Verona is a classic, beautiful Italian city famous for being home to the story of Romeo and Juliette and most of the city’s popular tourist are at least somehow connected to this story. However, Verona also has a lot of other places that usually don’t make it to most tourist guides and in this article, we made it our mission to show you some of the best hidden gems in Verona.
Ready to dive into the magical world of Verona’s hidden gems? Among other things, this list features winding through ancient streets, quirky museums, places with unusual histories, old libraries, hidden underground passages, and much more. Sounds fun? Join us on this journey of exploring hidden gems in Verona off the beaten track, but first, let’s cover some basics…
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Have you ever visited some of these places? Perhaps you think there are some other hidden gems in Italy that deserve to a spot in this list? Let me know in the comments! Also, if you like hidden gems, you should also check out my post about hidden gems in Florence, hidden gems in Venice, hidden gems in Roma, hidden gems in Sicily, hidden gems in Northern Italy, and hidden gems in Italy.
Castel San Pietro
High on the cliffs over the Adige River, Castel San Pietro provides one of the most amazing panoramic views of Verona. While it is not allowed for visitors to enter the fortress, the terrace that surrounds it is a perfect place for aspiring photographers, especially at sunset when the city is bathed in a golden light.
The fortress dates to Roman times, and it was later a medieval castle and an Austrian military post and from here, one can observe the various roofs of the city, the church spires, and the flowing of the river in a single panoramic view. If you want to experience a similar view during your stay, Agli Abbaini offers you a hilltop location with breathtaking views, while Relais Fra’ Lorenzo combines tranquil surroundings with impeccable service.
Biblioteca Capitolare
Nestled beside Verona Cathedral, the Biblioteca Capitolare is one of the world’s oldest continuously operating libraries. Some volumes here date back over 1,500 years, including rare medieval texts and priceless maps and visitors have the unique chance to explore at their own pace for a small entry fee. If you don’t want to explore on your own and learn more about the library, guided tours are also available.
The library’s modest size means you can take it in without rushing, yet its atmosphere lingers long after you leave. For those staying nearby, Relais Balcone di Giulietta—just steps from Juliet’s famous balcony—offers intimate rooms with a literary charm that complements the library visit.
Underground Verona
Most visitors visit Verona without ever learning there’s a network of archaeological treasures hidden beneath the city’s bustling piazzas and this list of hidden gems in Verona wouldn’t be complete without at least mentioning this. Roman mosaics, ancient baths, and medieval foundations are still there, just below, and they rest silently under the modern streets, giving a new layered perspective on the city’s history. In Piazza Nogara, you can go down below a working bank and see parts of a Roman domus that have been revealed.
The ruins of the Capitolium are hidden beneath Palazzo Maffei in Piazza delle Erbe, while at Piazza dei Signori, the Scaliger Excavations open up medieval chambers and keep devices from that period. Some places are freely accessible, others might need a small fee and/or a guided tour (around €10), but they all provide springboards into the deep past of Verona.
You can pick a hotel that is close to all those places for your convenience: Hotel Gabbia d’Oro, that was once an 18th-century palazzo and is now full of antiques and frescoes, is not far from most of these sites.
Giardino Giusti
Giardino Giusti, a Renaissance garden, is an oil painting come to life and a very peaceful place to be after the crowded streets of Verona. The garden, which was created at the end of 16th century, is well-known for its bushes imitating human figure shapes, and the trees arranged in rows that compose the topiary cypress. The sloping terrace design gradually ascends to the belvedere, where a panoramic view of the city ensconced in a green embrace that greets visitors.
The garden also has a labyrinth of bushes and figures of gods from the Greek myths. You can catch the garden at its best when flowers are in full blossom during spring or a few weeks before the winter season when it is calmer and colored in warm hues. Il Relais, a noble residence that has been renovated, can be your place for elegant accommodation, featuring frescoed ceilings and various facilities to experience in the finest rooms possible.
Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore
The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore is definitely one of Verona’s most significant yet underrated landmarks but often overshadowed by the arena and Juliet’s balcony. The present Romanesque building dates from the 12th century and is a continuation of a church from the 4th century dedicated to the patron saint of Verona, San Zeno. Its front is an architectural gem, unmistakably with “Wheel of Fortune” – a rose window plus the bronze doors decorated with scenes from Bible as the main features.
The interior space is very quiet and serene, with a wooden ceiling and colorful paintings on the walls and we also shouldn’t forget about the crypt, the location of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet’s wedding. You can stay at nearby Corte Ongaro Hotel which is a hotel with modern style and also has a rooftop garden, or Art&Breakfast, the lovely bed-and-breakfast with colorful art and warm service.
Ponte Scaligero & Castelvecchio
The Ponte Scaligero, with its distinctive red brick arches is one of the most photogenic bridges in Italy. Constructed in the 14th century by the Scaliger family, it was a defensive structure connecting the fortress on the river side to the other side of the Adige River. After its destruction during World War II and its reconstruction, the bridge has become a historical landmark and a symbol of Verona’s resilience.
When you are walking on the bridge you will have a beautiful view of the river and the city’s skyline, and the fortress itself has now become a museum called the Castelvecchio Museum, a great place to see the medieval and Renaissance art, sculpture, and weapons collection of the city.
Piazza delle Erbe
Piazza delle Erbe was once the site of Verona’s Roman forum, and is now a vibrant blend of history, architecture, and local life. The square is surrounded by buildings with pastel-colored walls, frescoed façades, ornate balconies, and elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. At its center is the 14th-century fountain Madonna Verona, around it are market stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, and other local delicacies, with cafés and restaurants flowing over the cobblestone streets, creating the perfect spot to enjoy a spritz or espresso leisurely while watching people.
Hotel Aurora with balconies overlooking the square and Residenza Borsari with chic suites and a great location are perfect for an atmospheric stay.
Verona’s Artisan Wine Cellars
Besides the Roman ruins and Shakespearean romance, Verona is also a doorway to the Valpolicella wine region and home to a number of family-run operations which occupy places that were previously stone vaults centuries ago and are now converted into contemporary tasting rooms; this creates the perfect atmospheric setting to taste Amarone, Ripasso, and Recioto.
Some of the wine cellars are like Enoteca Segreta, famous for its doors hidden in plain sight in the historic center and Osteria del Bugiardo, which mixes a wine bar with a retail shop, perfect if you want to take a bottle home.
Verona House Aparthotel is a nice place to stay if it is a wine-oriented journey, and it also has a selection of its own.
Museo Archeologico al Teatro Romano
The Teatro Romano Museo Archeologico is a place that combines a Roman theater and a museum full of artifacts, located just beyond the Adige River. The theater, constructed in the 1st century BC, is today usually used for summer concerts, but when it’s not occupied, it’s the perfect spot to get lost in. Inside the museum, you will find Roman mosaics, sculptures, and everyday objects that are used in the work of unearthing Verona and the surrounding area.
Overall, the place is a dynamic interplay between ancient ruins, medieval monastery, and Renaissance renovations that perfectly suit the city’s complex history. Due Torri Hotel, which is an elegant hotel that is within walking distance, fits the bill if you want to stay near the place while Relais Ponte Pietra is a boutique hotel which is just a few steps from the theater and has river views.
Porta Borsari
Porta Borsari is more than just an old city gate; it’s a part of Verona’s Roman history that has come alive. The gate, made of limestone, was constructed in the 1st century AD and was the entrance to the city along Via Postumia. The three arches of the gate, decorated with Corinthian pilasters on both sides, still have the power of the old times, even though there is a lot going on around it with the shops and cafes. Nowadays, it’s a place that visitors like to stop and take pictures and it is also a nice way to remember that the history of Verona is not only in the museums but also in the streets.
If you want to stay somewhere close Hotel Giulietta e Romeo is a central and modern place just a few minutes walk away, while Hotel Accademia has comfortable classic Italian styling and is also located in the heart of the historic area.
Fresco Museum
The same building complex that shelters the Museo degli Affreschi displays a large number of frescoes that were removed from destroyed churches and palaces. The place is like a parchment of Veronese art history in bright colors that vividly illustrate the everyday religious and civic life from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance era. The calmness of the museum has a contrast with the noise of the tourists around, thus, it becomes a very satisfying place for the art enthusiasts as well as those who want to see Verona’s romance in a gentler way.
If you want, you can stay in Hotel San Pietro, which not only offers comfortable accommodation but is also very conveniently located within walking distance of the city center.
Ponte Veja – Europe’s Largest Natural Bridge
Half an hour north of Verona, in the green hills of Lessinia Natural Park, lies Ponte Veja — the largest natura l bridge in Europe. This massive limestone arch, carved by water over millions of years, stretches 50 meters across and rises 29 meters high, and in addition to being a geological wonder, it’s also an archaeological treasure too. Two caves just below the arch have revealed Paleolithic remains and wall carvings, proving humans lived here as far back as 100,000 years ago.
Local lore suggests Dante himself may have been inspired by this sight, and Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna included it in his works. Today, the caves remain closed for ongoing research, but the bridge can be admired from a trail that offers stunning photo opportunities in every season. Stay nearby at Hotel La Pergola, a cozy country-style hotel in Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, just a short drive from the bridge.
Molina Waterfall Park
Just a half hour from Verona, in the quaint village of Molina di Fumane, the Molina Waterfall Park is a stunning spectacle of nature that combines sparkling waterfalls, green valleys and cliffs. Spanning over 20 acres in the Valpolicella region, this protected area is a heaven on earth for nature lovers; it’s located at the confluence of two streams, Vaio delle Scalducce and Vaio di Molina, whose waters flow over stepped limestone slopes. The water is prevented from going down in the ground by the peculiar clay-like rock, creating several stunning waterfalls along the way.
Hiking trails vary from simple strolls to more daring excursions with hanging bridges, so visitors can experience the mighty water at very close range.
Borgo Trento – Verona’s Art Nouveau Quarter
Over the Adige River from the historic center of Verona, Borgo Trento has been known as the quieter, more elegant side of the city. This area was created during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it turned out to be a stage for the city’s upper middle class, who converted it into a series of lavish villas in Liberty-style (Italian Art Nouveau). Walking along Viale Nino Bixio, you will meet beautiful decorations, balconies made of iron and small stained glass windows.
Some of the most famous houses in the area include Villa Tedeschi Tosadori, with its rounded lines and floral ornaments, Villa Cipriani and Villa Basevi. And the best part? You can admire these buildings without the massive crowds of Piazza delle Erbe or the Arena. The neighborhood is only a 10–15-minute walk from the city center via Ponte Garibaldi or Ponte della Vittoria, so it is quite easy to combine it with other famous places to see in Verona.
Be a guest at Hotel Indigo Verona, an up-to-date property that fuses classic style with modern comfort, and it is just a short walk from Borgo Trento.
San Zeno Markets
San Zeno, a district located on the western edge of Verona’s historic core, is a place where history, community spirit, and a vibrant local market scene come together. The Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, one of the best Romanesque churches in all of Italy, known for its beautiful façade and bronze doors, is its crowning glory but the charm of San Zeno is not only limited to its architecture. The vibrant and old medieval streets of the neighborhood, bustling with artisan workshops and colorful balconies as well as the convent of San Bernardino’s hidden cloisters, are a real treat.
Verona Antiquaria, a buzzing antique market, is what San Zeno turns into on the first Sunday of every month. At the market, one can find stalls of different vendors selling their vintage clothes, books, ceramics, and furniture. Rather than a tourist trap, it is a place where residents of Verona go in search of treasures and talk to the stall owners, who, in turn, give them the stories behind their wares. The visit during the market day offers a glimpse of the real Verona, without the crowds at the Arena.
Hotel Arena is a family-run hotel with cozy rooms, and it is located only a 15-minute walk from San Zeno, which is the spot to be if you want to have easy access to both the district and the historic center of Verona.
The Whale Bone of Piazza delle Erbe
Just in the center of vibrant Piazza delle Erbe of Verona, one of the city’s peculiar curiosities is found — a huge, old whale rib. From the medieval Arco della Costa it is hanging and the rib has been here for centuries although its origins are still unknown. Some say it was a remnant of a collection of curiosities, while others believe it is a souvenir brought by merchants from other parts of the world. A local legend, however, gives the story a new twist – the rib will only land on the first “truly innocent” person who will walk under it. Up to now, there have been no such individuals, it seems.
The Well of Love (Pozzo dell’Amore)
Just like a whisper, hidden at the back of a not-so-busy alley, barely noticeable from Piazza delle Erbe, the Well of Love is one of Verona’s most romantic spots but also one of the most tragic love places of this city. Located in Vicoletto Cieco Pozzo San Marco, you could easily miss it if you are not aware of its existence. The story is about a man, Corrado di San Bonifazio, a very young and brave soldier, who was madly in love with Isabella Donati.
He was confused, thinking she did not love him, which made him decide to show his love in the most dramatic way- by thorwing himself into the well. Isabella was so shocked by her husband’s action that she could find no other solution but to follow him into the well, sealing their fate forever.
If you want to stay close, you may consider Escalus Luxury Suites, a stylish hotel, just a few minutes walk from the well, and it offers modern comfortable rooms within walking distance of all major
Veronetta
Last but not least, we conclude this list of the best hidden gems in Verona with Veronetta, a youthful, bohemian quarter of Verona, located just across the Adige River from the Arena. The area, which is home to several University of Verona campuses, is still very lively. The cafes are extending into the narrow streets which are paved with cobblestones, student bars are mixing with art galleries, and young people are constantly holding cultural events here.
The winding alleys like Vicolo Vetri are not just leading to secret places but also to ancient courtyards as Corticella Vetri, where a well in the middle and an olive tree create the illusion of a forgotten village.
Here, you will be able to find the traditional trattorias without long queues, have a coffee with the local people, and see the beautiful palazzi of history without many people. You can walk on the shores of the river and take in the view of the old town’s skyline or go further up to the Giardino Giusti, one of the most beautiful Renaissance gardens in Verona, for a relaxing visit.
Book a room at Hotel Accademia, situated just on the other side of the river, featuring stylish rooms and convenient access to both Veronetta and the main historic center.
How did you like this list of hidden gems in Verona? Did you ever get the chance to visit any of them? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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