Top Rated Attractions in Verona

This palace is best known for the modern and contemporary art gallery that it houses, 'Achille Forti' and more importantly, for certain historical events. The building was already in existence in the XIII century as its oldest part can confirm and it can therefore almost certainly be dated in this period named 'the wing of Ezzellino da Romano' after the tyrant Ezzellino III who governed Verona between 1232 and 1259. After his death, the palace underwent several architectural modifications, particularly during the Scaligera family's domination. The first took place in the 15th Century when the building was acquired by the Emilei family who made it into a residential palace. The second was during the 16th Century while the third took place in the 18th Century with the front of the palace being reworked by the architect Ignazio Pellegrini. The palace, where Nelson even stayed during his Italian campaign has been passed on through generations of the Emilei family up to the last descendant, the botanist Achille Forti who, in 1937, gave it to the local council. Thanks to his will, the palace has now become a museum of modern art.

Duomo Santa Maria Matricolare was erected on the site of the pre-existing Christian church after the earthquake of 1117. In 1444, major renovation and enlargement work took place on the Roman building, as promised by the Scaligeri in the last years of their rule. Buttresses were added, as well as chapels along the building's perimeter. The influences of various different periods are visible on the façade of the building: the monumental Roman gateway with double arches by Nicolò (1139), the Gothic elements and the final, Renaissance additions. The interior is divided into three naves with pilasters in red marble, holding up ogival arches and cross-vaults with four chapels on each side and a presbytery closed off by a semi-circular door.

No one going to Verona could possibly justify missing out a visit to this Romanesque church which epitomizes the city: San Zeno Maggiore. On the left it is bordered by the battlemented, brick abbatial tower, on the right by the striped brick and tuff bell tower with three-mullioned windows and conic pinnacles. The church dominates the entire square. The original structure of the church dates back to the 12th century. It was built over pre-existing buildings. It was enlarged between 1120-1138 after the earthquake of 1117, with the addition of a tufa span on the West. At the end of the 13th Century the main nave was raised higher, the roof was finished, and the apse and cloisters were renovated. The salient façade is made of tuff, it is divided by thin pilaster strips, with a triangular pediment crossed by a gallery of mullioned windows with two lights in red marble. At the center is the "Wheel of Fortune", the large rosette dating back to the 13th century. The portal was built by Nicolò in 1138. Scenes of Saint Zeno's life and miracles are painted in the lunette, while wooden scenes from the Old and New Testament are depicted in the 48 panels.

Verona's Studio la Città has been around since 1969, proudly displaying modern classics by a variety of artists. The gallery moved to a larger location in 2007, allowing it space to expand the scope of its offerings to include concerts, performances and more. Visit the website to see its full program.

The Giardino Giusti contains all the features of a typical Renaissance garden: geometrical layout of flowerbeds and hedgerows, fountains, grottos, mask, mythological statues, avenues of cypresses and a maze. Mozart, Goethe, kings and emperors have all visited this garden, which, for four centuries has been one of the most beautiful and well-visited in the whole of the Veneto. The garden, designed by Agostino Giusti as a setting for the villa which bears his name, is made up of three sections: a lawn, a wooded hill with a ravine and cliff and landscaped terraces with a belvedere.

Experience a thrilling tour through the Adige river or the downtown waters when you take a rafting tour with Verona Rafting. An exciting experience for those who love the waters and people with an outdoorsy side, this rafting tour takes you through some of the most scenic spots in the city. Their guides are extremely knowledgeable and are always happy to answer your questions. This informative tour mingled with the right amount of adrenaline rush is a must try activity when in town!