A walk in Verona

Besides Vicenza, which is my hometown, Verona occupies an important place in my heart.

Easy to reach by train and with plenty of parking spaces if you get there by car, Verona offers an historic center that can be visited on foot in a short time, staying in the typical density of the city built between ancient walls and in the romance of Romeo and Giulietta’s tragedy.
The atmosphere is very young and lively, always full of events during the year including the important Opera Season at the Arena di Verona and a lot of contemporary music concerts.

About ten years ago, in Verona I received my marriage proposal: on a hot and humid summer evening we had dinner in Piazza Bra, overlooking the majestic Arena, in the restaurant which was owned by the famous Verona businessman Giovanni Rana, called "Tre Corone". 
Now unfortunately it is closed and replaced with an equally elegant place called "Vittorio Emanuele".

At the table next ours, that evening there was the real Mr. Rana with many friends and I still remember the positive and familiar impression he gave me.


«There is no world without Verona walls, 
But purgatory, torture, hell itself. 
Hence banished is banish’d from the world,
And world’s exile is death»

William Shakespeare, Romeo e Giulietta.


So, I want to take you on a walk to discover the most famous and well-known points of the city, walking on the cobbled alleys admiring the palaces and the towers, with some "good taste" stops because It’s so important to discover every place through its kitchen.
A small itinerary that will take about 3 or 4 hours of your time: it will give you a first impression of the city and its beauties, in a relaxed time, maybe choosing some monument to know better with a guided tour or which area to choose for dinner.


What to eat?

Surely the boiled meat called “bollito” with the “pearà”, a thick and strong sauce with peppery flavor.

A good plate of “tortellini” from Valeggio sul Mincio: a village outside Verona famous for this product, also called "knot of love". The beauty of this village and its tortellini deserves a separate story, but do not forget to taste them if they are on the menu.

What to bring home with you?

A bottle of Amarone, to be savored as a meditation wine but also as an ingredient for a special and delicious risotto. I recommend the “Masi” winery.

Besides, during Christmas time a great artisanal Pandoro or even better the Nadalin or Offella, other two soft and buttery cakes.