Verona is not just the city of Romeo and Juliet, but a place where history, culture and legends intertwine in a fascinating, and perhaps unique, way. In addition to the best-known places and stories, however, there are also many curiosities to discover and unusual places to visit. Before planning a trip or trip, here are the curiosities about Verona that you should know.
The Well of Love
One of the most evocative and least known places in Verona is the Well of Love, located in the courtyard of an ancient building in the heart of the city, to be precise in Vicoletto San Marco in Foro. It is one of the things to see in the city, even if it is not always part of the usual tourist tours.
Legend tells of Conrad of San Bonifazio, a young soldier who fell in love with a girl named Isabella. Since she apparently didn’t return the feeling he challenged the young man to throw himself into the well, since he had compared it to the freezing water of the well. The soldier immediately jumped and the young Isabella, overcome by guilt, followed him.
The various curiosities about the Verona Arena
It is the main monument of the city and perhaps the best known. However, this Roman theater also has its own historical curiosities. Among them: did you know that the stones of the outer ring surrounding the arena were used as material to rebuild the city after a strong earthquake in 1117?
Furthermore, few know that the Arena was also used in the past as warehouse. To be precise, to contain the stones from the demolition of the Gavi Arch, also from the Roman era and destroyed by the Napoleonic army in 1805. The Arena was used as a “depot” until 1932.
Why is Veronetta called that?
Verona is a city rich in history and neighborhoods that tell of centuries of evolution and change. One of the most fascinating is without a doubt Veronetta, located on the left bank of the Adige. But where does its curious name come from? The explanation is linked to the presence of the French who called this area, in a derogatory way, “Veronette”, as it was occupied by the Austrian soldiers.
Veronetta is not the only curious name between the neighborhoods of the city. Exploring them will help you learn even more about the history of this wonderful city and, perhaps, take advantage of the opportunity to look for the house for sale or rent that’s right for you.
The shop with the Roman remains
In the heart of Verona, between the shopping streets and historic buildings, there is a place that surprises tourists and citizens: a shop where it is possible to admire Roman remains. Located in Mazzini streetone of the most elegant and popular streets for shopping, this shop offers a unique experience: shopping while admiring the remains of Roman Verona.
Although this is a special case, it is not uncommon find shops housed inside historic buildings or places that still show their medieval structure. Even in ordinary shopping, Verona knows how to stand out.
The mouths of complaints
Another intriguing aspect of Verona are the so-called “mouths of complaints”, ancient stone or metal artifacts set in the walls of some historic buildings of the city. These mouths were used in the past by citizens to secretly enter reports or complaints regarding crimes or illegal behavior, which were then examined by the competent authorities.
Today, these snapdragons are visible during a walk through the streets of Verona and represent a fascinating testimony of how justice was administered in past eras. Of course the leaflet had to contain the signature of the complainant and mention at least three witnesses to be valid.
Mozart’s initials in Verona
The city of Verona is not only the scene of love stories and battles, but has also witnessed the passage of illustrious characters who have left their mark, in the concrete sense of the word. One of them is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the famous Austrian composer who engraved his initials on an organ during his stay in Verona.
The young Mozart visited Verona in 1770. After playing in the church of St. Thomas Becketthe fourteen-year-old composer engraved his name on the organ built in 1716. Even today it is possible to see this curious testimony.
