What Didn't I Do in Verona?

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And the title of this blog says it all … well that and the number of tick marks that were made on my Verona Card. You'll see the photo. Ironically I actually got a relatively late start to the day. Like I mentioned yesterday, there are a number of attractions that are closed on Monday so I had to do a bit of strategic planning!

So I set off and landed in Piazza Erbe where I had been the day prior. This time around, there were a number of vendors setting up their wares. It was mostly souvenirs but there were also food stalls. I poked around in that for a bit and then headed to the nearby Torre Dei Lamberti. It is a large watchtower that was built between the 12th and 15th century. Because many of the tourist attractions were opening later, the tourists were definitely making themselves scarce this morning. This meant that I had the Torre all to myself. It gives great views of Verona, especially the Roman Arena.

From there I crossed through the Piazza Seignori and ultimately made my way to the Duomo. For me a duomo would imply a dome but apparently that is not necessarily the case. No domes on this church! It is stunning though.

From there, I walked alongside the water eventually reaching the Ponte Pietra once again. I kept going and ultimately crossed over at Ponte Nuovo. This would then be a short walk to the Chiesa San Fermo. This church is dedicated to both Saint Fermo and Rustico who were tortured to death in 304. The church itself was built between the 5th and 6th century. There always seems to be one distinct feature that makes each church stand out. This one was the ceiling. It was wood and it was built so that it would actually look like the bottom of a ship. There were also 400 saints painted on that ceiling. Those paintings were actually done between 1310 and 1350. There was a large sign that showed close up photos of each of those paintings because some of them were quite faint (and quite high up too so you could barely make them out). The other distinctive thing was the fact that there was a “lower church”. There was actually a smaller church in the basement. This actually used to be the main church but its use was discontinued due to the flooding of the nearby river. That’s why the big church (which is above ground) was built. The lower church is almost creepy and is somewhat cavernous. There are grates on the floor where you can also see remnants of Roman ruins.

I then took a stop for lunch where I had a great pizza and a glass of Valpolicella. I bought a bottle of Valpolicella at the grocery store yesterday and I am questioning how good it really is. It tends to fizz after being in your glass for a bit … damn those 2 euro bottles of wine!!

I do have to say that as I was walking along the water towards the Chiesa San Fermo that it hit me as to what I was actually doing. Three months … I am doing this for three months!! Yes I know that I am almost a month in … it took me a while to actually grasp the whole concept. It truly is a dream come true. I am not going to get esoteric on all of you (I will keep those thoughts to myself) but I am definitely learning things about myself in this whole journey.

So then it was off to the Tomb of Juliet. Nevermind that she is actually a fictional character, there still seems to be a tomb for her. In order to reach the tomb, you actually have to make your way through a small museum that has a number of frescoes, statues and roman ruins. Was it really worth the detour … not really. What was interesting was the fact that the walls leading to the tomb were covered in graffiti of so and so loves so and so.

So to follow the theme, I then visited Juliet’s house. Again, it is really just a small museum dedicated to the work of Romeo and Juliet. There are costumes from a movie made of the Shakespeare play. There are works of art and the like. There is a small courtyard and of course you can step out on Juliet’s balcony. There is also a statue of Juliet which seems to attract a lot of attention for the simple fact that there is a superstition around it. It is said that if you rub her right breast, you will have better luck in love next time!

The last stop of the day would be the Museo dei Castelvecchio. This was actually a castle that was built in the 14th century. There is a fortified bridge, a moat and towers. This was turned into a museum in 1925. The collection that it houses is mostly religious. There are remnants from different churches including some amazing frescoes. There are quite a number of paintings as well. Again, it is one of those visits where not only are you surrounded by art but the location in which you find yourself in is just as fascinating. The visit actually allows you to see the towers and other areas of the castle. An interesting visit definitely.

So tomorrow … Venice! I may not sleep tonight … I am so excited. But I do have to say that I do have a soft spot now for fair Verona. Just lovely ...

By the way, you will see that I haven't really been putting descriptions on the photos. For some reason, I am having issues with uploading them when I actually put a description. Believe me ... I would really like to have them tagged because all churches are starting to look the same to me!!!

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Photos

Photo 2
A quieter piazza this morning

Photo 3
Vendors setting up in Piazza Erbe

Photo 4
View from Torre Dei Lamberti ... in the middle is the Roman Arena

Photo 5
View from Torre Dei Lamberti

Photo 6
View from Torre Dei Lamberti

Photo 10
First bell of Torre Dei Lamberti

Photo 11
A few more stairs to climb

Photo 12
Second bell of Torre Dei Lamberti

Photo 13
Whale bone hangs over arch ... it is supposed to fall on the first just person who walks under it

Photo 20
Torre Dei Lamberti

Comments

[Francine]

A church built on top of another one...quite the concept. Now I am wondering...is photo # 86 a trompe l'oeil? If so, it is really good. If not...well...I hope the guy sells his house:)