Verona; Sunday, 04 May, 2008

Verona is home to the third larges Roman Arena and this was our first stop of the morning. Today the Arena still serves it purpose of entertaining the masses. Whilst we were visiting they were in the process of setting up the Arena for a presentation of Anthony and Cleopatra. Everywhere you go in Verona there are reminders of the link between the city and the works of England's greatest playwright (Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona, as is, more surprisingly, The two gentlemen of Verona!) and the Arena was no exception.

From the Arena we wandered through the town, up past the Chiesa di Santa Anastasia and across the river towards the Roman Theatre and archaeological museum. By the time we arrived at the site it was just after midday, so an ideal time to stop at the next door restaurant to have a quick Sunday lunch. Of course this being Italy, we had to have a full Sunday lunch and two hours later we all staggered with distended, but contented, stomachs from the restaurant towards the theatre.

We had a look around the theatre, and the archaeological museum which is in its grounds, and then climbed the hill to the Castle San Pietro above it to take in the views across the river of the city centre. From here Verona looks beautiful with the compact city centre, church spires and terracotta roofs laid out in front and bordered by the river.

After taking in the views we descended back down the hill, and across the river to a small bar on the opposite bank, and took in the views of the Roman Theatre and Castle San Pietro over a cold spritz.

Popping back briefly to the hotel to freshen up, we met up again a short while later to take part in the now routine dinner ritual of drinks, dinner, drinks (some managing to put away another large dinner, despite the enormous lunch!).