Christina Zuegg

Language: Italiano, English, Deutsch

00393334620473

Qualification: Verona-2000

I consider myself a citizen of the world due to my international heritage even though I grew up and still live in Verona. At home we spoke three languages and I never really considered a job that would not include my language skills

My formation

I studied Languages and Literature in Venice at the University of Ca’ Foscari and I graduated in German. I often travelled to international trade fairs for various companies and therefore came to realize that most everyone believed that all Verona had to offer was the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet. This is not true and therefore thanks to my interest in art, history and any detail regarding my city I found time to study and finally became a registered tourist guide in 2000 for English, German and French. Since then I love to tell visitors that Verona is much more than a city in which Shakespeare placed his tragedy of two ‘star-crossed’ young lovers.

What I suggest

A stroll along our river Adige which was the highway of the past and the focal point for the wool industry of the Middle Ages with which the local merchants made most of their money. An introduction to the Opera summer festival in the Arena and a stroll to the parts of town which saw Maria Callas at the beginning of her career. If you are a history buff then a tour encompassing our 2000 year history is a must and we have everything right here in town: the roman times, the Middle Ages, the Venetian domination and last but not least also 50 years under the rule of the Hapsburgs. Our churches highlight the romanesque, gothic and renaissance architecture the same way as the painters and sculptors show their talent in one of our many museums.

Verona is a World heritage site for Unesco and not because of the roman amphitheater or other roman remains but because we still have around 10 kilometers of city walls . A few meters date back to roman times but the interesting parts are the medieval and Venetian and also the Austrian walls from the 14^th to the 19^th century. A perfect example of how an important and strategic military city adapted its defenses as soon as the specific technology evolved. I would be happy to show you what we have left and various interesting walks -some slightly more strenuous than others - are available .

In the past few years I have also become very interested in the wines and typical food products of our area and so in 2016 I became a sommelier. With a good friend ( also a tourist guide and sommelier) we offer city tours to tell visitors all about the many varieties of grapes and DOC and DOCG wines we grow (and drink) in our area and all the good food we have (risotto, polenta, horsemeat stew, potato dumplings and Pandoro are probably the best known) .We can visit different areas such as Soave, Valpolicella and Bardolino where many different wine tastings are possible and on Facebook our page is : SorseggiandoVerona.

I could continue with stories about the many beautiful churches, palaces , hidden corners, unexpected views , the love stories that have a connection to this city but nothing to do with Romeo and Juliet but I suggest you visit Verona for 2-3 days and discover its magic with a bit of my help .

Verona in the 19th century: Napoleon, Austria and the Risorgimento

During the 19th century Verona experienced international prominence which placed it at the center of Europe, leading its governors to project impressive urbanistic renewal.

The Giusti Garden

The Giardino Giusti garden tour covers the historical and peaceful green parcel of land that boasts the well known labyrinth, fountains, statues and boxwood hedges.

Romantic Verona: on the footprints of the most famous love story ever

Verona, capital city of the Scaligeri dinasty

The Della Scala dinasty ruled Verona during the fourteenth century and the cultural influence they left behind is indelible.

Soave, "most beautiful hamlet of Italy 2022"

SOAVE: a name that describes the color and shape of a landscape, a medieval castle, the scent of wine, the atmosphere you breathe in the small walled city!

Monumental Cemetery of Verona

Walking in a cemetery is not too usual unless you are interested in sculpture and the local history of Verona from the 19th century onward. Well known families wished to show their influence and wealth by having sculptors prepare their elaborate tombs in a very visible area

The most beautiful frescoed houses in the old city

A journey to discover the stories of a painted city

Frescoes Museum at Juliet’s Tomb

A unique and unusual museum with mural paintings from the 10th century onward and also paintings, statues, bronze artifacts and even some Roman amphorae

Verona and its river

2000 years of history connect us to the Adige river, to the various activities that needed water and driving force and which made Verona wealthy.

The "great classics" of a general visit to Verona

A visit through the centuries and styles, a first approach to get closer to the spirit of the city.

Verona and the opera

Since 1913, the most important cultural event duing the year in Verona is the Opera Festival in the Roman Arena.

Romanesque Art in Verona

After the great earthquake of 1117, once the ancient Roman city was destroyed, the people of Verona started rebuilding the city according to the codes of Romanesque Art.

The beauty of the Renaissance in Verona

The golden age of the Venetian rule over Verona is the of the Renaissance, perceptible everywhere, in the elegant squares, in the sumptuous palaces, in the classicism of the churches and in the priceless paintings that are preserved there.

A "Roman" Verona

The city preserves some of the most important Roman monuments in northern Italy, well preserved, which offer visitors - and the Veronese themselves! - the impression of being able to come into direct contact with this distant era.

Tour in Valpolicella

Spend a few hours or a day in this area and discover the churches, the villas and taste wines that have become so famous, like the Amarone.