Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Italy, thanks to its privileged location and its European recognition, it is called the “Gateway to Italy.” The first settlements appeared here as early as the 4th century BC; it was the advantageous geographical position on the Adige River that became the strategic reason for the city’s founding. The most significant development of the city occurred from the mid-1st century BC when it was included in the Roman Empire. By 148 BC, there was a street called Postumia – Via Postumia (the modern Cavour Avenue). Verona was actively built and took on the appearance of a classical ancient Roman city: rectangular blocks were formed by a network of parallel and perpendicular streets.
After a period of numerous raids by northern tribes, including the famous leader of the Huns, Attila, a new phase in the transformation and development of the city occurred during the rule of the Scaliger family (or Della Scala) from 1269 to 1387. After the fall of the Scaliger power, the city came under the control of the Milanese lords Visconti, and then in 1405 under the control of the Venetian Republic Serenissima.
Among the main attractions of the city is the construction of the Roman amphitheater (early 1st century AD), better known as the “Verona Arena.” The height of the structure is 30m, framed by 72 arches. Since 1913, famous lyrical evenings of opera art have been held on its stage in the summer, directed by the most renowned directors of our time.
For Orthodox pilgrims, this city is known thanks to Saint Zenobius, who lived in the 4th century and whose relics are located in the basilica bearing his name. He was the eighth archbishop of the city of Verona. The basilica was founded at the behest of the Frankish king Pepin between 805-806 AD. The best architects of that time worked on its construction. Inside, it houses the famous work “The Glory of the Virgin Mary” by Andrea Mantegna from the Renaissance period 1456-59.
On the banks of the Adige River stands the Basilica of Saint Anastasia the Deliverer, who suffered in Rome in 304 AD during the persecutions of Christians. This is the largest temple in the city, built entirely of fired brick. It was laid on the site of the first Christian church named after the saint. Therefore, when in 1290 Dominican monks began the construction of a new temple in honor of their brother, Saint Martyr Peter, the townspeople continued to stubbornly call the basilica by the name of Saint Anastasia the Great Martyr. The interior of the basilica is richly decorated with works by Veronese masters. The main shrine of the temple is the work of the artist Antonio Pisanello “Saint George Slaying the Dragon and Rescuing the Ruler’s Daughter.”
Another church in Verona bears the names of two saints, Firmus and Rusticus from Bergamo, who suffered for their faith in 304 AD. On the site of the martyrdom of the two saints, a church was founded in the 5th century. Over time, the temple was completed and acquired the appearance of a two-tiered church. Many famous artists worked in this temple.
And of course, Verona is famous as the city of love, thanks to Shakespeare’s immortal play about the tragic love of Romeo and Juliet. The tour route always passes through the courtyard with the famous “Juliet’s balcony.”
