Nothing Provides More Luck Than a Shiny Breast

Romeo and Juliet is set in the northern Italian city of Verona. Thanks largely to Shakespeare’s mention of Verona, the town has developed quite a reputation for romance. Lovers flock here to coo at each other, swoon from balconies, and grope statues of Juliet (it is supposed to bring luck, but do you really need a reason?). It’s long history of war is less of a tourist attraction.

Amore Turistico (tourist love)

Most people know that Shakespeare was an excellent English playwright and a sub-par historian. However, sometimes the fictional stories can matter more than the real ones. In an attempt to make Shakespeare’s story appear true, a house in Verona was declared to have been “Juliet’s house.” To make this claim more convincing a balcony was built onto it in 1938. People have flocked there ever since.

The house features a courtyard with a statue of Juliet that is overlooked by a balcony. It is said that if one gropes the right breast of Juliet’s statue, they will receive good luck. Juliet’s statue now has a very shiny right breast.

War

While Verona may have some really good stories about love they have a history full of war. Even in ancient roman times the city had an important strategic location (the junction of four major roman roads) that many generals were willing to have their soldiers die to control. Napoleon controlled it a few times. In world war two it was one of the most bombed cities in the region. [warning: cheesy sentence follows] Much like love itself, many have risked their lives to have Verona. [told you]

Creative Commons picture by luiginter.

The Modern City

Luckily many historic attractions have been able to weather the centuries of conflict. In ancient roman times the city had the third largest amphitheater in Italy. This amphitheater’s inner structure still stands and is quite an impressive site. It is said that much of the ancient roman city, with it’s roads paved in basalt, is quite well preserved about 6m underneath the present city.

Not to mention that the modern city hosts cool castles and excellent gelato. Even without stories of rival families and true love, this city would surely be a worthwhile place to visit.