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via Cappello 23 (near Piazza delle Erbe), ☏ +39 045 8034303. Mon
13:30-19:30, Tue-Sun 08:30-19:30
Juliet's House, known as Casa di
Giulietta, is a medieval palace in Verona, Italy, famously associated
with the tragic love story of Romeo and Juliet from William
Shakespeare's play (first published in 1597). While the connection is
largely legendary and not historical—Shakespeare never visited Verona
and based his tale on Italian novellas—the house has been stylized as
the fictional home of Juliet Capulet since the early 20th century. It
serves as a symbol of eternal love, drawing millions of romantics
annually. The site includes a courtyard, the iconic balcony, and a
museum (Museo di Giulietta) that explores the legend through artifacts,
costumes, and historical exhibits. Owned by the Cappello family (whose
name echoes "Capulet") since the 13th century, the house was restored in
the 1930s to evoke the Shakespearean narrative, blending medieval
authenticity with romantic myth. It represents Verona's cultural
heritage, tied to themes of love, fate, and Renaissance art, and is part
of the city's UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center.
Juliet's House is located in Verona's Old Town (Centro Storico), at Via Cappello 23, near the Ponte Nuovo bridge over the Adige River and close to Piazza delle Erbe, the city's main square. This central position makes it easily accessible within Verona's pedestrian-friendly historic district, surrounded by medieval architecture, shops, and cafes. The coordinates are approximately 45.4440° N, 10.9980° E. Visitors can reach it by foot from Verona Porta Nuova train station (about 20 minutes) or by bus (lines 11, 12, 13, or 51 to Piazza delle Erbe). From Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), it's a 20-minute drive or shuttle to the city center. The house is integrated into the urban fabric, with its courtyard visible from the street, enhancing its allure as a spontaneous stop for tourists exploring Verona's Shakespearean sites, including Romeo's House (Casa di Romeo) nearby.
The building dates to the late 13th or early 14th century, originally a tower house owned by the Dal Cappello (or Cappello) family, a wealthy merchant clan whose hat-shaped coat of arms (cappello means "hat" in Italian) is carved into a keystone in the courtyard archway. This family name's similarity to "Capulet" fueled the legendary association with Shakespeare's play. Historically, it may have served as a residence or inn, with ties to Verona's medieval elite. In the 19th century, as interest in Shakespeare grew, the house was linked to the story, but it wasn't until the 1930s that architect Antonio Avena undertook a major restoration for the city of Verona. He added the famous balcony (not original) and modified the façade to evoke a Renaissance aesthetic, transforming it into a tourist site. The bronze statue of Juliet was installed in 1972 (original by Nereo Costantini; a copy replaced it in 2014 due to wear from touching). The museum (Casa Museo di Giulietta) opened to display artifacts related to the legend and local history. The site gained further fame from films like Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 "Romeo and Juliet," which used Verona locations. Today, it preserves this blend of history and myth, with traditions like leaving love letters originating in the 20th century.
Juliet's House is a Gothic-style tower house typical of 13th-14th century Verona, with a brick façade featuring a pointed arch portal and mullioned windows. The structure is rectangular, with thick stone walls and a central courtyard accessed via a passageway from Via Cappello. The courtyard is the focal point, paved with stone and surrounded by ivy-covered walls. The famous balcony, added in the 1930s, is a small Gothic-style protrusion on the first floor, made of marble and iron, overlooking the courtyard—it's not original but designed to match the era's aesthetics. Inside, the house spans multiple levels: ground floor with entry and courtyard; upper floors with rooms restored to evoke Renaissance Verona, including wooden beams, stone fireplaces, and terracotta floors. The museum occupies several rooms, with period furnishings and exhibits. Architectural highlights include the inner arch with the Cappello coat of arms and restored medieval elements like the tower remnants. The overall design blends authentic medieval features with 20th-century romantic enhancements, creating an immersive, if theatrical, historical ambiance.
Decorations evoke a romantic, Renaissance atmosphere, with the
courtyard walls covered in love notes, padlocks, and graffiti from
visitors— a modern tradition. The bronze statue of Juliet in the
courtyard, depicting her in a flowing gown, is a key decoration;
touching her right breast for luck has worn the original (now indoors)
and led to a 2014 replacement. Inside the museum, rooms feature period
furnishings like wooden beds, tables, and tapestries to recreate
Juliet's world.
Frescoes are limited but include restored medieval
fragments in some rooms, depicting floral motifs or simple scenes,
though not as elaborate as in other Verona sites.
Artifacts in the
museum (Casa Museo) focus on the Shakespearean legend and Verona's
history: authentic costumes from Zeffirelli's 1968 film (worn by Olivia
Hussey and Leonard Whiting), Renaissance ceramics, paintings, and
engravings inspired by the play. Highlights include a collection of
artworks from the 16th-19th centuries depicting love scenes, historical
furniture, and props evoking the story. The bedroom contains a bed from
the film, adding cinematic flair. Thousands of love letters addressed to
Juliet are archived and responded to by the "Club di Giulietta"
volunteers, with some displayed. These elements create a narrative blend
of history, art, and folklore.
As of August 2025, Juliet's House is open to the public and managed
by the Comune di Verona. The courtyard, with the balcony and statue, is
free to view, but the house and museum require tickets. It's a popular
tourist spot, often crowded, but well-maintained despite occasional
criticism for being "touristy" or "inauthentic."
Visiting Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry to house at 6:30 PM,
courtyard at 6:40 PM). Closed Mondays (except special openings like
December 23, 30, and January 6), December 25, and January 1.
Tickets:
Exclusive online purchase recommended to avoid queues. Standard
admission: Around €6-10 for the museum (prices vary; check
museiverona.com). Concierge services add €9-12 per ticket for handling.
No refunds or modifications. Combined tickets with other Verona sites
(e.g., Arena) available.
Duration: 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Accessibility: Courtyard and ground floor are accessible; upper floors
and balcony have stairs and limited mobility access due to the historic
building. Inquire for accommodations.
Rules: No backpacks, umbrellas,
or large items; photography for personal use (no tripods without
permission). Leave love notes in the mailbox or on walls.
Tips: Visit
early to avoid crowds; book tickets in advance. Combine with nearby
Romeo's House or Verona's historic center. Reviews (4.5/5 average)
praise the romantic vibe and film artifacts but note it's more legend
than history.