Verona

This imposing riverside fortress is now Verona's biggest museum. Damaged during the Napoleonic wars, it was renovated by architect Carlo Scarpa who gave it a touch of modernism. It contains ancient jewellery, medieval artefacts and paintings by great Italian masters.

Although the balcony was added in 1929 and the house was chosen randomly, something still makes you want to believe the legend! You can even re-enact the scene of the soliloquy if you want to. Either way, there is no doubt that Shakespeare set his tragedy in the city of Verona, and rumour has it that he even drew inspiration from a local tale!

Built between 1120 and 1138 to house the relics of the patron saint of Verona, this church is considered a true masterpiece of Romanesque art. Its facade is adorned with magnificent marble reliefs and monumental carved bronze doors. You can enter the church through the perfectly preserved adjoining cloister. 

Contrary to what its name suggests, there are no herbs growing in the central square of Verona! It is located on the site of the old Roman forum, although today you are more likely to admire the sumptuous palaces built during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The statue of the winged lion is a reminder of its integration into the Kingdom of Venice in 1405, having been its major continental rival.

Every summer, the Roman arena in Verona hosts one of the world's biggest opera festivals and numerous operas are performed. This open-air amphitheatre can accommodate up to 30,000 people for grandiose but affordable shows for which the city is renowned the world over. Top tip: hire a cushion to sit on. 

The Verona carnival is one of the oldest in Europe, along with that of Venice, of course. In Verona, you will see a colourful parade of floats, followed by brass bands and a host of masked and costumed figures. It is a really exciting time to visit the city! 

This is Italy’s biggest wine fair, launched in 1967! It is definitely the best place to go if you want to discover local, Italian and international wines. The programme includes a range of themed tastings, wine conferences and, above all, 4,000 exhibitors’ stands to visit. 

This risotto is cooked with the best red wine in the region, Amarone, which is produced in the nearby valley of Valpolicella. The recipe also uses a local variety of rice called Vialone Nano, which is grown in the surrounding plains. It can be served in a range of different ways including with chicory, meat or cheese.

Braised horse is perhaps the region's most emblematic dish. The meat is marinated in red wine with onions, carrots and herbs, then left to simmer for several hours until the meat is tender. It is traditionally served with polenta or delicious homemade potato gnocchi.