Romeo and Juliet in Verona: A Self-Guided Shakespeare Trail

Two households, both alike in dignity 
(In fair Verona, where we lay our scene), 
From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, 
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.

William Shakespeare based or part-based thirteen of his plays in Italy. Romeo and Juliet is the most famous of his two plays set in the northern city of Verona.

So where do you actually find Romeo and Juliet in Verona? Here’s my self-guided literary trail to every site, with tips for visiting each one.

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Romeo and Juliet in Verona: Map and Walking Trail

Here’s my map showing the location of every Romeo and Juliet site in Verona. For an interactive map with walking directions, click here or on the image.

You can use this as a self-guided Shakespeare trail. Without detours, the total distance is just under 2 miles (3 km).

If you want to get to know Verona in more depth, these two guided walking tours both include Juliet’s House.

However, if you want to get to know Verona in more depth, take a look at these two guided walking tours that include Juliet’s House.

City Highlights Guided Walking Tour – A quick, inexpensive option that also visits Romeo’s House.

History and Hidden Gems Walking Tour – A slightly longer yet affordable walking tour is for you if you want something more in-depth.

Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)

With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls,
For stony limits cannot hold love out.

Casa di Giulietta is where Romeo Montague is said to have declared his love to Juliet Capulet. This 13th-century house belonged to a family called Cappello, which is Italian for hat. If you look above the entrance arch, you’ll spot a small stone carving of one.

Cappelletti, meaning “small hats”, ibecame Capulets in English. A few enterprising locals ran with the connection and designated the house as Juliet’s. It’s a stretch, but it draws the crowds.

The graffiti and love notes that once covered the courtyard walls are gone now, but the heart-lock padlocks remain.

 Statue of Juliet

For I will raise her statue in pure gold;
That while Verona by that name is known.
There shall no figure at such rate be set
As that of true and faithful Juliet.

Hopeful romantics from across the globe wait in line to touch Juliet’s bronze breast, said to bring good fortune in love. For this reason alone, it’s one of my favourite statues in Italy.

Juliet’s Balcony

The famous balcony was only added in the 1930s, built from a 17th-century sarcophagus sawn in half. Experts agree the balcony scene doesn’t appear in Shakespeare’s original text. His stage directions called for a window, not a balcony.

Inside the house

Juliet’s House has been restored in the style of a wealthy 14th-century merchant’s home, with a small museum of props and costumes from Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film. I found it underwhelming, but it’s your only chance to stand on the balcony yourself.

There’s also a sweet tradition here, made famous by the film Letters to Juliet. People write to Juliet seeking relationship advice, either by tucking notes into the courtyard wall or by email. A team of volunteers answers every one.

Practical information

Location: Entry is through Teatro Nuovo in Piazzetta Navona. A new integrated museum route runs through the Teatro Nuovo, the theatre foyer, Juliet’s Courtyard, and Juliet’s House. An exhibition inside the theatre traces the history and myth of Shakespeare’s lovers.

Opening hours: Monday, 2 pm – 7 pm, Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am until 7 pm. Check current opening hours here.

Ticket price: As of 2026, it is no longer free to visit the courtyard. There are two ticketed options:

• Teatro Nuovo and Courtyard (€5)
• Teatro Nuovo, Courtyard, and Juliet’s House (€12)

These are included in the Verona City Card.

Booking: You need to book your timed entry slot here. This is mandatory and applies even if you have purchased the Verona Card.

Romeo’s House (Casa di Romeo)

Oh Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?’
‘Tut! I have lost myself; I am not here.

Traditionally held to be the house of Romeo Montague, this 13th-century mansion belonged to the wealthy Nogarola family. It’s a private residence now, so you can only view it from outside, though you can eat traditional Veronese dishes in the osteria on the ground floor.

Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

The crypt of the so-called Romeo and Juliet church is tis said to be where the star-crossed lovers married.

It’s also one of Verona’s most beautiful churches in its own right, with a wonderful rose window and glorious frescoes. I’ve written a full guide to San Zeno and Verona’s other historic churches if you want the details.

Juliet’s Tomb (Tomba di Giulietta)

Eyes, look your last! 
Arms, take your last embrace! 
And, lips, oh you the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss a dateless bargain to engrossing death!

Tradition holds that the story’s tragic finale played out at San Francesco al Corso. Inside this former convent is a marble sarcophagus said to be Juliet’s tomb. As she died by suicide, she couldn’t be buried within the city walls, and in the 13th century this was the only Franciscan monastery outside Verona.

The evidence is thin, but that hasn’t stopped it becoming a pilgrimage site for the likes of Charles Dickens and Lord Byron. Today it also houses Verona’s Museum of Frescoes, with entry included in the Verona Card. Check opening hours here.

Is It Even a True Story?

Sorry to burst a bubble, but no. Shakespeare’s inspiration came from a passage in Dante’s Divine Comedy referring to the grieving Montecchi family.

In the 16th century, this was spun into a play by Luigi da Porto, a writer from nearby Vicenza. Shakespeare kept the story and the setting, though there’s no evidence he ever visited Verona himself.

Two Gentlemen of Verona, written a few years earlier, is also set here. It’s considered his earliest and weakest play, with the action moving between Verona and Milan.

The Verona Card

This can save you money, even if you are only spending a day in Verona. I ordered mine online (here) before I left London, and picked it up at the city’s friendly Tourist Information Office.

The Verona Card comes in two flavours: a 24-hour and a 48-hour pass. You get free entrance to the city’s major sights, including a skip-the-line ticket for Verona Arena, and free public transport. Check porces and bu

Final Thoughts

Does it matter that the star-crossed lovers never existed and the sites are fictional? Not really. The crowds these places still draw show how much the story means to people, and it’s hard not to get swept up in it

And it helps that Verona is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.

By Bridget

Bridget Coleman is an award-winning travel blogger who is an incurable Italy addict and has travelled its length & breadth on multiple occasions. Find out more here.

To get in touch, email her at hello@flashpackingitaly.com