Verona City Centre: The Heart 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/SorryMi scusi/Scusa
  [mee skoo-zee/skoo-zah]
• How are you?Come stai?
  [koh-meh stai]
• 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 veh-deh-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 pah-gah-reh, pehr fah-voh-reh]

• Help!Aiuto!
  [ah-yoo-toh]
• Go away!Vai via!
  [vah-ee vee-ah]
• Call the Police!Chiama la polizia!
  [kee-ah-mah lah poh-lee-tsyah]
• Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore!
  [kee-ah-mah oon doh-toh-reh]
• I'm lostMi sono perso
  [mee soh-no pehr-soh]
• I'm illMi sento male
  [mee sehn-toh mah-leh]

• I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...
  [vohr-reh 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 troh-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 ora è?
  [keh oh-rah eh]
• It's one o'clockÈ l'una
  [eh loo-nah]
• Half past (10)Sono le dieci e mezza
  [soh-no leh dyeh-chee eh meh-tzah]
• MorningMattina
  [maht-tee-nah]
• AfternoonPomeriggio
  [poh-meh-ree-joh]
• EveningSera
  [seh-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayOggi
  [ohd-jee]
• TomorrowDomani
  [doh-mah-nee]
• 1Uno
  [oo-no]
• 2Due
  [doo-eh]
• 3Tre
  [treh]
• 4Quattro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinque
  [cheen-kweh]
• 6Sei
  [seh-ee]
• 7Sette
  [seht-teh]
• 8Otto
  [oh-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dieci
  [dyeh-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-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?
  [pwah-ee mohs-trar-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-lyet-toh (pehr)]

Verona's history as a city began in the 1st century BC when it was established as a Roman colony known as 'Verona Augusta.' The city was strategically located at the crossroads of important trade routes, leading to its rapid development. The remains of Roman architecture, including the impressive Arena di Verona, built in the 1st century AD, highlight the city's significance during this era.

In the 13th century, the Scaliger family rose to prominence, establishing Verona as an important political and cultural center in northern Italy. Their influence is evident in the iconic Castelvecchio, a fortress built in the 14th century that served both defensive and residential purposes. The Scaligers' reign left an indelible mark on the city's architecture and urban layout.

The Renaissance period saw significant cultural flourishing in Verona, with the development of art, literature, and architecture. Notable figures such as the poet Catullus and the painter Paolo Veronese emerged from this vibrant environment. The city’s historic center became a hub for intellectual and artistic endeavors, with many palazzi and churches reflecting the era's artistic styles.

In the 19th century, Verona experienced a series of political changes, first coming under Napoleonic rule and later being annexed by the Austrian Empire. This period brought about modernization and infrastructural improvements, including the construction of new roads and railways that connected Verona more closely to the rest of Italy and Europe.

During World War II, Verona was heavily bombed, leading to significant destruction in the city center. Post-war reconstruction efforts were focused on restoring the historical architecture and revitalizing the city's cultural life. Today, Verona stands as a testament to resilience, with its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings attracting millions of visitors each year.

Verona City Centre is easily accessible from other neighbourhoods in Verona. If you arrive at Verona Porta Nuova train station, you can take a short walk (approximately 20 minutes) or use local buses (lines 11, 21, or 22) that connect to the city centre. From the airport, Verona Villafranca, shuttle buses are available to the city centre, taking around 30 minutes.

Verona City Centre is pedestrian-friendly, making it ideal for exploring on foot. Public transport includes buses that connect various parts of the city; tickets can be purchased at kiosks or via mobile apps. Bicycles can be rented through local bike-sharing services, and taxis are readily available for longer distances or late-night travel.

Verona is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to remain vigilant. Areas around the train station and some less-traveled streets at night may have higher incidences of petty crime, such as pickpocketing. Always keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, medical, or fire services. There are hospitals and pharmacies in the city centre. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers emergencies. For non-urgent medical issues, local pharmacies can provide assistance.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when visiting churches; avoid beachwear in public. Religion: Do respect local customs; cover shoulders and knees in religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your bus ticket before boarding; don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly 'Buongiorno'; don't be overly familiar unless invited. Eating & Drinking: Do enjoy local wines and dishes; don't skip the famed gelato, but avoid eating while walking in respect of the local dining culture.

To experience Verona like a local, visit the bustling markets such as Mercato di Piazza Erbe for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Try to learn a few basic Italian phrases; locals appreciate the effort. Enjoy an aperitivo at a local bar before dinner to soak up the evening atmosphere and interact with residents. Also, explore lesser-known alleys for unique shops and cafes away from the tourist crowd.