Where Is Juliet's Balcony? - Visit Romeo And Juliet's Houses In Verona

Those looking for a romantic getaway destination in Italy would be hard pressed to find anywhere more fitting than the charming and pretty city of Verona. Most famous for two fictional inhabitants – the tragic figures of Romeo and Juliet, who were the eponymous doomed lovers of Shakespeare's most famous play, it is a place that is drenched in romance. If you have been looking for a Valentine’s Day getaway location, why not browse our vacation rentals in Veneto, the wider region in which the city is located, and come visit? Make special memories and write a timeless love story of your own in this beautiful city of love.

Once you have landed in Verona, like many others, you may be interested in taking a tour of the supposed locations from the story of Romeo and Juliet. There are, of course, tours that you can join and follow around and there are endless Romeo and Juliet-themed businesses and attractions all around town that you can visit but two particular highlights are the so-called homes of the two lovers.

Of the two, Juliet’s House is more memorable and distinct as it is characterised by her famous balcony from which she called to Romeo in the play. Belonging to La Casa di Giulietta, or House of Juliet, the balcony is part of the former home of the Cappello family, which dates back to the 13th century and was last renovated in the 20th century after it had fallen into disrepair and was purchased and saved by the city.

Given the similarity between the names of the Capello family and the Capulets in Shakespeare’s play, the city turned the old house into Juliet’s House and made it into a tourist attraction. Lovers from all over the world come to pose for pictures on the balcony and love letters to the surrounding walls. It has become a pilgrimage site of sorts, with visitors lining up to touch the right breast of the bronze statue of Juliet in front (which has developed a patina as a result), which is said to bring luck in their relationships and in finding true love.

Open Tuesday-Sunday, from 8.30am to 7.30pm, and on Mondays, from 1.30pm to 7.30pm, it costs €6.00 to enter the building – with a reduced fee of € 4.50 for groups of 20 or more, students, 14-30 year olds and over 60s, €1.00 entry for schools and 8-13 year olds, free entrance for everyone on the first Sunday of the month, and free entry with the Verona Card. If you are travelling with a lover or looking to find your true love, it is a must-see for commemorative photos or a bit of luck borrowed from the statue.

A little less famous is Romeo's House, which is located just 300m away and has a plaque outside (though covered in scribbles) that marks it as the, “House of Cagnolo Nogarola called Romeo, XIV century”. Unfortunately, it is privately owned and, therefore, cannot actually be visited as Juliet’s House can be. However, you can take it in from the outside and admire this incredible Medieval palace that looks like a defensive castle and recalls an age in which Italy was divided into the feuding factions of the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, the same feud that is what caused discord between the lovers’ families. Plus, there is an osteria inside part of the building so, technically, you can grab lunch in Romeo’s place after visiting Juliet.

While it has all been commercialised and can seem soulless at times, Verona does have something special and it truly seems filled with romance. If you’re interested in wandering the lovely streets that inspired one of the greatest love stories of all times with your love then find a vacation rental in Veneto and come explore it for yourself.