Forever immortalised byShakespeare in ‘The Two Gentlemen of Verona’ and more famously in ‘Romeo andJuliet’, Verona is a charming city with much else to see, though inevitablytourists are drawn to ‘Juliet’s Balcony’. Set within a huge bend in the RiverAdige, Verona was laid out by the Romans and the streets still follow theancient Roman grid pattern. Outstanding amongst the Roman remains is the‘Arena’, the best preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world and home to Italy’smost famous open-air opera festival. ‘Juliet’s House’ can be visited; it is acharming 14th century house, complete with balcony and statue ofJuliet and the courtyard walls are covered with lovers’ graffiti. Not far fromhere are the fascinating ‘Arche Scaligeri’, some of the most elaborate tombs tobe seen anywhere in Italy. The Scaligeri was the ruling family in the 12thand 13th centuries and had wonderful nicknames, including ‘Big Dog’,‘Mastiff’ and ‘Top Dog’ and their tombs lie under a canopy beside the Church ofSanta Maria Antica. Nearby are the splendid squares, the Piazza dei Signori andthe Piazza delle Erbe with a colourful market.