You might find me on the other side ... that's likeitis
You might find me on the other side ... that's likeitis
Member since:12.06.2002
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When visiting Verona in June, I have to admit that top of my 'must-see' list was notable by the absence of anything vaguely Shakespearean...as was the Casa de Giuletta (Juliet's House), even though it fitted the bill. Besides, I much prefer the Dire Straits version.
However, we were there and so was it, so why not?
We stumbled across the entrance to the courtyard quite accidentally whilst meandering aimlessly through some of the shopping streets of Verona. Dusting ourselves down and checking for grazed knees, we entered the courtyard to see the famous balcony where Juliet did all her posing...allegedly. And what a courtyard. The dark and dank tunnel leading in was more in keeping with wino alley then a tourist destination. It's literally covered in graffiti and smells a little on the ripe side - home (or at leat toilet to) the odd cat or two. Apparently, this graffitti is the result of thousands of lovelorn visitors etching sweet messages to their chosen ones. Naturally, I was tempted, but I get the feeling that 'Jambos rool OK' would have been somewhat misconstrued.
The courtyard proper is pleasant enough and on looking up, there was the balcony. Wow. Below the balcony was a statue of Juliet herself. There's a custom, apparently, of having your photograph taken while caressing Juliet's breasts (either that, or it was pervo day out). Needless to say, I declined the opportunity to fondle a pair of bronze knockers, pert though they were.
But there's more. Next to the statue sits a tacky little souvenir shop where almost everything is heart shaped. Credit where credit's due, it takes a certain amount of entrepreneurial spirit to produce such a variety of love-themed tat. We didn't buy anything.
The house itself is a museum dedicated to the combined works of Shakespeare...I'm kidding, it's all about Jules. Entrance is a very reasonable 4 euros so finance was not an obstacle, although good taste should have been. Conveniently, there's another gift shop inside the house. We didn't buy anything. There's not an awful lot to see in the house itself - some period furniture (not from Romeo and Juliet's period I would hazard a guess) and Juliet's real-life, actual bed...except it's not. Well it wouldn't be would it?
The house actually dates from the 12th century but it was renovated by the city in the 1930s at which time the balcony was added. I suppose this balcony was a replacement for the original where Juliet did her thing...perhaps not. It's possible to wander out onto the balcony where you can have your photo taken, if you wish. We didn't.
Oh dear.
I suppose a visit to Verona wouldn't be complete without a look-see at this tourist trap, but I certainly wouldn't recommend visiting the 'museum'. Save the 4 euros and buy yourself a beer - only 4 euros for a beer in Verona? Now that's a work of fiction to rival anything old Will came up with. No, if you're passing, just pop into the courtyard, check out the dodgy graffitti, don't buy any rubbish from the shop, resist the temptation to grope a statue, and watch the embarrassed expressions on the sucke...tourists who wander out onto the balcony. On the other hand, you could just not bother.
You will have noticed that this is a short review but to be honest, there's not much to be said about such a fake tourist trap. I suppose I could have been even briefer, such as: It's rank rotten - avoid!
Šproxam2008
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Drew, How could you miss out on having a fondle of some bronze breasts and the chance of putting the picture on here....... but then again. Most entertaining. Martin.
EVIT 06.10.2008 11:44
Typical touristic trap, created by the city council for the purpose of getting money. Thanks for the review, when I visit Verona I know what to avoid now!
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