Is Juliet's House real?

The house is a genuine 13th-century building that belonged to the Dal Cappello family, but the connection to Shakespeare's fictional Juliet is legendary. The famous balcony was added in the 20th century to enhance the romantic appeal for visitors.

What is the best walking tour Verona for literature fans?

The Shakespeare trail is the most popular route for literature fans, focusing on the sites associated with the Montagues and Capulets. This self-guided route offers a flexible way to see the key landmarks like Romeo's House and Juliet's Tomb without a group.

Is this walking route Verona accessible for strollers?

Yes, the route is mostly flat and follows the city's main pedestrian thoroughfares. However, be prepared for cobblestones in the older sections and heavy crowds in the courtyard of Juliet's House.

Can I see Romeo's House?

You can view the exterior of Romeo's House on Via Arche Scaligere. It is a private residence, so there is no public access to the interior, but the medieval facade and commemorative plaque are visible from the street.

Where is the best place to start a walking route in Verona?

Corso Porta Borsari or Piazza Bra are excellent starting points. This specific route begins at Porta Borsari to follow a logical path through the historic center toward Juliet's Tomb.

Is it worth visiting Juliet's Tomb?

Yes, especially for those who enjoy the literary legend. The Museo degli affreschi, where the tomb is located, is often much quieter than Juliet's House and contains beautiful medieval art, making it a peaceful escape from the crowds.

When is the best time to visit Juliet's House to avoid crowds?

The best time is right at opening (usually 9:00 AM) or shortly before closing. Mid-day and early afternoon are the busiest times when the courtyard can become very congested.

Do I need tickets for this self-guided walk?

The walk itself is free as it takes place on public streets. However, if you wish to enter the Juliet’s House museum or the Museo degli affreschi, you will need to purchase tickets, which is often recommended to do in advance online.

Are there many hills on this Verona walk?

No, this specific route through the Città Antica is almost entirely flat, making it an easy walk for all fitness levels and ages.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Verona is a city where history and fiction are inextricably linked, creating an atmosphere of timeless romance. This self-guided walk invites you to step into the world of William Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, wandering through the narrow, marble-paved streets of the Città Antica. While the Bard may have never set foot in Italy, his descriptions of the feuding families, the Montecchi and the Capuleti, were based on real noble lineages that once dominated this medieval stronghold. This walking route is designed for those who want to explore the literary soul of the city at their own pace, away from the constraints of a rigid schedule. Beginning at the ancient Roman gateway of Corso Porta Borsari, you will traverse the heart of the historic center. You will visit the bustling Piazza delle Erbe, which reflects the vibrant street life Shakespeare depicted in the play’s opening scenes. From there, the trail leads to the imposing Scaliger Tombs, the gothic resting places of the Della Scala lords who ruled Verona during the era of the star-crossed lovers. You will also discover the fortified residence known as Romeo’s House and the world-famous balcony at Juliet’s House, where myth and architecture merge. The journey concludes at the serene Museo degli affreschi, home to the site traditionally identified as Juliet’s Tomb. This neighborhood stroll offers more than just literary connections; it is a visual feast of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, vibrant frescoes, and hidden courtyards. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot of medieval masonry or a history buff tracing the real-life inspirations for the Capulets and Montagues, this walking route Verona offers a comprehensive look at the city's heritage. By following this audio walk, you can immerse yourself in the legends of Verona while enjoying the independence of a self-guided adventure. Discover why this city remains the ultimate destination for romantic souls and literature lovers alike.

Highlights

The ancient Roman gateway of Corso Porta Borsari

The vibrant atmosphere of Piazza delle Erbe

The intricate Gothic architecture of the Scaliger Tombs

The medieval fortified exterior of Romeo’s House

The iconic balcony and courtyard at Juliet’s House

The peaceful cloisters and Juliet’s Tomb at the Museo degli affreschi

Tour Stops (6)

Corso Porta Borsari

Start your journey at Corso Porta Borsari, a majestic limestone gateway that dates back to the 1st century AD. In Roman times, this was the main entrance to the city, known as Porta Iovia. As you stand before its two arched openings and tiered windows, imagine the travelers and merchants who have passed through here for two millennia. During the Middle Ages, the era in which Shakespeare set his play, this area was a bustling thoroughfare connecting the city's ancient roots with its growing medieval power. The elegant buildings lining the street today represent centuries of Veronese history, from Roman foundations to Renaissance facades. This is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the city's dual identity as both a historical powerhouse and a literary dreamscape.

Piazza delle Erbe

Welcome to Piazza delle Erbe, often called the most beautiful square in Italy. This was once the Roman Forum, the center of political and economic life. Today, it remains the city's beating heart, filled with market stalls and surrounded by historic palaces like the Palazzo Maffei and the Case Mazzanti, famous for its 16th-century frescoes. Shakespeare’s play begins with a brawl in a public place, and standing here, you can easily envision the lively, sometimes volatile energy of Verona’s streets. Look up at the Torre dei Lamberti, which has watched over the city since 1172. The square’s fountain, featuring the 'Madonna Verona' statue, dates back to the 14th century, bridging the gap between the Roman past and the medieval world of Romeo and Juliet.

Scaliger Tombs

A short walk from the square brings you to the Arche Scaligere, or Scaliger Tombs. These extraordinary Gothic funerary monuments belong to the Della Scala family, who ruled Verona from the 13th to the 14th century. The elaborate wrought-iron fence features the ladder motif, the family's emblem. These lords were the real-life counterparts to Prince Escalus in Shakespeare’s tragedy, the authority figures struggling to maintain order amidst the feuding nobility. The tombs are a masterpiece of stone carving, with equestrian statues and intricate canopies that reflect the immense wealth and power of the dynasty. Their reign provided the backdrop for the legends of the Montagues and Capulets, making this site essential for understanding the historical context of the play.

Casa di Romeo

Located in a quiet side street, this imposing medieval building is traditionally known as Romeo’s House. Unlike the more famous Juliet’s House, this site remains a private residence and is not open for interior visits, but its exterior is a perfectly preserved example of a fortified 13th-century noble home. Notice the swallow-tail merlons atop the walls, a sign of the family’s Ghibelline political alignment. The Montecchi family—the real Montagues—were indeed a powerful clan in Verona, and historical records confirm their presence in this district. Above the arched entrance, a plaque displays a quote from the play, reminding us of the tragic fate of the young lover who allegedly called these stone walls home. It offers a more somber, authentic glimpse into medieval life than the more commercialized sites nearby.

Casa di Giulietta

You have reached the most iconic stop on the trail: Juliet’s House. This 13th-century residence belonged to the Dal Cappello family, whose name likely inspired the 'Capulets' of fiction. As you enter the courtyard, you’ll see the famous bronze statue of Juliet and the balcony that has become a global symbol of romance. Interestingly, the balcony was actually added in the 1930s using a repurposed medieval sarcophagus to satisfy the expectations of travelers. Despite its mix of fact and folklore, the atmosphere here is undeniable. Thousands of people leave messages of love on the walls of the entrance tunnel, continuing a tradition of romantic pilgrimage that has lasted for centuries. It is a testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s storytelling and Verona's role as the 'City of Love.'

Museo degli affreschi

The final stop on our route is the Museo degli affreschi 'G.B. Cavalcaselle,' located within the former monastery of San Francesco al Corso. In the dark, atmospheric crypt of this complex lies a red marble sarcophagus known as Juliet’s Tomb. According to tradition, this is where the tragic finale of the play occurred. Even in the 19th century, famous figures like Lord Byron visited this site to pay their respects to the legend. Beyond the tomb, the museum houses a stunning collection of frescoes rescued from the facades of Veronese buildings, offering a look at the 'Urbs Picta' (Painted City) as it would have appeared in the Renaissance. The peaceful cloisters provide a reflective end to your walk, allowing you to contemplate the blend of history, art, and myth that defines Verona.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes depending on how much time you spend at each location. The distance between the first and last stop is approximately 1.5 kilometers through the pedestrianized historic center.