Francesco Mazzai

Francesco Mazzai
Language: Italiano, English, Español

Qualification: Verona 2012

The world is full of stories just waiting to be told

My great passion is storytelling.
Stories, anecdotes, legends, recipes, traditions… Verona, for me, is an incredible whole where, at every corner, you can find something to tell. A unique city, which offers many different points of view: you can't get bored, discovering Verona.

I became a guide in 2012 following a dream I had since I was in high school. I carry out my profession in Italian, Spanish and English, for individual travellers, for small or large groups, for families with small or older children, for groups on a school trip or on a leisure trip.
For each one I reserve a different way of telling the stories that Verona preserves.

My formation

Born in Verona, I rediscovered my love for my city in 2008, writing an interactive guide on legends, anecdotes and curiosities, at the time a new and different way of visiting and discovering Verona.

I studied cultural tourism in the University of Padua, and then I specialized in the University of Ferrara. During my studies I had the privilege of living the Erasmus experience in one of the most fascinating cities in Europe (Granada, Spain). During my university years I worked in the world of hotels, resorts, events and museums, learning from each experience a new key to understanding reality.

In recent years, I have attended various in-depth courses on one of the most important figures of 16th century architecture: Andrea Palladio, author of numerous Unesco World Heritage villas in the Veneto region.

I attended theater and communication courses, literally traveled around the world and read, read a lot. And I keep doing it!

What I suggest

I suggest you don't choose.

Verona is a multifaceted city. A city where you can get lost and, at the same time, find yourself. Walk among Roman buildings, medieval monuments, Renaissance loggias and be amazed at every discovery.

I suggest you arrive hungry

It's not just eating in Verona. The food and wine tradition of our city is unique and offers very interesting and fun possibilities for those wishing to discover what lies behind the dishes (and wines) of our tradition. There is everything: from breakfast to ice cream!

I suggest you go outside the box

Immediately around the historic center of Verona, the "must sees", there is a new world to discover: the basilica of San Zeno, the Veronetta district, the masterful walls are more than alternatives. They are the Verona that few know, but which is special.

I suggest you go further

Beyond the city. The villages of Lake Garda are jewels of art, history and nature; Valpolicella is not only the place of one of the most famous (and good!) wines of Italy, but also a territory rich in churches, villas and gardens; Soave is one of the preserved villages with a castle in the Veneto region and offers a 360° experience.

Discover the vibrant character of this peaceful landscape, in the largest blue mirror in Italy.
Just by looking at its walls you can delve into the history of Verona. Each era has changed, refurbished, destroyed and reconstructed the wall system around the city.
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!
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.
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.
During the 19th century Verona experienced international prominence which placed it at the center of Europe, leading its governors to project impressive urbanistic renewal.
Since 1913, the most important cultural event duing the year in Verona is the Opera Festival in the Roman Arena.
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 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.
The castle showcases an important part of Verona’s medieval art history , its artists and the impressive innovations by Carlo Scarpa.
An interesting walk to discover Dante’s work and his deep connection to our town.
A visit through the centuries and styles, a first approach to get closer to the spirit of the city.
The Della Scala dinasty ruled Verona during the fourteenth century and the cultural influence they left behind is indelible.
A family visit that will actively involve even the little ones.
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.