Piazza Bra is one of the main squares in Verona. The name of Piazza Brea is derived from the German word Breit which means Broad. Indeed the large piazza serves as a starting point for a variety of attractions and popular sites in the city, chief among them the Arena of Verona – the third largest theater in the world that was established two thousand years ago and was formerly used as an arena for gladiator fights and a central meeting place for the residents of ancient Verona.
Today, Piazza Bra is a bustling area surrounded by beautiful buildings from different historical periods and full of cute cafes and restaurants. It is fun to sit between one tour of the city and another and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the town. In the piazza, you will find some exciting statues (such as that of King Vittorio Emanuele, the first ruler of a united Italy) and a lovely corner with a fountain surrounded by seating areas under the trees, for anyone who wants to take a pleasant break in front of a green view.
Attractions close to Piazza Bra:
- Castelvico Castle: This beautiful red brick castle is located about 500 meters southwest of Piazza Bra. Inside the fortress is the Verona Art Museum which displays an extensive art collection from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
- Via Mazzini pedestrian street – Verona’s prestigious and famous shopping avenue, where you will find the elite Italian brands and elegant boutique shops selling rare designer clothes. Shopping in the pedestrian mall is a very, very expensive experience, but wandering through it is a unique and recommended experience.
- Juliet’s House – the most popular and famous attraction in Verona, is located only 750 m from Piazza Bra. Juliet’s House is where the favorite scene from the play “Romeo and Juliet” took place, and many tourists from all over the world come to the House to take pictures on the balcony and touch the statue of Juliet as a symbol of eternal love.
Public transport can easily reach Piazza Bra and get off at the nearby Arena station. It is recommended to come there from the morning hours until 11:00 pm when it is full of people. Pay attention to keeping your personal belongings well while visiting the piazza for fear of pickpockets lurking there.