The small city often ranked among Europe’s best, and it’s not in Spain, Greece or France

A beautiful small city filled with romance, history and striking architecture continues to be named one of Europe’s finest, and visitors can easily see why.

Tucked away in northern Italy’s Veneto region, this location is most famous as the setting for Shakespeare’s timeless love story, Romeo and Juliet.

Travellers flock to see Juliet’s House, which features the famous balcony and a statue said to bring good luck in love.

But there’s much more to Verona than its literary fame. The city has deep Roman roots, including the impressive Arena di Verona, a grand amphitheatre that still hosts operas and concerts today.

Its cobbled streets and old stone buildings create a magical setting full of charm and character.

As you wander around Verona, you’ll discover grand medieval palaces and lively squares such as Piazza delle Erbe, where locals gather and colourful market stalls fill the space.

The Adige River winds gracefully through the city, adding to its peaceful and romantic atmosphere. Verona is now Italy’s fourth most-visited city, known for its historic centre filled with bell towers, bridges and beautiful churches that tell stories from centuries past.

Food lovers will find plenty to enjoy here too, as the city’s dining scene continues to grow. Verona is also becoming a hotspot for fashion, with more designers opening stylish boutiques alongside its elegant architecture and cultural landmarks.

One of the city’s most remarkable landmarks is the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore, located in Piazza San Zeno. Dedicated to Verona’s patron saint, who rests there, the church dates back to the 9th century and is one of the city’s oldest.

Inside, visitors can admire a stunning painting by Andrea Mantegna near the main altar, showing the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus surrounded by saints.

Describing it as a “charming city”, one TripAdvisor user wrote: “Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. The people are friendly and welcoming, but it’s also the city itself that makes it so special.”

They added: “As you walk through Verona’s streets and visit its piazzas, you’ll fall in love with the city and its relaxed pace of life. It feels like everyone is on holiday. You can explore Verona in a day, but it’s definitely worth staying for three.”

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