ARTICLES
Tour Guide in Verona
ARTICLESLetters to Juliet
(June 2010)
Juliet's statue and balcony at Juliet's house in Verona.
From June 23rd until July 10th 2010, Verona will become the set of an American movie production that will shoot "Letters to Juliet" a romantic comedy.
The movie is based on a book by Lise and Ceil Friedman who took inspiration from the thousands of letters written every year to Juliet by the lovelorn from all over the world. The book also explains who are the volunteers of Juliet's Club, who've been answering to all these letters for over 70 years.
The screenplay was adapted from the book by Jose Rivera (Motorcycle Diaries and upcoming On the Road) and Tim Sullivan, and will be directed by Gary Winick (Tadpole, 13 going on 30, Charlotte's Web and Bride Wars). The movie will star Amanda Seyfried, Vanessa Redgrave, Gael Garcia Bernal and Franco Nero.
The story is about an American couple, Sophia Marcus (Seyfried) and her fiance Victor (Garcia) who, during a trip to Italy, mistakenly receives a note addressed to Juliet. The letter has been written by a woman (Redgrave), searching for the young man she met during a long time ago vacation to Italy.
Neglected by her boyfriend, the young girl finds her romantic experience by searching the elder woman's lost love (Nero) in Tuscany.Verona will become the perfect setting for this romantic movie. Shootings will take place in some of the most beautiful squares, alleys and monuments of Verona:
Portici street
In the old ghetto of Verona, right beside the synagogue designed by Ettore Fagiuoli, the architect who also created the first stage set for the Operas of the Arena Festival. It's a nice portico full of atmosphere on the side of via Mazzini, Verona main shopping street.
Tirabosco square
It's a nice small square right behind Piazza Erbe, Verona central square. In the basement of buildings around the square, were found remains of old Roman public buildings. Nowadays in the small square, out of the beaten paths you'll find a famous restaurant, a cozy wine bar and nice boutique. Close to the little square, the love well, another romantic spot of Verona.
Leoncino street
The street in the old town of Verona follow the path of the old Roman wall departing from the remains of Porta Leoni. In the street close to were the shooting took place you'll find a beautiful 16th century with its beautiful frescoed facade.
Ponte Nuovo
One of the historical bridges of Verona old town. From the bridge you'll have a breath taking view of the river Adige curve, the hill of Verona with the Roman theater and the Austrian San Pietro castle. On the other side of the bridge there is the church of St. Thomas. Inside the church the organ on which Mozart played during his staying in Verona.
Juliet's house
The house where, according to the legend, the Capulets and their young girl Juliet lived. Nowadays the house of Juliet and its famous balcony are the destination of tourists and lovers coming to Verona every year. The house is now a museum which host art exhibitions. Recently it has become possible to get married having a wedding at Juliet's house which is also hosts Juliet's club, the association answering to the letters that people write to this Shakespearean heroine.
Cappello street
The former Cardo maximo, one of the two main streets in Roman Verona, via Cappello is now one of Verona main shopping streets. On via Cappello you'll also find Juliet's house.
Pescheria square
Out of the tourists beaten path, Pescheria square is one of the most suggestive spots of Verona. The former fish market of Verona, nowadays in a cozy and quiet little square close to the river. In the evening you can stop for a drink on the table outside a bar and a restaurant on the square.
Indipendenza square gardens
Close to the very heart of Verona old town: Erbe square, Signori's square, Scala family tombs, Romeo's house, these gardens are a nice and quite spot with stately trees under whose shade take a rest in the Summer heat of Verona.
Via Sottoriva
The portico full of atmoshpeare in via Sottoriva, Verona.
One of the most suggestive and old street of Verona. With the magic atmosphere of its portico it has used as location for many movies, video clips, events.
Originally one of the poorest area of the town, its small osterias has now transformed into fashionable wine bars and cafes and its building overlooking the river have been restored becoming expensive apartments and lofts.
San Pietro's Castle
St. Peter's castle in Verona.
The castle built on top of Verona hill overlook the town with its imposing shape softened by the cypresses surrounding it. From the terrace of the castle you'll have the most breath taking panorama above Verona.
St Bernardino's church
The church of St. Bernardino in Verona.
Out of the usual tourist itinerary of Verona, St. Bernardino's church is one of the hidden treasures of Verona. Inside this 15th Century monastery you'll find the Pellegrini's chapel by the architect Michele Sanmicheli and the Morone Hall, two incredible masterpiece of Renaissance Verona architecture and painting.
Letters to Juliet guided tours
For those who wants to know the places where the movie Letters to Juliet has been shot, or wants to relive the emotions and atmosphere of Verona scenes, the guided of Verona organizes special tours along the places used as setting. The itinerary unfold in the historical center of Verona giving you the chance to discover some of Verona less known streets and squares.