The Red Bridge, Castelvecchio

An early start today for the drive into Verona. We found a great camp ground just outside Verona but situated on a handy bus route into the city. We were soon standing outside the walls of Castelvecchio,

Building started in 1354 and completed in 1376. Now a museum, it has been interestingly restored with a view to maintaining what is left but allowing maximum visitor access. Subsequently there are new stairs and walkways throughout that is really very effective in keeping visitors away from the crumbling ruins but does detract somewhat from the experience. Overall though a very positive action.

Gates to the old castle.

Inside the castle there is an extensive exhibition of the life and times in the castle.

Quite thin bricks. You can see clearly how they are deteriorating.

Piece of a glass with family crests from the 1300’s.

The Red Bridge. We really just wanted to walk across the bridge but got conned into buying museum tickets. The 12 Euro each was actually worth it.

Collette trying to get off the ramparts. Bit high for her.

On the Red Bridge

The old part of Verona has some lovely architecture.

Piazza Bra. Dozens of restaurants to choose from while gazing on The Arena.

A monument to the Winter Olympics. It certainly got us here.

The second big ticket item for Verona is the Arena.

Built early in the 1st Century the amphitheater was used for games and fights, festivals and tournaments. The venue is the world’s largest open air theatre and has been holding opera performances continually since 1913. We thought about trying to go but the 300 Euro tickets was out of our price budget and the 30 Euro tickets out of our physical budget.

The 30 Euro tickets are right at the top, beyond the chairs.

View from the cheap seats. Recommended to bring a cushion.

It is a serious climb to the top.

Well, that was Verona. A worthwhile stop if passing but not a destination.

Thunderstorm predicted for later this evening. We really hope it eventuates and gives us some relief from the heat. Europe doesn’t do heat well. It’s hard to believe Verona was covered in snow only a few months ago.

Tomorrow we drive to Turin, about 350 km.

David & Collette