 1920s including adding of the balcony.
It was once owned by the Dal Cappello or Capulet family.
No entrance fee to be in the Courtyard.
But there is a fee for entering Juliet's house - $3 euro.
Open everyday from 8.30am till 7.30pm except Monday (1.30pm - 7.30pm)
Romeo's house was not open to public previously but it has now been converted into a restaurant called "Osteria Dal Duca"


Statue of Juliet Capuleti
A bronze statue by sculptor Constantini.
It was donated by the Lion's Club to the city of Verona.
Myth : If you rub the right breast on this bronze Juilet statue, you will have good luck.


William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet quotes :
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet". (Act II, Scene II).

"O Romeo, Romeo! wherefore art thou Romeo?". - (Act II, Scene II).

"Tempt not a desperate man". - (Act V, Scene III).

Image of a Postcard - The Arena


The Arena built with an elliptic design measuring 138,77 x 109,52 meters on the outside.
This Roman Arena dates back to the 1st century A.D. holding events and even wrestling matches.
Since 1913, the Arena has been used as a site for Opera festivals.
The Amphititheatre can hold up to 20,000 spectators.