Casa Di Guiliette

Hidden within the city center you are able to find a sweet little courtyard which is home to Juliet. Originally a medieval palace owned by the Capello family, this stunning architecture has for many years bought tourists from all over the world. Many visit to see the balcony that you have have read about in Shakespeare's writing, however what you may not know is that the balcony was not added on to the building until the 1930s to increase tourism! Despite this, it is still a must see, if not for the architecture then maybe the hope of luck and love will bring you running into the loving arms of Juliet herself. Well... a statue that is.

As you enter the courtyard you are likely to see a bronze statue of Juliet. In 1969, famous sculptor Nereo Constantini made this statue to be placed here as requested by the Lions Club of Verona. If you are not familiar with the history of this beautiful statue it is easy to think that people are being creepy perverts as you see everyone groping the poor gal. However don't be alarmed, it is meant to bring you good luck if you rub her breast. Of course I already feel like the luckiest human, especially in love, but it doesn't hurt to give it a go! Cheers, Juliet!

Visiting:

Admission: €6.00 ( €1 on the first Sunday of the month from October to May).

Where: Via Cappello, 23, 37121 Verona VR

Opening hours: 8:30am - 6:30pm

Something I discovered whilst visiting was that there actually are a group of volunteers who refer to themselves as "Segretari di Giuliette" (Juliet's Secretaries). This club is said to have begun in the 1930s when Ettore Solimani, Guardian of Juliet's tomb, begun collecting letters that were left at her grave. He begun answering these letters in her name and so begun the amazing tradition of "Club di Giuliette." This tradition is run by volunteers who read, translate and reply to thousands of letters received from all over the world, what a task!

Though some question why they would read some strangers' heart breaking letters, my question is why wouldn't you? To have the ability to hopefully give someone an answer to their burning questions, comfort, or even advice? What a beautiful thing to do for strangers. I would love to be able to do this for even a day, imagine all of the love you would be able to feel! Oh wait... YOU CAN! Something that I am hoping to do before I leave Italy is become a volunteer for a day. By going on to their website (here) you are able to apply for the opportunity to be a volunteer for a day, and even meet all of the other incredible people that do this daily.

So what do you think? Do you want to send a letter to Juliet? Well you can, and you WILL get a reply. Maybe from me?

Address: Corso Santa Anastasia, 29-37121, Verona

Website

Ciao lovers,

Kate

p.s. Thank you to who ever managed to bag me my love.