Piazza delle Erbe, often referred to as the "heart of Verona," is the city's oldest and most vibrant public square, located in the historic center of Verona, Veneto, Italy. Dating back to Roman times, it has served as a forum, marketplace, and social hub for over two millennia, evolving from the Roman Forum to a bustling medieval and Renaissance square. Surrounded by stunning medieval palaces, towers, and historic buildings, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site within Verona's historic center, celebrated for its architectural beauty, vibrant market, and cultural significance. The square is a living testament to Verona's layered history, blending Roman, medieval, and Renaissance influences, and remains a focal point for locals and tourists alike, hosting daily markets, events, and festivals. Its name, meaning "Square of the Herbs," reflects its historical role as a market for spices, herbs, and produce, a tradition that continues today.
Piazza delle Erbe is centrally located in Verona's Old Town (Centro Storico), just north of the Adige River and a short walk from other iconic sites like the Arena di Verona (about 400 meters southwest) and Juliet's House (Casa di Giulietta, 100 meters southeast on Via Cappello). The square is bordered by Via della Costa to the north, Via Mazzini to the south, and Corso Porta Borsari to the west, with narrow streets like Via Cappello and Via Pellicciai branching off. Its coordinates are approximately 45.4430° N, 10.9975° E. Easily accessible by foot, it’s a 15–20-minute walk from Verona Porta Nuova train station or reachable by bus (lines 11, 12, 13, or 51 to Piazza delle Erbe stop). From Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), it’s a 20-minute drive or shuttle to the city center. The square’s pedestrian-only status enhances its charm, surrounded by cafes, shops, and historic landmarks, making it a natural hub for exploring Verona.
Piazza delle Erbe occupies the site of Verona’s Roman Forum, established in the 1st century BC, where civic, commercial, and religious activities converged around the Capitoline Temple and other public buildings. Archaeological evidence beneath the square reveals Roman street grids and drainage systems. During the Middle Ages, it became the city’s marketplace under the Scaligeri family, Verona’s ruling dynasty from the 13th to 14th centuries, who shaped its medieval character. The square was a center for trade, governance, and public executions, with structures like the Palazzo del Comune and Torre dei Lamberti solidifying its civic role. In the Renaissance, it saw artistic and architectural enhancements, with frescoed façades added to palaces like Casa Mazzanti. By the 19th century, it was a hub for the unification movement, and in the 20th century, it was preserved as a cultural landmark. Recent conservation efforts, supported by Verona’s UNESCO status (designated 2000), focus on maintaining its historic buildings and market vibrancy, with renovations to structures like the Palazzo Maffei and ongoing archaeological studies.
Piazza delle Erbe is a rectangular square, approximately 140 meters
long by 50 meters wide, paved with cobblestones and surrounded by a
harmonious ensemble of historic buildings showcasing Romanesque, Gothic,
Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Key architectural elements include:
Palazzo Maffei: On the northwest side, this 17th-century Baroque
palace features a grand façade with statues of Greek gods (Jupiter,
Apollo, Venus, etc.) on its balustrade. Its corner tower and ornate
windows reflect aristocratic opulence.
Casa Mazzanti: On the east
side, these medieval houses (14th–16th century) are famous for their
colorful Renaissance frescoes depicting allegorical figures,
mythological scenes, and geometric patterns, among Verona’s
best-preserved external murals.
Torre dei Lamberti: Adjacent to the
square, this 84-meter-tall Gothic tower (built 1172, completed 1463)
served as a civic and defensive structure. Visitors can climb it for
panoramic views of the square and Verona.
Palazzo del Comune (Palazzo
della Ragione): On the south side, this Romanesque-Gothic building
(12th–13th century) features a crenelated roofline and an internal
courtyard with the Scala della Ragione, a picturesque staircase.
Domus Mercatorum (Casa dei Mercanti): A 14th-century Gothic building on
the east side, originally the merchants’ guild headquarters, with
pointed arches and a crenelated parapet.
At the center, the
market is framed by a canopy-like structure (tribuna) from the Middle
Ages, used for public announcements. The square’s layout, with narrow
streets radiating outward, preserves its medieval urban plan, creating
an intimate yet lively atmosphere.
The square is adorned with iconic monuments and decorative elements
that enhance its historical and aesthetic appeal:
Madonna Verona
Fountain: At the center, this 14th-century fountain features a Roman
statue (circa 380 AD) of a female figure, repurposed as a symbol of
Verona. The statue, found near the Capitoline Temple, is crowned with a
civic emblem and surrounded by a basin with reliefs of Scaligeri rulers.
Colonna Antica: A 14th-century Gothic column topped with a marble
canopy, used for displaying civic decrees or market standards.
Capitello (Tribuna): A four-columned canopy from the 13th century, where
magistrates were sworn in and market regulations announced, adorned with
simple carvings.
Colonna di San Marco: A Venetian-era column (1523)
topped with a winged lion, symbolizing Venice’s rule over Verona,
located at the northwest end.
The Casa Mazzanti frescoes are the
primary decorative highlight, featuring vibrant reds, blues, and golds
in allegorical and mythological motifs. No major artifacts are housed in
the square itself, but surrounding buildings like Palazzo Maffei contain
private collections, and nearby museums (e.g., Museo di Castelvecchio)
display related Roman and medieval finds.
Piazza delle Erbe is Verona’s social and cultural epicenter, embodying the city’s history as a Roman colony, medieval commune, and Renaissance hub. The daily market, operating since medieval times, sells fresh produce, souvenirs, and local crafts, maintaining its commercial vibrancy. The square hosts festivals, such as the Christmas market and summer events tied to Verona’s Arena opera season, reinforcing its role as a community gathering place. Its connection to the Romeo and Juliet legend, with Juliet’s House nearby, adds a romantic allure, though the link is fictional. The square’s architecture and monuments reflect Verona’s governance under the Scaligeri and later Venetians, making it a microcosm of the city’s political and artistic evolution.
As of August 25, 2025, Piazza delle Erbe remains a vibrant public
space, open 24/7 with no admission fee for the square itself. The daily
market operates from morning to early evening (typically 8:00 AM–8:00
PM), with stalls offering food, souvenirs, and artisanal goods.
Surrounding cafes and restaurants, like those in Casa Mazzanti, are
popular for aperitifs and dining, though prices reflect the
tourist-heavy location (expect €5–10 for a coffee or drink). The Torre
dei Lamberti is accessible separately (€8, reduced for Verona Card
holders), with 368 steps or an elevator to the top.
The square is
well-maintained, with ongoing conservation to protect frescoes and
monuments from weather and tourism impacts. It’s fully pedestrianized
and wheelchair-accessible, though cobblestones may be uneven. Visitors
rate it highly (4.5/5 on Tripadvisor, based on thousands of reviews) for
its lively atmosphere, historic beauty, and photo opportunities, but
some note overcrowding and high prices at cafes. Tips: Visit early
morning for quieter exploration; avoid peak summer crowds; combine with
nearby Juliet’s House, Piazza dei Signori, or the Arena. Guided tours
(around €15–20) or Verona Card (€20 for 24 hours) offer access to
multiple sites. Photography is unrestricted, but respect market vendors’
stalls. Contact the Verona tourism office (+39 045 806 8680,
turismo@comune.verona.it) for event schedules or guided tour bookings.