Final Travel Writing Assignment
“In fair Verona where we set our scene…”
William Shakespeare’s tragic love story Romeo and Juliet made the city of Verona one of the most iconic and recognizable cities in Italy. Verona is the fourth most visited city with tourist numbers steadily increasing each year. Although Shakespeare’s widely-known play about two star crossed lovers is fictional, the story and its characters feel very much alive in this city, or at least their love does. While in Verona you can visit many Romeo and Juliet themed experiences and none is more famed than Juliet’s balcony.
Juliet’s balcony is situated just past Piazza Delle Erbe on Via Cappello. The tourist attraction is not hard to find, you need only follow the crowd of affectionate couples, or the well placed and easy to read street signs, to a lovely little archway that leads into Juliet’s courtyard. While the balcony itself was installed in the 20th century the building, now known as Juliet’s house, dates to the 13th century. Perhaps this building was chosen because of the Capello family that once lived there. Capello is not a far cry from Capulet, Juliet’s family name and the cause of much contention in the play. But as Juliet would say, “What’s in a name?”
The walls enclosing Juliet’s courtyard are covered in graffiti, placed there by visiting couples and friends. It does not matter if your last name is Montague or a Capulet. The desire to immortalize love in all its many forms is universal, and what better place to do that than in Juliet’s courtyard. In the gift shop, you can purchase many kitschy souvenirs, but one item you buy there is not meant to come home with you. Little red heart locks are hung on the wall just outside the gift shop. Couples write their initials on the locks and attach them to the wall to signify the straight behind their love their relationship.
The focal point of the courtyard is a cast bronze statue of Juliet. There is an interesting legend that goes along with this sweet statue of Juliet. People line up for their turn to take a photo with the statue and touch her right breast. People believe that by coping a feel, Juliet will grant great them luck in love. Seeking love assistance from a fictional thirteen-year-old seems a little odd, especially when her love own story went so terribly wrong. Nonetheless, people flock to her balcony to gain luck and commemorate their love.
The people visiting Juliet’s balcony don’t seem to care that she never really existed. Her tragic love story resonates enough to attract people to her fictional balcony in droves. It is a must visit spot in Verona, and so easy to get to why wouldn’t you go? If nothing else it is the ideal location for people watching.
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