Is the walk to Castel San Pietro difficult?

The walk is moderate. While the riverbanks are flat, reaching the viewpoint requires an uphill climb. You can choose to take the funicular to avoid the steep stairs, making the experience much easier.

When is the best time for photography on this route?

The 'Golden Hour' just before sunset is the best time. The light hits the red bricks of the bridges and the city's terracotta roofs perfectly from the Castel San Pietro viewpoint.

Do I need tickets for the highlights on this walk?

The bridges and the viewpoint at Piazzale Castel San Pietro are free to access. You will need to purchase tickets for the Funicular and for entry to the Giusti Garden.

Is this walking route family-friendly?

Yes, kids usually enjoy the castle-like atmosphere of Castelvecchio and the funicular ride. However, be mindful of strollers on the cobbled streets and the stairs at the Giusti Garden.

Can I see the Roman Theater on this walk?

Yes, the Roman Theater is located right at the base of the funicular near Ponte Pietra. You will see it clearly from the funicular and from the viewpoint above.

What is the best walking tour in Verona for views?

This riverside and hilltop route is widely considered the best for views. It connects the city's most famous bridges with the highest panoramic terrace at Castel San Pietro.

Is the Giusti Garden worth visiting?

Absolutely. It is one of the finest examples of an Italian Renaissance garden and offers a peaceful, shaded retreat with unique views of the city that are different from the main viewpoint.

Where does the walk start and end?

The walk starts at the Castelvecchio Bridge on the western edge of the center and ends at the Giusti Garden in the Veronetta district on the eastern side.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Verona is often celebrated as the city of lovers, but its most enduring romance is with the Adige River. This self-guided walk invites you to trace the winding path of the water, crossing ancient bridges and ascending to heights that offer the city's most breathtaking panoramas. Unlike a standard walking tour Verona offers in the busy center, this route focuses on the architectural harmony and natural beauty that define the city's skyline. You will begin at the fortified Castelvecchio Bridge, a masterpiece of medieval engineering, and follow the riverbanks toward the historic Veronetta district. As you explore independently, you will witness the layers of Verona’s history. From the Roman stones of Ponte Pietra to the Renaissance elegance of the Giusti Garden, the route captures the essence of a city built on pink marble and red brick. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those seeking to capture the light of the 'golden hour,' as the sun sets over the terracotta rooftops. While many visitors stick to the crowded streets near the Arena, this walking route provides a more tranquil perspective, focusing on the vistas that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. The journey is a treat for photography enthusiasts. You will find ample opportunities to frame the Adige’s curves and the silhouettes of cypress trees against the Venetian hills. The climb toward Castel San Pietro—whether by foot or funicular—is the centerpiece of the experience, rewarding you with a view that many consider the best in Italy. By the time you reach the serene Giusti Garden, you will have experienced the city's most iconic landmarks from a unique, elevated perspective. This audio walk is designed for those who want to discover at their own pace, bypassing the rigid schedule of a guided tour Verona might otherwise offer, allowing the stones and the river to tell their own story.

Highlights

The iconic M-shaped battlements of the Castelvecchio Bridge

A peaceful riverside walk along Lungadige Cangrande

Ponte Pietra, the city's oldest and most picturesque Roman bridge

A scenic ascent via the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro

Panoramic views of Verona's skyline from Piazzale Castel San Pietro

The Renaissance splendor and cypress-lined paths of Giusti Garden

Tour Stops (6)

Castelvecchio Bridge

Standing on the Castelvecchio Bridge, also known as the Scaliger Bridge, you are walking on a piece of 14th-century military genius. Built by Cangrande II della Scala, this fortified bridge was designed as an escape route from the castle to the north, ensuring the ruling family could flee if the local populace revolted. Notice the distinctive 'M' shaped battlements, known as Ghibelline merlons, which signify the family's loyalty to the Holy Roman Emperor. The bridge was tragically blown up by retreating German forces in 1945 but was meticulously reconstructed using original bricks salvaged from the riverbed, preserving its medieval character and romantic allure.

Lungadige Cangrande

As you transition from the bridge to the riverside path of Lungadige Cangrande, take a moment to observe the flow of the Adige. This river was once the lifeblood of Verona’s economy, used for transport and milling. This specific stretch offers one of the best side-on views of the Castelvecchio's massive towers and the bridge's three unequal arches. The path here is a favorite for locals seeking a quiet moment away from the tourist crowds. Look across the water to see the colorful facades of the buildings that line the river, reflecting the city’s warm palette of ochre and sienna.

Ponte Pietra

Ponte Pietra is Verona’s oldest bridge, with its earliest sections dating back to 100 BC. It has survived floods and wars for over two millennia. As you stand here, look closely at the arches; you can see a mix of materials. The white marble arches are original Roman stone, while the red brick sections represent later medieval repairs. Like Castelvecchio, this bridge was destroyed in World War II and rebuilt stone by stone. It serves as the gateway to the Veronetta district and the Roman Theater, acting as a literal bridge between the city's ancient past and its vibrant present.

Funicolare di Castel San Pietro

To reach the heights of the city without the strenuous climb, the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro is an elegant solution. Originally built in 1941, the funicular was closed for decades before being completely modernized and reopened in 2017. As the cabin ascends, watch through the glass as the Roman Theater and the river fall away below you. The short journey takes only about 90 seconds but provides a dramatic shift in perspective, moving from the river-level bustle to the quiet, airy heights of the San Pietro hill.

Piazzale Castel San Pietro

Welcome to the most famous viewpoint in Verona. From this terrace, the city unfolds like a map. You can see the Adige making a perfect S-curve through the historic center, with the tower of Lamberti and the dome of the Cathedral punctuating the skyline. This spot has been a strategic lookout since the Iron Age, later hosting a Roman temple and then a medieval castle. The current barracks-style building was constructed during the Austrian occupation in the 19th century. At sunset, the white marble of the city glows pink, making it the ultimate destination for photographers and dreamers alike.

Giusti Garden

Descending from the hill, you reach the Giusti Garden, a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance landscaping. Created in the 16th century, the garden is famous for its towering cypress trees—one of which was famously admired by the German poet Goethe. The garden is split into two levels: the lower part features a formal boxwood maze and statues, while the upper part is a wilder 'secret garden' carved into the cliffside. It is a place of profound peace, designed to reflect the harmony between man and nature. Wander through the maze or climb the spiral staircase hidden inside a stone turret for one last look at the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to stop for photos at the bridges and about 30 minutes to enjoy the view at the top of Castel San Pietro.