Ever since the three consular road connections Postumia, Gallica and Claudia Augusta had been completed, Verona became strategically very important during Roman times. In fact as far as to the number and amount of Roman remains, Verona is listed second in Italy after Rome.
Up to the present day, it is possible to recognize the typical Roman urban structure with the cardo and decumanus maximus, the main roads of every Roman town, the forum (the main square) and the city gates.
Farther, the two grand buildings of entertainment are present: an elongated half circle shaped theatre, the so called Teatro Romano, as well as an amphitheatre, the so called Arena. Besides these buildings several remains of both public and private edifices, such as temples and luxurious houses (domus) paved with mosaics can still be seen under the Palazzi of the historic center.
Roman Verona Guided Itinerary
The itinerary commences at the triumphal Gavi arch, a monumental celebrative construction which was commissioned by one of Verona’s most important families of the time. The tour continues along the ancient Postumia road, today’s Corso Cavour, across the Borsari gate, which was originally dedicated to Jupiter, until it is possible to reach the river Adige where the Postumia bridge had been positioned. From here it is possible to see the Teatro Romano below the hills which surround Verona in the northeast together with the Roman arches of the Pietra bridge (1st Century b.C.).
The guided tour then continues towards Piazza delle Erbe, which used to be the Roman Forum and is in fact positioned at the crossing of the ancient decumanus and cardo maximus, today’s Via Cappello which ends at the Roman Lion gate. This gate still has part of its double facade, stone upon brick corresponding respectively to the imperial and republican periods. Thanks to partial excavations of the Lion gate in modern times, it is possible to look down to the ground level of this fortified structure with the remains of two round towers.
By following the traces of the ancient city walls, Verona’s most distinguished and eminent monument of Roman times, the Arena, which dates back to the 1st century AD, can be seen.
Duration of the guided tour: approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: suitable for everybody
Visit within a Roman theatre, Roman excavations or a Museum: by request and adding an additional hour.
The access with a wheelchair presents difficulties only in the Archeological Museum.