The streets of Verona, Verona

.... in medieval times!

On the "take a look at the walls" tip serie... this is just another episode.
Heritage of the Venetian domination times (1405-1501), in a wall of one of the government building was installed a special stoney "mailbox" to collect anonymous complaints against usury.

That "lion mouth" mailbox is still there, in Piazza Dante (or dei Signori), as you can see it in the picture.

The sign says (in ancient Italian)
DENUNZIE SECRET.
CONTRO USURARI
E CONTRATI
USURATICI DI
QUALUNQUE SORTE,

more or less
SECRET ACCUSATIONS
AGANIST USURERS
AND USURARY CONTRACTS
OF ANY KIND

That was not an era on fair trials...

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Verona is small enough to walk around in, especially in its most interesting Roman center.

Piazza della Erbe, the local market located between the Via Mazzini and the Corso Porta Borsari, is lovely for a browse amongst the stalls. I found that they sold much the same souvenirs as in Venice - but cheaper.
It served as a Roman forum. You can progress to the frescoed Loggia del Consiglio along a passage over which hangs the rib of a whale. In the middle of the square is the Madonna Verona Fountain from the 14th century.
You can find here not only many historic buildings, sculptures but a popular and colorful market with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well.
The 84 meters high Torre Lamberti is the tallest building in Verona. At the top of the tower are the Rengo and Marangona bells. Both of these bells date back from 1464. Just be aware of them, while you are up there, they can be quite loud. The view from here is marvelous!
Behind the busy Piazza Erbe, on Piazza dei Signoria we can admire a statue of Dante together with the surrounding historical buildings which are joined with elegant arches, mostly dating from the 14th century.

The Old Castle of Castelvecchio ( Corso Castelvecchio 2 ) with its brick towers and turrets is a fairy-tale place. The castle built in the 13th century has its own stone bridge, the Ponte Scaligero, used as an escape route by the fleeing Castle-Lords.
After an intensive restoration it houses now a fascinating museum with masterworks by Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Veronese, Bellini, and the Verona-born Pisanello. It is opened daily from 9am to 6.30pm, except on Mondays, admission fee €3.10.

The Roman amphitheater, the Arena of Verona is the third largest arena of its kind, with a seating capacity of twenty thousand (only beaten by the Colisseum in Rome, and that in the Imperial playground of Capua). It was built during the last years of the emperor Augustus.
Don't be surprised to find the arena still in use. Today there are no gladiators and wild beasts, the acts that used to pull in the blood-thirsty spectators.
Nowadays the arena is used among others for the Summer Opera Festival. The first performance started in the summer of 1913 playing Aida by Giuseppe Verdi.
When there is no opera, you may visit in the afternoon for a fee of €3.10.
Notice: And while you cannot miss the arena it is quite easy to miss the entrance - follow the wall clockwise, and not anti-clockwise!

There is something different around every corner in Verona, so much history. You just need to look up and you'll see frescos and plaques that you didn't see the day before. What we didn't know when we were there is that there so much history underneath you! Walking over Roman ruins and you didn't even know it. Apparently one of the restaurants in Piazza Del Erbe (I think) has uncovered some remains in their basement and by law have to take you down there if you as to see it!

It's impossible to get lost in Verona as it's very small and surrounding by either river or wall. This also means that all the sights are within walking distance.

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This city is small so you can reach all the interesting spots by foot. Grab a map, explore it yourself and enjoy the architecture.

The streets are pintoresque so, they are perfect for pictures. You will find street performers as well as people dressed in nice customs like in the picture.

Leave the tourists behind for a while, and head towards the Ponte Pietra in the north east of the old town. Reach the bridge via Via Sottoriva and go back in time.

This street is very old. One side is lined with low arcades where the entrances to these elderly buildings peep out and nowadays there are lots of good eating places to be enjoyed.

The architecture in Verona is wonderful. So many beautiful buildings - even the ordinary shops and offices seem to be in lovely buildings. Of course the outsides are often in need of repair and a coat of paint, but they are still attractive despite the patched up plasterwork. This picture was taken in Via Capello, close to Juliet's house. Look at the fine railings on the balconies, and the view down the street to Piazza Erbe. Makes me want to go back again tomorrow !

Via Mazzini is the smartest of Verona's shopping streets. Here you will find the fashion shops and designer boutiques such as Gucci and Versace. This is a street to stroll along, and to window shop. It is one of the streets that the Veronese themselves stroll, to see and be seen. It is also very busy during shopping hours - too busy to photograph ! So this picture was taken late at night, on our way back from the restaurant.

As usual I walked to places no tourist ever bothers to go and seen many olive trees here in Verona , it was like seing an old friend each time I encountered an olive tree so naturally I said hello and took a picture,would love to come again just to see this fine trees with their ripe fruit on them..