Verona: The City of Romance and History

• HelloCiao
  [chow]
• GoodbyeArrivederci
  [ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee]
• YesSì
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePer favore/Prego
  [pehr fah-voh-reh/preh-goh]
• Thank youGrazie
  [grah-tsyeh]
• Excuse me/SorryScusa/Mi dispiace
  [skoo-sah/mee dee-spyah-cheh]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?
  [beh-neh. eh too]
• Do you speak English?Parli inglese?
  [pahr-lee een-gleh-zeh]
• I don't understandNon capisco
  [nohn kah-pee-skoh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menù, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee veh-dehr-reh eel meh-noo, pehr fah-voh-reh]
• I don't eat meatNon mangio carne
  [nohn mahn-joh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salute!
  [sah-loo-teh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore
  [vohr-reh-ee pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vattene!
  [vah-tteh-neh]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsya]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-noh pehr-soh]
• I'm illSto male
  [stoh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh-ee kohm-prah-reh]
• I'm just lookingSto solo guardando
  [stoh soh-loh gwar-dahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto costa?
  [kwahn-toh koh-stah]
• That's too expensiveÈ troppo caro
  [eh trohp-poh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?
  [pwah-ee ahb-bahs-sah-reh eel preh-tsoh]

• What time is it?Che ore sono?
  [keh oh-reh soh-noh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)E mezza (dieci)
  [eh meh-tsa (dee-eh-chee)]
• MorningMattina
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• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
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• TodayOggi
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• TomorrowDomani
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• 1Uno
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• 2Due
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• 3Tre
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• 4Quattro
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• 5Cinque
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• 6Sei
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• 7Sette
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• 8Otto
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• 9Nove
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• 10Dieci
  [dee-eh-chee]

• Where's a/the...?Dov'è un/il...?
  [doh-veh oon/eel]
• What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?
  [kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-tsaw]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trahr-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?
  [kwahn-doh pahs-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)
  [oon bee-lyeh-ttoh (pehr)]

Verona, originally known as Verona Minor, was founded in the 1st century BCE. It became a Roman colony in 89 BCE and was strategically located at the crossroads of important Roman roads. Its establishment allowed it to flourish as a critical hub for trade and military activities in the Roman Empire.

The Scaliger family, also known as the Della Scala family, rose to power in the 13th century. Under the rule of Cangrande I della Scala, Verona experienced a period of prosperity, expansion, and cultural development. The Scaliger family contributed to the construction of several monumental buildings, including the Castelvecchio and the Scaliger Tombs.

In 1405, Verona came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. This period marked a time of stability and economic growth for the city. The Venetians fortified Verona with impressive defensive walls and bastions, many of which still stand today. During this time, Verona continued to develop its architectural and artistic heritage.

After the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797, Verona experienced a tumultuous period of French and Austrian rule. Napoleon's forces took control of the city, only to be replaced by the Austrians after the Congress of Vienna in 1815. The Austrian administration modernized Verona's infrastructure and contributed to its urban development.

Verona played a significant role in the Italian Risorgimento, the movement for the unification of Italy. In 1866, after the Third Italian War of Independence, Verona was annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. This marked the end of foreign domination and the beginning of a new era for the city within a unified Italy.

The 20th century brought significant changes to Verona, including the impact of both World Wars. During World War II, the city suffered bombings that damaged historical buildings. Post-war, Verona focused on reconstruction and modernization, while preserving its rich architectural heritage. Today, Verona is a vibrant city that harmoniously blends its historical legacy with contemporary life.

Verona is well-connected and easily accessible. The nearest international airport is Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN), located about 12 kilometers from the city center. You can reach Verona by train from major Italian cities like Milan, Venice, and Rome. The Verona Porta Nuova train station is the main hub. Buses also run frequently from neighboring cities and other parts of Italy. For those driving, Verona is accessible via the A4 and A22 motorways.

Verona's city center is compact and walkable, allowing you to explore most attractions on foot. For longer distances, the city has a reliable public bus system operated by ATV. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Consider renting a bicycle, as Verona has several bike lanes and rental shops. If you prefer driving, car rental services are available, but parking can be challenging in the city center.

The official currency in Verona, as in the rest of Italy, is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and in case you visit places that do not accept cards. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.

Verona is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas such as Piazza Bra, Piazza delle Erbe, and around the train station. Pickpocketing can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. Neighborhoods like Veronetta, while culturally rich, have higher crime rates, so exercise more caution if visiting there.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Verona has several hospitals and clinics, with Borgo Trento Hospital being one of the main medical facilities. Pharmacies (farmacia) are scattered throughout the city and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected situations.

Fashion: Do dress stylishly, as Italians take fashion seriously. Avoid overly casual attire when dining out. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and covering your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket upon boarding. Don't forget, as fines are imposed for unvalidated tickets. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera.' A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like risotto all'Amarone and polenta. Don't eat or drink while walking; it's considered impolite.

To experience Verona like a local, visit the less touristy neighborhoods such as Borgo Trento and San Zeno for authentic dining experiences. Attend a performance at the Roman Arena during the summer opera season. Enjoy a leisurely aperitivo in Piazza delle Erbe, where locals gather in the evenings. Consider visiting during the annual Verona Wine Fair (Vinitaly) to taste local wines.