Juliet's Balcony

Verona is located in northern Italy, not far from Venice. It is currently a cultural and university centre, with universities of language, medicine and economics. It is one of the richest and most properous cities in northern Italy. The streets are clean, people wear expensive clothes, and there are many upscale restaurants and shops. Tourists come to see this city of Romeo and Juliet. The building where Juliet lived dates back to the 13th century.

The Verona Arena is a Roman Amphitheater which was constructed in the first century. It is now used for outdoor performances. It is a large arena with room for more than 22,000 spectators. Only the Colosseum in Rome is larger. Part of the original facade remains

There are piazzas with bars, sidewalk cafes and souvenir shops. Piazza della Erbe (Market Square) has souvenir kiosks and stands selling food and a variety of items. The stands are set up under larger umbrellas . This is the historical centre of the town. Palazzo Maffei can be seen at the end of the square. The Gardello Tower is to the left of the Palazzo.

The Tower Lamberti is the highest tower in Verona. It is 83 meters tall. Construction of the tower began in 1172. The octagonal end of the tower still holds the original bells (1464).

Palazzo Maffei (1668) has sculptures of Jupiter, Mercury, Venus, Apollo and Minerva on the top of the building. To the left of the palazzo is the Gardello Tower built in 1370. On the marble column in front of the palazzo is a lion (the Lion of Venice)