It’s hard not to fall in love with Verona as it’s a beautiful and charming city. The best way to experience Verona is to ramble through it and take in the sights, smells and sounds.
Our visit to Verona was capped off with some of the nicest views possible, from the Piazzale Castel San Pietro. This is the site of a medieval fortress set on a hilltop above the city. The Castel can be reached either by climbing the hill several hundred meters to the terraces, or much easier is to take a ride up on the funicular which services the Castel (allowing you to enjoy the changing views of Verona through the funicular’s windows)
(Funicular ride to Castel San Pietro Square)
The area has been inhabited since Roman times. A series of buildings on the site culminated with the construction of Castel San Pietro in 1398. The building lasted for four centuries before it was destroyed French soldiers in 1801. A barracks/fortress was built on the site by Austrians in the 1850s, and this is the building you see on the site if you visit. Today the property is owned by the City of Verona, but the building is not open to the public.
(Building currently on the site of Castel San Pietro)
(One of the gates leading to Castel San Pietro)
The reason to visit is not to see the building, but for the views afforded by the terrace which surrounds it. You’ll see rolling hills, church spires, tile rooftops, Ponte di Pietra, and the river Adige as it flows through the city.
It was a little misty over Verona when we visited Castel San Pietro. But we greatly enjoyed the beautiful views. I hope you do to!
(Basilica of Saint Anastasia Verona and the River Adige)
(Verona’s Cathedral, the River Adige, and Ponte Pietro)
(The Church of St. Stephan and river Adige)
Gorgeous photos!!