Verona’s parks and gardens, green oases near the Colomba d’Oro

In Verona you can find green corners where time seems to slow down, for a break in nature between silence and history. Are you looking for a quiet space to read a book, walk in the greenery or simply carve out a moment for yourself? The gardens of the City of Romeo and Juliet just a few steps from the Colomba d’Oro will amaze you!

If you are looking ofr a place just a stone’s throw from the four-star hotel closest to the Verona Arena, the Vittorio Emanuele II Gardens are the perfect deal: created in the 19th century in honor of the first king of Italy, they are located right in front of the Arena, and are characterized by a rich variety of trees and plants, and by the Alps Fountain, right in the center, a symbol of the twinning between Verona and Munich.

A slightly lesser-known wonder are the Gardens of Piazza Indipendenza, just a few steps from the Teatro Nuovo and Piazza delle Erbe. Their origins date back to 1300, when the Lords of La Scala had them created as “broli” (vegetable gardens and orchards) before undergoing numerous transformations over the centuries: from botanical gardens to a public square, today they are dominated by the equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi. For Shakespeare lovers, these gardens are an unmissable stop: here you can find the work “Romeo and Juliet, a suspended dream”, a tribute to the famous love story. The square, in fact, is located exactly between Juliet’s House and the lesser-known, but equally fascinating, Romeo’s House. The emblem par excellence of these gardens are the monumental trees that inhabit them, in particular the Ginkgo Biloba, whose beauty, especially in autumn, has enchanted for more than 200 years.

Crossing the beautiful Castelvecchio bridge, you then find the Arsenal Gardens, framed by the ancient complex of the Austrian Arsenal, dating back to the mid-19th century. There you will find, among other things, one of the most iconic kids’ playgrounds in the city of the Colomba d’Oro; while under the gardens, on the river bank, there is a “beach” where you can get off and listen, while walking, to the sound of the waters of the Adige River.

Just a 15-minute walk from the Hotel Colomba d’Oro, or just 4 minutes by bike thanks to the hotel’s rental service, right acros the Garibaldi bridge there’s the Cesare Lombroso Park, a green oasis that runs along the Adige River. Dedicated to the famous Italian criminologist and anthropologist, it is embellished by the presence of a fortification from the Habsburg era, part of the Parco delle Mura e dei Forti, which bears witness to the military past of the city and adds a touch of history to this corner of tranquility.

Further on, along the Lungadige San Giorgio (the most panoramic riverside path in Verona) you can climb the slopes of the “Torricelle”, the hills that close the city to the north, and there you will find the Colombare Park: surrounded by the ancient walls of Verona and by lush nature, it offers a surprising view from above over the city of the Colomba d’Oro, creating the ideal atmosphere to unwind, have a picnic or simply enjoy the sun and the silence. The environment is healthy and spacious, perfect for regenerating walks or a run in the greenery. There is no shortage of areas dedicated to the little ones here, with games designed for their entertainment, making this green corner of Verona an ideal destination for families.

Finally, among the green lungs of Verona, the Giardino Giusti is one of the most fascinating: a perfect blend of nature, art and history. Considered one of the most beautiful examples of an Italian garden, it has unexpected origins: for over two centuries, the Giusti family – who arrived in Verona to develop the wool industry – used this area to boil the cauldrons used in the processing and to hang out the clothes to dry. It was only in the 16th century that Agostino Giusti decided to turn this space into an elegant Renaissance garden, inspired by the sumptuous Medici gardens of Tuscany. Today, walking among its panoramic terraces, cypress trees, statues, fountains, hidden caves and even a hedge maze, you really have the sensation of being in a place out of time.

After admiring the beauty of the gardens and parks of Verona, treat yourself to the pleasure of a stay in the luxury rooms of the Hotel Colomba d’Oro.