Is a walking tour of Verona's Roman sites difficult?

The difficulty is moderate. Most of the route follows flat city streets, though the historic cobblestones require sturdy shoes, and the Roman Theater area has some stairs.

What is the best time to start this self-guided walk?

Late afternoon is ideal. The golden hour light makes the white limestone of the Roman gates and the Arena look spectacular, and it is usually less crowded than midday.

Can I see the Roman sites for free?

Many sites are free to view from the exterior. Porta Borsari, Porta Leoni, Arco dei Gavi, and Ponte Pietra are all public monuments, though the Arena and Roman Theater require a ticket for entry.

Is the Roman Theater the same thing as the Arena?

No, they served different purposes. The Arena was an amphitheater for gladiatorial combat and games, while the Teatro Romano was a traditional theater for plays and musical performances.

Are there many Roman ruins in Verona?

Yes, Verona is second only to Rome in its density of well-preserved Roman remains. You can see gates, a bridge, a theater, an amphitheater, and many underground excavations.

Where is the best place to start exploring Roman Verona?

Piazza Bra is the best starting point. It is home to the Arena, the city's most famous Roman landmark, and is well-connected by local transit.

Is Verona's historic center walkable?

Yes, the Città Antica is very compact and largely pedestrianized. Walking is the most efficient way to see the Roman sites, as many are located in narrow streets inaccessible to cars.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Before the era of Romeo and Juliet, Verona was a thriving Roman colony known as 'Little Rome.' This self-guided walk invites you to peel back the layers of the Città Antica to reveal the monumental architecture that has stood for two millennia. Starting at the world-famous Arena, you will traverse the ancient Decumanus and Cardo—the primary axes of the Roman city—to discover how the imperial layout still dictates the flow of modern Veronese life. This walking route is designed for those who wish to explore at their own pace, moving from the grandest amphitheaters to the subtle archaeological remains hidden beneath the street level. Along the way, you will encounter the Arco dei Gavi, a rare example of a private triumphal arch, and the majestic Porta Borsari, which served as the city's ceremonial gateway. As you wander, the narrative of Verona's Roman roots unfolds, culminating at the Roman Theater and the ancient Ponte Pietra. This neighborhood stroll is more than just a history lesson; it is an immersive experience into the urban planning and engineering genius of the ancient world. You will see how Roman limestone blends seamlessly into medieval facades and how the Adige River was harnessed to protect and provide for the empire's citizens. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, this self-guided adventure offers a deep dive into the stone-carved legacy of one of Italy's most beautiful cities. Avoid the crowds and discover the echoes of the empire on your own terms, taking in the sights from the bustling Piazza Bra to the tranquil views across the river.

Highlights

Marvel at the Arena di Verona, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters

Walk through the ceremonial Porta Borsari, the ancient city's main entrance

Discover the archaeological layers of Porta Leoni hidden below street level

See the Arco dei Gavi, a rare private Roman triumphal arch

Cross the Adige River on the ancient stone arches of Ponte Pietra

Explore the hillside Teatro Romano and its stunning city views

Tour Stops (6)

Arena di Verona

Welcome to the start of your self-guided walk through Roman Verona. Standing before you is the Arena, an architectural marvel completed around 30 AD. It is the third-largest amphitheater in Italy and could once hold nearly 30,000 spectators. Imagine the roar of the crowd as gladiators entered the sandy floor, which gave the 'Arena' its name. While only a small section of the outer 'wing' remains due to a 12th-century earthquake, the interior remains remarkably intact. Today, it is famous for world-class opera, but its Roman origins as a venue for ludi (games) set the stage for Verona’s importance as a strategic imperial hub.

Arco dei Gavi

Moving toward the river, you encounter the Arco dei Gavi. Unlike most Roman arches built to celebrate emperors, this was commissioned by the Gavi, a wealthy local family, in the 1st century AD. It is a rare example of a private monument of this scale. Notice the elegant proportions and the white limestone. Interestingly, Napoleon’s troops dismantled the arch in 1805 because it obstructed military traffic. It wasn't until 1932 that the stones were gathered from various locations and the arch was meticulously reconstructed here, adjacent to the Castelvecchio, standing as a testament to Verona's enduring Roman identity.

Porta Borsari

You are now standing before the Porta Borsari, which was the main entrance to the Roman city. Built in the 1st century AD over an older gate, it served as the checkpoint for the Via Postumia, the vital road connecting the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas. Look up at the two rows of arched windows; in Roman times, soldiers would have stood behind these openings to monitor those entering. Its name changed in the Middle Ages to 'Borsari' because of the 'bursarii,' the customs officers who collected duties here. It remains one of the most elegant examples of Roman military architecture in Northern Italy.

Porta Leoni

Porta Leoni offers a fascinating look at the 'layers' of Verona. If you look into the excavated area below the current street level, you can see the foundations of the original gate and the ancient Roman road. The gate you see standing today is only half of the original structure; the other half was integrated into the neighboring medieval building. The name 'Leoni' comes from a Roman sarcophagus decorated with lions that was found nearby. This site illustrates how the Roman grid system continues to underpin the city, with modern shops and apartments literally built upon the foundations of the empire.

Teatro Romano

Crossing toward the hill of San Pietro, you find the Teatro Romano. Built in the late 1st century BC, it predates the Arena. While the Arena was for sports, this theater was for drama and music. For centuries, the ruins were hidden beneath residential buildings until an 18th-century merchant named Andrea Monga bought the land and began excavating. Today, you can see the semi-circular seating area carved directly into the hillside. The backdrop of the Adige River and the city skyline makes it clear why the Romans chose this scenic spot for their cultural heart. It still hosts performances every summer.

Ponte Pietra

Your journey ends at Ponte Pietra, the 'Stone Bridge.' This is the oldest bridge in Verona, with parts dating back to 100 BC. It was a crucial link for the Via Postumia. As you walk across, notice the different types of stone and brick. This reflects its long history of repairs, most notably after World War II when retreating German forces blew it up. The local community painstakingly recovered the stones from the riverbed to rebuild it exactly as it was. Standing here, with the Roman Theater on one side and the city center on the other, you are standing on the very foundation of Verona's history.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This duration covers the 2.5-kilometer distance and allows for 15-20 minutes at each major landmark like the Arena and Ponte Pietra.