Juliet's House in Verona
2nd November 2006
Shakespeare famously began his best known play with the words "In fair Verona, where we lay our scene", and it is indeed in this Italian city that one of the most famous buildings in literary history is thought to be found.
The house in question, long considered to be the real-life basis for the site of Romeo and Juliet's extended courtship, dates back to the 12th century and is itself part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that takes up a large portion of central Verona.
Evidence to support the house's cultural claims is not thin on the ground. The building was long home to the wealthy Dal Cappello family, with their coat of arms continuing to be displayed in a prominent position – not least to remind visitors of the similarity to Juliet's own surname, Capulet.
But even those choosing to ignore such claims to fame are still likely to be entranced by the lavish interiors. The Dal Cappello's aristocratic background coupled with extensive restoration work which took place in the early 20th century mean that the house now authentically replicates the 16th and 17th century lifestyles.
Furnishings, paintings and Renaissance ceramics can all be found inside, while the courtyard hosts a bronze statue of Juliet, as created by sculptor Nereo Costantini. But the most memorable feature is the famous balcony on which Shakespeare's heroine stood and listened to Romeo's declarations of love.
Whether such claims are accurate or not, what is certain is that the house is a lovingly restored piece of architecture that helps Verona stand out on anyone's list of important cultural destinations.
© Adfero Ltd
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