Verona

I had set aside one day for sightseeing in Verona. And it was a really full day. I think I almost broke Mike and only day three of our trip. I should probably have broken this entry up a bit, but I haven't. Sorry.

This impressive sight is actually a prop from the opera, set up outside the station to advertise the season.

This is a city gate, which we passed pretty much every day from our Airbnb. Now it is a traffic island, so ironically traffic goes round rather than through, obviating its original purpose entirely.

First stop for the day was the castle (Castelvecchio) which includes art gallery and museum, starting with medieval sculptures. Very well laid out, although however well displayed pre Renaissance sculpture doesn't do much for me.

Another random martyrdom.

Walking along the battlements was one of the most impressive activities in the castle, rather better than to art collection if honest

The Roman Arch of Gavi is right next to the castle

Entering the old centre of town....

Porta Bosari

This is the somewhat unlikely venue for the modern art gallery - "modern" including 19th century

You sort of have to visit "Juliet's" house in Verona - which of course has no connections with Juliet, not least because she is a fictional character. It is just a period house with a balcony.

This is Juliet's bed. From the 1970s. It is the bed used in the film version of Romeo and Juliet!

Roman foundations preserved beneath street level

The Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

Giardino Giusti. A bit out of the way from other sites- indeed on other side of the river. But I like gardens and these were quite spectacular, climbing up the hillside. Fine use of cypresses!

To my surprise, there were not just the gardens to visit, but also some apartments

Room with a view

A horseshoe themed room....

Following the gardens there was one more museum to visit, the archaeological museum situated above the Roman Amphitheatre. Which, like the Roman Arena is still in use as a concert venue

Roman boxing gloves. Ouch!

Ponte Scaligero

And you can't visit any Italian city without going to the Duomo can you? Well I can't. 

Basilica Santa Anastasia - one more church than Mike could bear entering

And finally, on way back after dinner, two things amused me. First this restaurant's light fitting. You never knew you needed a chandelier hanging out of the mouth of a giraffe before, but now you have seen it....

And this too