Why is Italy the most romantic country in the world? The very word romantic originally means from or about Rome, which is proof that almost everything connected to Italy is romantic. Undoubtedly, the neighboring country is one of the best addresses for a romantic holiday or honeymoon - not only because of its breathtaking nature and cultural beauty, but also because of the Italian way of life.
Italians namely they love romance (on the other hand, also drama), their music is based on singing of love, people like to show their emotions, not only verbally, they like to show their affection to their loved one in public. Even a simple ritual, such as eating food, is terribly romantic in Italian restaurants, which are open to the streets most of the year. Or tossing a coin into a Roman Trevi Fountain, gondola ride on Venetian canals, a walk around Florence The Uffizi Gallery ... or reliving the eternal love story between Romeo and Juliet in Verona.
Due to its exceptionally well-preserved monuments from the Roman era onwards, Verona is under UNESCO protection.Faith in love
The city of the most romantic story in the history of literature lives for its tragic heroes, Romeo and Juliet. One of the best-preserved Roman cities in northern Italy, boasting a beautiful Roman Arena, in which operas are still performed today, and the city with its beautifully preserved medieval architecture is famous as one of the most romantic places in the world, thanks mainly to Shakespeare, who set the love story between the two tragic lovers right in Verona. The English poet set the story in 14th-century Verona, when the Adige River and city walls surrounded the historic center and seat of noble families, where the Mantague and Capulet families lived near the Piazza delle Erbe square and close to each other.
In the very center of the old city center stands the Arena di Verona, the third largest Roman amphitheater still standing in the world.Romantics from all over the world visit the medieval Julia's house on the street Via Cappello 23, where Romeo is supposed to court Juliet. The lovers don't see the facts, they live for the story, so they don't mind the fact that the balcony on which Juliet is said to be standing was built in 1936. In the yard of the house stands Statue of Juliet, also from the twentieth century, whose breasts are still rubbed by romantics for happiness, just as everyone who has not yet lost faith in love leaves hundreds of letters to Juliet. Juliet's house is the most famous "scene" of the story of the two lovers from Verona, and the most ardent supporters of the eternal love story can also visit Romeo's house, different markets where the events that are part of the tragic story are supposed to take place, and even Julia's grave in the monastery San Francesco al Corso.
Under the balcony of Romeo and Juliet, romantics from all over the world gather.A festival of love
Valentine's it's a special day in Verona. In fact, Valentine's Day is celebrated all week, and Verona becomes Verona in love. Decorated with thousands of hearts, the streets and squares glow red, and lovers of all ages gather in the square between February 13 and 16 Piazza dei Signori and they share a minute-long kiss. Even before the big event, you can order a "love seal" online, a love vow written on parchment, with the lovers' names written by hand and sealed with a wax seal. The events that take place during the week of Verona in Love attract romantics of all ages who enjoy concerts, leave love messages on a special notice board, writers and poets present their works of love in a special festival Librarian Verona and Love, social network addicts can even use a special app APP Leave On: they can send their love message high into the sky using special virtual balloons.
During the week of Valentine's Day, the squares and streets of Verona are colored in the color of love.During Verona in Love, we can join Julia's club and we become Julia for a day. As Miss Julia, we can read and answer the letters fans leave under her balcony. During these days, opera lovers will enjoy the performance of the story of Romeo and Juliet in the Romanesque church Santa Maria and Chiavica. Even athletes will pay tribute to undying love, as a half-marathon will take place among the sights of the city with beautifully preserved Roman and medieval monuments. Giulietta & Romeo. A special half-marathon will be organized for couples, which is another way for lovers to celebrate their day. During the Verona in Love festival, we will be able to see Julia's house, her grave and other attractions for less, as the entrance fees for lovers will be lower than usual, and those who prefer to follow a guide will be able to take part in a guided tour of the city, called Walking Tour in Love.
Fountain in Piazza delle Erbe with the famous fountain, with a statue called Madonna Verona, which is actually a Roman statue from the 4th century.A hotel for lovers
Verona is not only the story of Romeo and Juliet, but also a living museum with a lot of activities and the best address to rest while getting to know the city, especially for romantics, the hotel Gabbia d'Oro. A small, comfortable, beautifully furnished 18th-century palace clings to the tower Gardella and is full of antiques, frescoes and oriental carpets. Beamed ceilings, stone staircases and a range of other decorative details give the hotel unrivaled charm in its rooms and public spaces. The hotel is written for romance, so some rooms are equipped with round bathtubs, marble decorations and mosaics. The hotel does not have its own restaurant, but its location in the very heart of the city offers only a short walk to the main attractions and restaurants, and afternoon tea in the hotel's inner courtyard is not to be missed.
With the monument to Dante Alighieri, Verona paid tribute to the great poet who stayed in Verona for some time.Love goes thru the stomach
Morning coffee, lunch with a glass of excellent Italian wine or a candlelight dinner - food and romance are fatally linked, so let's take the time for a caffeinated wake-up call in a cafe Cafe Borsari, where local know-it-alls sit at the marble bar with a cup of espresso in hand, or in the nearby bakery De Rossi let's sweeten it with almond and chocolate cookies called "baci di Romeo e Giulietta" (Romeo and Juliet's kiss). Newlyweds or anyone who enjoys food with a view should treat themselves to a bit of romance in the restaurant Osteria Ponte Pietra at the entrance to the only bridge over the river Adige, which serves only pedestrians. The cozy dining room, with its wooden ceiling, gold and silver wallpaper and framed old illustrations, is usually packed to capacity, so it's wise to reserve lunch or dinner in advance. In a city that hosts one of the most important Italian wine fairs every year Vinitaly, this year will take place between April 6 and 9, it is not difficult to find a good restaurant with an extensive wine list and one of the newest stars in the culinary sky is the restaurant Locanda 4 Cuochi. Although it has only been open for a little over a year, it is already a true "trendsetter" due to its innovative cuisine and modern appearance. Seats at the bar overlook the open kitchen, where four chefs prepare specialties, socialize with guests and help them choose wines.
All the most important Italian wine regions are presented at the Vinitaly wine fair.
More about Valentine's Day events in Verona: www.veronainlove.it.
One of the most romantic hotels in Verona: www.hotelgabbiadoroverona.com.
Caffe Borsari at Corso Porta Borsari 15 D also sells teas and jams from the famous Florentine producer La Via del Te.
In the restaurant Osteria Ponte Pietra, Via Ponte Pietra 34, we can enjoy risotto all'amarone or swordfish roasted with sesame seeds.
A wine fair where all Italian wine regions are presented: www.vinitaly.com.
A visit to the Locanda 4 Cuochi restaurant at Via Alberto Mario 12 is also a must: www.locanda4cuochi.it.
