The Best of Italy Tour 2016

Verona

Verona, which is commonly known as the setting to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is a beautiful city with an interesting history. To start off, Romeo and Juliet were simply fictional characters. Once Romeo and Juliet became popular, many tourists went to Verona seeking to visit the famous balcony of Juliet, but they were disappointed to find that it did not exist. After many years of tourists pestering the people of Verona about the nonexistent balcony, the Verona government finally broke down and erected Juliet's balcony. The actual house itself is mostly empty, but does include the famous balcony.

The location of Juliet's balcony is known for two things: letters to Juliet and Juliet's statue. Many who traveled to Verona would write to Juliet asking for help in their love life and would stick their letters between the bricks of her tower.

Then volunteers would eventually write back to you giving advice. However, recently Verona outlawed sticking love letters into the bricks claiming that it was a defacement of property. Letters can still be sent by snail mail, but unfortunately the tradition of sticking letters in the wall has ended. Juliet's statue also holds traditional elements. It is said that if you stroke Juliet's left breast you will be granted good luck in your future or current love life. While this seems completely bizarre, a large multitude of people waited in line for their turn to receive Juliet's luck in love.

Verona is also known for it's amphitheater which is a smaller version of the Colosseum. The amphitheater was built in the first century and is still a venue for concerts and the famous Italian opera that occurs yearly.

Part 5: Venice