The One Young Gentleman of Verona

Our #5 son, Dash, is off on a school trip to Italy today, and I took this picture just before I dropped him off in Canterbury, ready to join his friends and board the coach. It’s a 20-hour road trip before they reach their hotel in Verona, where they will stay for the coming week. He’s been looking forward to this adventure for ages, and now he’s off on his travels with his backpack and a phone full of downloaded movies for the journey.

Verona, a city in northern Italy, is renowned for its historical significance and architectural heritage. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Verona's well-preserved urban structure and architecture span over two millennia, reflecting its evolution from Roman times to the present day. One of the city's most prominent landmarks is the Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheatre constructed in the 1st century CE. This remarkably intact structure continues to serve its original purpose, hosting opera performances and concerts, thus bridging the gap between ancient entertainment and modern cultural events.

The city’s rich history is evident in its unique architectural features. The "Well of Love" (Pozzo dell'Amore), located in the courtyard of an ancient palace, is associated with a romantic legend involving a soldier and his beloved. Another distinctive feature is the "mouths of complaints" (bocce delle denunce), which are stone or metal artefacts embedded in walls that once allowed citizens to submit anonymous reports or denunciations about crimes. The city's cultural significance extends beyond its architecture. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart visited Verona in 1770, and local lore suggests he engraved his initials on an organ during his stay. Verona is also famously linked to Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." While the connection is largely fictional, visitors can see "Juliet's balcony," a 20th-century addition to a 13th-century house symbolising romance.

Verona houses the Capitular Library, considered the oldest continuously operating library in the world. Its collection includes over 1,200 ancient manuscripts and 11,000 parchments, some dating back 1,600 years. The city's culinary heritage is represented by Pandoro, a traditional Christmas cake originating from Verona. This soft, light sponge cake is known for its delicate taste and aroma, contributing to the city's gastronomic reputation. The town offers unique shopping experiences, with some stores, such as one in Via Mazzini, allowing visitors to view Roman remains while browsing. This integration of commerce and history is characteristic of Verona's approach to preserving its past while embracing modern urban life.