l'avventura grande: Five Cities, Five Distinct Personalities: Verona

Verona is a lovely city...modern and prosperous...though with its most famous landmarks dating back 2,000 years to Roman times. Verona was never a power player in Renaissance Italy. It sided with the Holy Roman Empire in its centuries-long rivalry with the the Papacy. Thus the heavy Hapsburg (Austrian) influence.

Verona’s tourism is dominated by Romeo and Juliet. Guiletta’s balcony is a tourist trap to rival the leaning tower of Pisa or Niagara Falls. Still, the city is lovely and romantic. An evening stroll is mandatory.

Guilette's Balcony

Across the small piazza from the Capuletti house is the crown jewel of schlock...an erotica shop called Club di Guiletta.

We developed a routine to take place during the passagiata, or afternoon walk. Every day we stopped at the same bar for a spritz aperol. It is on a fantastic corner for people watching and they give you a snack to nibble on with your drinks. Afterwards, we didn't need dinner, but who could resist? If you go to Verona, the typical cooking of the area includes the use of vino amorena, a local wine. We tried two dishes made with it. The first was a risotto that was soaked int he wine prior to cooking. The finished product was incredibly good and a dark purple color. The second was pasta with a rabbit sauce made with the specialty wine. Perhaps there is a common thread here, make that wonderful dishes with a common wine. We would both go back to Verona simply to eat!

We can't explain how enchanting this city really is, so we’ll just show you. Even the photos don't do justice to the endearing quality of Verona.