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Explore Verona's Hidden Gems
Explore five hidden gems in Verona with artist Sonja, from historic architecture to secret spots, inviting you to linger and experience the city’s idyllic charm.
by sonjatravelartist | Artist & MA Interior Architecture
5 minute read
1.5.26
| Updated
Created 23.3.26
© 2026 Sonja Travel Artist
Piazza dei Signori in Verona's old town, Italy
Verona, nestled along the scenic Adige River and just a short distance from Lake Garda, is one of the most captivating travel destinations in Northern Italy. As a Mediterranean-inspired artist, I’ve explored many Italian cities and have come to realise that Verona should belong on any Italy itinerary, easily holding its own alongside Rome, Florence, and Venice. Famous sights like the Roman Arena, Castelvecchio, and Piazza Bra are undeniably impressive and well worth visiting, but I truly fell in love with the quieter corners of Verona. In this post, I’m highlighting five hidden gems in Verona that invite you to linger and experience its unique blend of Roman heritage, medieval charm, and breathtaking views at a slower pace.
1. Teatro Romano di Verona
Roman Verona
Roman architecture
Located east of the Adige River, the Teatro Romano is a quiet and idyllic gem that reflects Verona’s origins as a Roman colony. Built during the reign of Augustus (27 BCE–14 CE), it once hosted public performances ranging from tragedies and comedies to pantomimes, delighting audiences across all layers of Roman society. Even today, the theatre comes alive during cultural open-air events, bridging past and present. Adjacent to the site, the archaeological museum displays artifacts from Roman Verona, offering deeper insight into the city’s ancient daily life.
Why I love it: The Teatro Romano offers stunning views over the Adige River and Verona’s historic centre, combining impressive ancient architecture with a serene atmosphere. The Monastery of San Girolamo, which houses the archaeological museum, enchants with a peaceful cloister and beautifully preserved historic buildings.
2. Basilica di San Lorenzo
Churches of Verona
Hidden gem
This Romanesque basilica from the 12th century is a truly hidden corner of Verona — you really have to search for it. Despite its location in the historic centre, its main portal, flanked by two imposing stair towers, is tucked away in a quiet inner courtyard and only partially visible between the surrounding buildings. Inside, the basilica features elegant arcades typical of Romanesque architecture in Verona, characterised by alternating layers of brick and white tuff, along with remnants of frescoes that once covered large parts of the interior walls.
Why I love it: Actually, I discovered the church by chance, and it stayed with me for its peaceful atmosphere and unique courtyard setting. The west portal, flanked by two towers, has a distinctive shape, and the simple, elegant architecture with its striped arcades felt to me very typical of Verona.
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3. Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore
Churches of Verona
Romanesque style
Another stunning Romanesque basilica from the 12th century, it impresses with a bright white tuff façade featuring bronze doors, delicate round arches, and a striking wheel window – a precursor of the Gothic rose window. It’s just a short walk from the historic centre of Verona, but absolutely worth the visit. A small fee grants entry, allowing you to soak in the calm interior, characterised by the alternating brick patterns typical of Verona, along with the crypt and an idyllic cloister. The church is dedicated to San Zeno, the patron saint of Verona and the city’s eighth bishop.
Why I love it: I visited this hidden gem at sunset, as it was the last sight on my trip through Verona. In the evening, the white tuff façade was tinted with a soft golden shimmer that left me in awe. Inside, the sunlight cast intricate shadows through the wheel window, highlighting the carefully considered architecture. I almost skipped this hidden gem — don’t make the same mistake!
4. Basilica of Sant'Anastasia
Churches of Verona
Gothic architecture
The Basilica of Sant’Anastasia is the largest church in Verona. It was built over several decades, predominantly in the Gothic style. Although the façade decoration was never fully completed, its immense scale impresses at first glance. Inside, pointed arches run along the nave, framing the long central space of the church, while the cross vaults, decorated with intricate floral ornaments, create a sense of lightness and elegance throughout the space. A small entry fee allows visitors to explore the church while contributing to the preservation of this historic landmark.
Why I love it: When viewed from the eastern bank of the Adige River, Sant’Anastasia, with its bell tower and nave rising above the city, reveals a truly beautiful panorama of Verona. The view also inspired one of my Mediterranean landscape paintings, capturing the church in soft late-summer light.
5. Giardino Giusti
Verona gardens
City panorama
Tucked just east of the historic centre, the Giardino Giusti is a peaceful escape off the beaten path in Verona., offering stunning views over the city and a glimpse into the refined design of Renaissance gardens. The site originally belonged to the Giusti family, who purchased the land in the 13th century to support their wool-dyeing business, once a major industry in Verona. In the late 16th century, Agostino Giusti, an Italian diplomat and patron of the arts, transformed the property, replacing the industrial buildings with an elegant palazzo and a terraced garden.
Why I love it: The Giardino Giusti, with its geometric layout, carefully tended hedges, and cypress-lined avenues, offers a welcome escape for travellers spending more than a day in Verona. Strolling along its paths while discovering fountains and classical statues opens up a new perspective on this northern Italian city.
Discover the Hidden Gems of Verona
Verona’s rich architectural heritage, spanning Roman structures to Renaissance masterpieces, reveals far more than its most famous landmarks such as the Roman Arena, Castelvecchio, or Piazza Bra. Its hidden churches, squares, and gardens make it well worth exploring its lesser-known spots. As a Mediterranean-inspired artist, I especially remember these unexpected encounters with the city: stumbling upon the courtyard of San Lorenzo, seeing San Zeno at sunset, and discovering Sant’Anastasia from an unexpected angle on the banks of the Adige River. These impressions and the idyllic atmosphere of the city inspired me to capture Verona in my Mediterranean landscape paintings.
If you’re planning to extend your journey from Verona to Lake Garda, discover my guide to the most beautiful towns on Lake Garda, exploring their architecture and fascinating history.
About Me
I'm Sonja – Mediterranean-inspired artist, curious traveller, and sensitive soul. My evocative paintings take you on a journey through the most beautiful landscapes of Italy and beyond.
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