SAVOUR THE SWEETNESS OF ROMANCE IN VERONA

Young couples often begin their pilgrimage of love from the Balcony of Casa di Giulietta. It is believed to be the site where Romeo confessed his love to Juliet. Dating back to the 1300s, this house was owned by the Del Capello family and its stone balcony is its star attraction.

- R L Morris

As they say, February is the month of love and renewal. Therefore it is no wonder that many lovey-dovey couples pack their bags and head for Italy's Verona ahead of Valentine's Day. They have a valid reason as this medieval city in the Veneto region is the embodiment of romance. With its alluring walls, cobbled streets and ancient buildings, Verona served as the backdrop of William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet', one of the world's most poignant love stories. So strong is the charm of the saga of the two star-crossed lovers that young couples make a beeline to this city to pay homage to them and strengthen their bonds of intimacy.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that it was the quill of the Bard of Avon, as Shakespeare is better known, which changed the fortunes of Verona for the better. The reason why he zeroed in on this city to create the setting of his hugely popular play is the fact that it was based on Italian writer Luigi da Porta's 'A Recently Re-Discovered Story of Two Noble Lovers With Their Pitiful Death Occurred at the Time of Bartolomeo Della Scala', which again is set in 14th century Verona. It is also about a young man and woman hailing from two warring noble families falling in love and ultimately meeting a tragic end. The English poet was just reinventing Porta's tale that was said to be based on true events.

On the Lovers' Trail