Elderhostel
in
Verona, Italy
December, 1997
Verona, Italy is best know for the Roman Arena (1st century B.C.). During this Christmas season it is fitted with the arch and star, and "persepe" (manger scene) exhibits.
The Arena is the scene of the Summer Opera festival. "Aida" is performed many times each season, as well as several other selected operas. As part of our program we saw a concert version of "Aida" at the Teatro Filarmonico.
Photos of the Arena in the summer
From 1259-1375, Verona was ruled by the Sckligera family. Here is a statue of Congrande (1311-1329), best know, since both he and his horse are smiling.
Our Christmas Dinner (Pranzo di Natale) was at the restaurant "Liston". Here pictured is the "Primo Piatto" which is "Ravioli ripieni ai porri e ricotta con salsa alla pescatrice e zafferano". With it we drank some "Barolo" red wine.
The most famous town visitor was Dante. His quarters were in this building which stands just behind his statue.
One day we had a full day excursion to Mantova.
The next excursion was to Lake Garda.
On Christmas Eve some of us went to mass at St. Nicolo.
Our full day excursion to Vicenza was largely devoted to seeing the architecture of Palladio. Here is the "La Rotonda" country home which he designed in 1560.
On our "free day" some of us went to Venice.
Our farewell was on a rainy night, seeing Verona for the last time on this visit.
