Verona, Italy
Verona is a city located on the River Adige in the Veneto region of Italy, with a population of 258,031 residents. It serves as one of the seven provincial capitals of the region and is the largest municipality in both Veneto and northeastern Italy. The metropolitan area of Verona spans approximately 550.58 square miles and has a total population of 714,310. Known for its rich artistic heritage, Verona is a prominent tourist destination in Northern Italy, attracting visitors with its annual fairs, shows, and the renowned opera season held in the Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater.
Between the 13th and 14th centuries, Verona was ruled by the della Scala family. Under their leadership, particularly that of Cangrande I della Scala, the city flourished, becoming wealthy and powerful, and it was fortified with new walls. The legacy of the della Scala era can be seen in numerous monuments scattered throughout Verona.
Two plays by William Shakespeare are set in Verona: "Romeo and Juliet," which also includes Romeo's journey to Mantua, and "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." It remains uncertain whether Shakespeare ever visited Verona or Italy, but his works have attracted many visitors to the city and its surroundings. Additionally, Verona is the birthplace of Isotta Nogarola, who is considered one of the first major female humanists and a significant figure of the Renaissance. In November 2000, the city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique urban structure and architecture.
Verona is also set to host the closing ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Source: Wikipedia
