Between reality and fantasy, Juliet's House is a house that has become a legend and a symbol for lovers around the world.
To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the tragedy narrated by William Shakespeare in his masterpiece Romeo and Juliet, a visit to Juliet’s House is a must. It is a tower-house dating back to the 12th century, which shows, on a wall, a bas-relief of a hat, believed to be the coat of arms of the Cappelletti or Capuleti, Juliet’s family. Over the centuries, the structure has undergone numerous renovations, passing through the hands of different owners. In the meantime the legend and the interest of the public grew, identifying it as the birthplace of the Shakespearean heroine. In 1907, therefore, the City of Verona decided to acquire part of the complex, to restore it and give it back its ancient medieval appearance. The uncertainty about its originality has only accentuated the halo of magic around this house, which immediately became an iconic place for all lovers of the world.
In the heart of the historic center, passing through a wrought iron gate you enter into a small courtyard, where you can already see the famous balcony of Juliet, as well as a copy of the bronze statue of the girl, made by the sculptor Nereo Costantini, and became one of the symbols of Verona (legend has it that, touching it, you can ensure good luck in love). The interior of the house, completely rebuilt along the lines of the mansions of the 1500s, is a real museum, where you can admire beautiful frescoes, a fine collection of ceramics as well as props and costumes of the famous film “Romeo and Juliet” by Franco Zeffirelli dedicated to the tragedy of the two young lovers. Climbing the staircase to the second floor you will find yourself in the hall from which you can access the balcony. If you want to take a selfie here, however, be patient because there is often a long line.
On the second floor is what has been renamed the “ballroom“, a large room where it is not difficult to imagine dances and banquets, just like the one where Romeo and Juliet met for the first time. Inside the tower, instead, is Juliet’s bedroom, with an evocative wooden bed with white lace sheets and pillows, so evocative that one expects to see the young woman emerge yawning from under the covers. The most romantic can also submit their love pains directly to Juliet. Since 1930, in fact, some volunteers answer the letters that lovers from all over the world post in the mailbox inside the house or send to dearjuliet@julietclub.com.
