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The Ponte Pietra or the Pons Marmoreus, the Roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River in Verona, is located in one of the most panoramic and suggestive sites in Verona. The bridge was completed in 100 BC, and has undergone several reconstructions since then.

An initial bridge across the Adige, perhaps in wood, may have been built in this site following the construction of the Postumia Road, which ran from Genoa to Aquileia, in 148 B.C. Both structures provided the city (on the right bank) with access to the Roman theatre on the east bank. When the Adige was in spate, or through the intervention of man, the bridge collapsed in 1007, 1153 and 1232 and 1239.  In 1503 the bridge was rebuilt in stone, but collapsed and was rebuilt in wood. On 25 April 1945, four arches of the bridge were blown up by retreating German troops in World War II, but rebuilt in 1957 with original materials.

The bridge blown up by the Germans had five arches of different sizes: the two towards the left bank of the Adige were Roman and built of stone; of the other three, the one closest to the right bank was still the one built in 1298, while the other two had been rebuilt in 1520.
In the Roman part there were apertures similar to elongated windows. A round hole was located above the third piling, in the middle of the bridge.

As such, the stone bridge in Verona reflects a unique history of reconstruction from different époques.

Verona takes its fame as being the setting for Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet. Besides the tourist attractions related to Romeo and Juliet, there are other places to be seen too. One such site is the Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheatre in Piazza Bra. It is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances given there. It is one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind.

The building itself was built in AD 30 on a site which was then beyond the city walls and the amphitheatre could then host more than 30,000 spectators in ancient times. The original building was destroyed in a major earthquake in 1117 and it was only during the Renaissance that the first interventions to recover the arena’s function as a theatre began. Later, in 1913, with the efforts of the Italian opera tenor Giovanni Zenatello and the impresario Ottone Rovato, the operatic performances in the arena started. The first 20th-century operatic production at the arena started on 10 August of that year, to mark the birth of Verdi 100 years before in 1813.

Nowadays, four productions are mounted each year between June and August. During the winter months, the local opera and ballet companies perform at the L’Accademia Filarmonica.

Every year over 500,000 people see productions of the popular operas in this arena. A number of conductors have appeared there, too. The official arena shop has historical recordings made by some of them available for sale. An electronic sound reinforcement system was installed in the Arena in 2011.

In recent times, the arena has also hosted several concerts of international rock and pop bands, among which Pink Floyd, Simple Minds, Duran Duran, Deep Purple, The Who, Dire Straits, Mike Oldfield, Rod Stewart, Sting, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Muse. Candles are distributed to the audience and lit after sunset around the arena. In 1981, 1984 and 2010 it hosted the podium and presentation of the Giro d’Italia with thousands packing the arena to watch the prizes being handed out.

When in Verona, you can start the de tour of the city with the Piazza delle Erbe, the rectangular piazza in the heart of Verona’s historic center. The Piazza, which originally served as the Roman Forum, is surrounded by beautiful medieval buildings and towers. Adorning the beautiful Piazza is the 14th century fountain with a Roman statue. The statue is called Madonna Verona and this Roman sculpture dates to 380 AD Although once filled with market stalls, today the stalls mostly sell souvenirs. The tourists can also wine and dine at the number of cafes and restaurants which lay scattered at this site.

The square has notable buildings on all its sides. The northern side of the square has the ancient town hall, the Torre dei Lamberti, the Casa dei Giudici (“Judges Hall”) and the Mazzanti Houses. On the western side lies the Baroque Palazzo Maffei, decorated by statues of Greek gods. It is faced by a white marble column, on which stands the St. Mark’s Lion, symbol of the Republic of Venice. On the north-western side of the square lies the site of the ancient Roman Capitol Hill. On the southern side is the Casa dei Mercanti (“House of the Merchants”, also known as Domus Mercatorum), now the seat of the Banca Popolare di Verona. Other buildings are reminiscent of medieval tower-houses.

The capitello, dates to the 13th century, during which it was used for several ceremonies, including the oath of the city’s medieval podestà and pretors. Towards Via Cappello is another column, with a 14th century aedicula with reliefs of the Virgin and the Saints Zeno, Peter and Christopher.

Lying in the southern part of Verona, this 54.32 acre has a beautiful lake which was once an old swamp. Formed in 1814, this beautiful lake is now a hub of recreational activities and displays nature at its best being surrounded by weeping willow trees and winding paths.

The park which is a favourite hotspot for bathing, picnicking and amusement activities can be reached through the Bloomfield Avenue trolley. There is an arched pedestrian bridge over the lake which is an architectural delight for the residents.

There have been numerous additions and modifications to this park. The resurfacing of the playground was completed in 2003 at a cost of $210,500. The Lake Shoreline Stabilization was completed in 2005 at a cost of $2,071,700. Development of Children’s Garden, tennis courts, entrance enhancements and restroom building was completed in 2005 at a cost of $1,205,364. The renovation of Verona Lake Dam was completed in 2008 at a cost of $637,594. The development of five-station exercise course and improvements to landscaping and pathways was completed in 2008 at a cost of $721,188.

To reach the park from New Jersey, take Route 280 to Exit 7/Pleasant Valley Way. Turn right onto Pleasant Valley Way. Turn right onto Bloomfield Avenue. Park is on the right.

From New York, you have to take the George Washington Bridge or Lincoln Tunnel to New Jersey Turnpike South. Take Exit 15W for Route 280 West. Follow above directions.

The highlights of the park include:

•13-acre lake for boating and fishing.
•Modernized expanded boathouse.
•Ornamental bridge over the lake, popular for wedding party photographs.
•A new children’s garden.
• Tennis courts.
• Playground.
• 1.2-mile fitness course.
• Softball field.
• Bocce courts.
• Annual craft show.
• Concerts at gazebo in center of park.
• Favorite of joggers and walkers.

Verona lures its tourists with attraction from Roman Era, especially those related with Romeo and Juliet. In addition the city also has a wide range of hotspots including medieval and religious buildings, cathedral, and many more. Some of the top tourist attractions of Verona are:

Teatro Romano
Regaste Redentore 2,
Verona, Italy, IT

This theatre was built in the 1st century AD. The city started the excavations in the 19th century and continued until the 1970s. The theatre remains open from Tuesday to Saturday from 08:30 to 19:30. On Mondays, it remains open from 13:30 to 19:30.

Casa di Giulietta
23 Via Cappello,
Verona, Italy, IT

This building, which proclaims itself to be Juliet’s house, is from the 12th century and was owned by the Dal Cappello Family. The major attraction of the building is the bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard. The site remains open on Monday from 13:30 to 19:30 and from Tuesday to Sunday from 08:30 to 19:30.

Cathedral of Verona
Piazza Duomo,
Verona, Italy, IT

This Gothic-Romanesque cathedral is dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta and features a number of different buildings, including the library, cloister and bishops’ house. . it is open daily and there are charges for admission.

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
Piazza San Zeno,
Verona, Italy, IT

The basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of Verona, Saint Zeno, and features a large rose window, which is popularly known as the ‘wheel of fortune’. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 08:30 to 18:00 and on Sunday from 13:00 to 18:00.

Romeo’s House
Via Arche,
Verona, Italy, IT

Standing just next to the Juliet’s house lies the house of her lover Romeo. The actual name of the building is Montecchi House which belonged to the powerful and rich Montecchi family. It is open daily and the admission requires charge.