Verona was founded by a Gallic chief named Brenno and became a Roman colony in 89 B.C. From the founding of the city until the middle ages, Verona changed hands among the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Longobards and Franks. Starting in the Middle Ages, Verona became a center of artistic study and a popular commerce center due to its strategic waterway connections. During the 1700s and 1800s, the French and Austrians jointly controlled Verona and focused on its commerce. During World War II, Verona was a Fascist base and was heavily damaged by bombings.
One of the most popular tourist sights in Verona is the Arena of Verona, which sits in the center of the city. The Arena is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Roman architecture in Italy. Shakespeare aficionados like touring Juliet's balcony and home at Number 23 Via Cappello. Other notable architectural sights include the Piazza Delle Erbe, the Scaliger tombs, the Verona Duomo cathedral and the Castelvecchio castle.
During the summer months, the sounds of the Verona opera emanate out of the Verona Arena and plays are hosted in the Roman theater. Verona is filled with cafes, shops, restaurants and street life. One of the main tourist activities is to walk the pedestrian-only streets of Verona to experience the history and view the architecture.
Verona is home to many artists and ships monuments around the world. In addition to artwork, Verona is known for high quality wine including Valpolicella, Bardolino, and Valdadige Pinot Grigio and Custoza. Tourists can visit the wineries of both Bardolino and Custoza, which are produced in Verona. Wine bars are abundant in Verona, where tourists can sample the many local varieties of wine. Italian luxury goods are also for sale on the Via Mazzini.
Flights are available to the Catullo Airport near Verona, and lower cost airlines fly into the nearby D'Annunzio Airport. Interstate access to Verona is available for trips by car by taking the A4. Buses have regular routes from all major cities in Italy to Verona. Train trips to Verona are available from Venice and Milan.
