Abstract Anyone looking for tours of Roman Verona will certainly not be disappointed by a city that has often been compared to Rome itself due to the clear traces of its ancient past, which today coexist in a unique dialogue with the present and everyday life. A tour of Roman Verona winds through its iconic sites, from the Arena Amphitheater to the Roman Theater, leading to the discovery of historical landmarks such as the Arco dei Gavi, the ancient Via Postumia, and the Ponte Pietra. The Roman legacy will amaze us in its urban planning and in the references ‘scattered’ throughout the city, ready to be discovered little by little on a tour of great historical and cultural charm. Come discover it with us! Tour duration: 2 hours Price: starting at €140 |
What are the Roman Verona walking tours? What was Roman Verona like? Where should you go to see the Roman ruins in Verona?
These are some of the questions many travelers ask when they want to explore Verona’s Roman heritage, and they’re all very interesting!
In this case, it is important to clarify a crucial point in order to fully appreciate this historical period: the sites of Roman Verona extend far beyond its most famous landmark, the Arena.
The Arena amphitheater is undoubtedly Verona’s most famous landmark: its imposing structure dominates the skyline of the city’s main square, and events of international significance are still held there today.
But Rome’s monumental heritage is woven into the fabric of the city: the Arch of the Gavi, which honored one of the wealthiest families in Roman Verona, is located right in the heart of the historic center, alongside the ancient Via Postumia, which, a short distance further on, entered the city through the Porta dei Borsari, whose original façade still stands today.
The city itself, with its still-regular, almost grid-like street layout, is a tangible sign of the enduring Roman legacy.
Exploring Roman Verona through its streets: a never-ending discovery
In addition to the grid-like urban layout that defines Verona and its daily mobility, there is another “open-air” Roman legacy that shapes its character.
These are its streets, where you can still see sections of the ancient walls, fragments of architectural decorations embedded in buildings and houses, or entire open-air archaeological sites.
But nothing is more breathtaking than the view of the ancient theater, which overlooks the Adige River—still spanned by the Ponte Pietra—and climbs up the hill of San Pietro, a sacred site even before the arrival of the Romans.
The ancient Theater of Verona
Unique in appearance, location, and charm, what is now known as the ancient theater was built to take advantage of the slope of San Pietro Hill and was rediscovered only in the 1800s.
Over the centuries, this site was, in fact, “covered” with buildings of all kinds, from houses to churches, including a monastery.
It was Andrea Monga, a doctor with a passion for archaeology, who spearheaded the initial excavations that brought this site of immense historical importance to light.
Today, the theater can be included in tours of Roman Verona – both as a site to visit and as a unique venue for performances held in the city, ranging from plays to jazz concerts.
The Arena in all its grandeur
Of course, any tour of Roman Verona must include the Arena, the symbol for which the city is known and recognized throughout the world.
Built in the 1st century AD during the reigns of Augustus and later Emperor Claudius, the Arena was originally designed as a venue for bloody gladiatorial contests, including spectacles featuring ferocious wild beasts.
It has an elliptical shape and is constructed of Veronese marble, which gives the walls their distinctive pinkish-red hue.
The building reaches a height of 30 meters at its highest point and features an exterior wall with four arches, as well as 72 additional arches visible from the outside.
There are 64 entrances and exits designed to allow the public to enter and exit the venue, while inside, the Arena features 45 tiers of seating, making it a monumental structure that can now accommodate up to 25,000 people.
Pictures by Alberto Bigoni on Unsplash, by Christian Burri on Unsplash, and by Rui Alves on Unsplash