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Secret Verona: discover the 12 hidden treasures of the City of Love
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Secret Verona: the city is world-famous for the Arena, Juliet’s balcony, and its timeless elegance.
But there is a lesser-known side of the city waiting to be explored: made up of quiet alleys, hidden gardens, and charming views that often escape the attention of hurried visitors.
If you’re staying at Camping Del Garda Village and want to dedicate a day to Verona, here are 12 little-visited places that will make you fall in love with the city in a whole new light.
Hidden behind a 16th-century building, Giardino Giusti is a true Renaissance gem. Among cypress trees, statues, caves, and a small labyrinth, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It was loved by Goethe and Mozart – and when you set foot in it, you’ll immediately understand why. The terrace at the top of the garden offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Often overshadowed by the more famous Arena, the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Inside, you can admire Mantegna’s stunning triptych and the curious medieval bell tower, making it a must-see for art history enthusiasts.
Less crowded than the nearby Ponte Scaligero, Ponte Pietra offers a historic walk over the Adige River. This ancient Roman bridge, dating back to the 1st century BC, will take you on an unforgettable journey through time.
For an unparalleled panoramic view of Verona, head to Castel San Pietro. The climb through the Roman Theatre and lush park is worth every step. Once at the top, the breathtaking view of the city will reward you. And if you don’t feel like walking, you can always take the funicular: the view is unbeatable, and even the little ones will enjoy it.
For modern art lovers, the Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery is a hidden gem within the Palazzo della Ragione. The collection spans from the 19th century to the present day, offering an alternative perspective on the Italian art scene.
Did you know the real story of Juliet has nothing to do with the famous balcony? In this small, rarely visited yet fascinating museum, you can admire ancient frescoes detached from Verona’s churches and palaces, as well as visit the so-called Tomb of Juliet, nestled in the silence of a Gothic cloister. It’s the perfect spot for those who love art and legends without the crowds.
Just steps away from Piazza dei Signori, the Arche Scaligere are magnificent funerary monuments dedicated to the powerful Della Scala family. Few stop to admire them, but these Gothic tombs, decorated with refined sculptures, tell the medieval grandeur of Verona and add a mysterious touch to your itinerary.
In the San Zeno district, far from the more touristy areas, the former military Arsenal is now a cultural center with an alternative soul. Its imposing, somewhat decaying architecture, vast spaces, and temporary exhibitions make it perfect for those seeking something different from the usual monumental tour.
Hidden among the streets of the historic center, the Church of San Procolo is one of the oldest places of worship in the city, dating back to the 5th century. This architectural gem represents one of the must-see stops for those wishing to explore secret Verona. Inside, you can admire medieval frescoes of extraordinary beauty, including works attributed to Felice Brusasorzi and other Veronese masters. The crypt is particularly interesting, where you can see Roman and early Christian relics. The church is named after San Procolo, bishop of Verona in the 4th century, whose remains are preserved inside. This site represents the evolution of the Romanesque style in Verona and is absolutely worth a visit.
While everyone knows Verona’s majestic Roman Arena, famous for its summer opera performances, few know that you can visit its undergrounds. These spaces, once used to house gladiators and animals before the shows, offer a completely different perspective of the monument.
During the guided tour, you can explore corridors, cells, and hidden passages, imagining the atmosphere of the early centuries AD. The undergrounds also reveal the ingenious Roman hydraulic system and preserve ancient inscriptions and graffiti.
Located on the left bank of the Adige, the Veronetta district has remained off the tourist circuits, maintaining an authentic and popular atmosphere. Once called "Ultraiger" (beyond the Adige), this multicultural village offers picturesque glimpses and historical testimonies of great value, perfect for those wishing to explore secret Verona.
Walking through its streets, you can admire the Church of Santa Maria in Organo with its extraordinary intarsia choir by Fra Giovanni, the San Giorgio in Braida complex with its dome reflecting in the Adige, and the ancient San Giovanni in Valle monastery. Don’t miss the chance to climb to Castel San Pietro, from where you’ll enjoy an unparalleled view of the city. At sunset, when the golden light illuminates Verona’s rooftops and bell towers, the spectacle is truly magical.
Often eclipsed by the more famous Arena, the Roman Theatre represents another magnificent example of Verona’s ancient architecture. Built in the 1st century BC on the left bank of the Adige, at the foot of the San Pietro hill, this theatre offers extraordinary acoustics and is still used for performances during the summer.
Next to the theatre is the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Convent of San Gerolamo. Its collections include mosaics, sculptures, ceramics, and other artifacts that tell the story of Verona’s Roman and medieval past. From the museum’s garden, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the historic center that rivals the one from Castel San Pietro.
1. Giardino Giusti: a Renaissance oasis
Hidden behind a 16th-century building, Giardino Giusti is a true Renaissance gem. Among cypress trees, statues, caves, and a small labyrinth, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It was loved by Goethe and Mozart – and when you set foot in it, you’ll immediately understand why. The terrace at the top of the garden offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
2. Basilica di San Zeno: a romanesque masterpiece
Often overshadowed by the more famous Arena, the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Inside, you can admire Mantegna’s stunning triptych and the curious medieval bell tower, making it a must-see for art history enthusiasts.
3. Ponte Pietra: a path of history and legend
Less crowded than the nearby Ponte Scaligero, Ponte Pietra offers a historic walk over the Adige River. This ancient Roman bridge, dating back to the 1st century BC, will take you on an unforgettable journey through time.
4. Castel San Pietro: a dream view
For an unparalleled panoramic view of Verona, head to Castel San Pietro. The climb through the Roman Theatre and lush park is worth every step. Once at the top, the breathtaking view of the city will reward you. And if you don’t feel like walking, you can always take the funicular: the view is unbeatable, and even the little ones will enjoy it.
5. Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery: a dive into contemporary art
For modern art lovers, the Achille Forti Modern Art Gallery is a hidden gem within the Palazzo della Ragione. The collection spans from the 19th century to the present day, offering an alternative perspective on the Italian art scene.
6. The Museum of frescoes and Juliet's Tomb
Did you know the real story of Juliet has nothing to do with the famous balcony? In this small, rarely visited yet fascinating museum, you can admire ancient frescoes detached from Verona’s churches and palaces, as well as visit the so-called Tomb of Juliet, nestled in the silence of a Gothic cloister. It’s the perfect spot for those who love art and legends without the crowds.
7. Arche Scaligere: funerary monuments of the Lords of Verona
Just steps away from Piazza dei Signori, the Arche Scaligere are magnificent funerary monuments dedicated to the powerful Della Scala family. Few stop to admire them, but these Gothic tombs, decorated with refined sculptures, tell the medieval grandeur of Verona and add a mysterious touch to your itinerary.
8. Austrian Arsenal: industrial charm of the past
In the San Zeno district, far from the more touristy areas, the former military Arsenal is now a cultural center with an alternative soul. Its imposing, somewhat decaying architecture, vast spaces, and temporary exhibitions make it perfect for those seeking something different from the usual monumental tour.
9. Church of San Procolo: art and millennial history
Hidden among the streets of the historic center, the Church of San Procolo is one of the oldest places of worship in the city, dating back to the 5th century. This architectural gem represents one of the must-see stops for those wishing to explore secret Verona. Inside, you can admire medieval frescoes of extraordinary beauty, including works attributed to Felice Brusasorzi and other Veronese masters. The crypt is particularly interesting, where you can see Roman and early Christian relics. The church is named after San Procolo, bishop of Verona in the 4th century, whose remains are preserved inside. This site represents the evolution of the Romanesque style in Verona and is absolutely worth a visit.
10. Arena’s Undergrounds: the belly of the amphitheater
While everyone knows Verona’s majestic Roman Arena, famous for its summer opera performances, few know that you can visit its undergrounds. These spaces, once used to house gladiators and animals before the shows, offer a completely different perspective of the monument.
During the guided tour, you can explore corridors, cells, and hidden passages, imagining the atmosphere of the early centuries AD. The undergrounds also reveal the ingenious Roman hydraulic system and preserve ancient inscriptions and graffiti.
11. Veronetta District: the authentic soul of the city
Located on the left bank of the Adige, the Veronetta district has remained off the tourist circuits, maintaining an authentic and popular atmosphere. Once called "Ultraiger" (beyond the Adige), this multicultural village offers picturesque glimpses and historical testimonies of great value, perfect for those wishing to explore secret Verona.
Walking through its streets, you can admire the Church of Santa Maria in Organo with its extraordinary intarsia choir by Fra Giovanni, the San Giorgio in Braida complex with its dome reflecting in the Adige, and the ancient San Giovanni in Valle monastery. Don’t miss the chance to climb to Castel San Pietro, from where you’ll enjoy an unparalleled view of the city. At sunset, when the golden light illuminates Verona’s rooftops and bell towers, the spectacle is truly magical.
12. Roman Theatre and Archaeological Museum
Often eclipsed by the more famous Arena, the Roman Theatre represents another magnificent example of Verona’s ancient architecture. Built in the 1st century BC on the left bank of the Adige, at the foot of the San Pietro hill, this theatre offers extraordinary acoustics and is still used for performances during the summer.
Next to the theatre is the Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Convent of San Gerolamo. Its collections include mosaics, sculptures, ceramics, and other artifacts that tell the story of Verona’s Roman and medieval past. From the museum’s garden, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the historic center that rivals the one from Castel San Pietro.
Tips for exploring secret Verona
To discover these and other hidden treasures of Verona, here are some practical tips:- Explore the city in the early morning or late afternoon, when the most touristy places are less crowded.
- Consider purchasing the Verona Card, which includes entry to many lesser-known sites in addition to the main attractions.
- Dedicate at least one full day to exploring the neighborhoods across the Adige River.
- Join themed guided tours, which often include places off the beaten path.
- Don’t rush: the true essence of Verona is discovered by strolling slowly and getting lost in its alleys.