Italy: Places the Inspired Shakespeare and his History

Italy is known for its colourful history and culture. It has been said that if Shakespeare had ever visited, he would have found it hard to resist the temptation to write about the country. As a matter of fact, many believe that he did – in his stories such as Romeo and Juliet and Two Gentlemen of Verona! While Shakespeare never travelled there himself, Italy’s rich history can be seen in his work, one third of his plays were set in this country after all.

It’s no wonder that Shakespeare was inspired by Italy – If you’re looking to explore more of Shakespeare’s work, head on over to Mantua. This city is said to be the birthplace of both Romeo and Juliet. In addition, it was also the home of Italian poet Virgil. Be sure to check out Teatro Bibiena which served as an inspiration for the Globe Theatre. If you’re looking for a place that is steeped in Shakespearean history, this is it!

If you’re looking for a more inspiration on Shakespeare’s work, head over to Verona. Verona is where Romeo and Juliet is set. This city is known for its ancient Roman ruins, which can be seen in places such as the Arena di Verona. As you walk through the streets of Verona, you can feel the history come to life.

If you do make a stop to Verona you must see Juliet’s balcony. The story goes that if you touch the wall where Juliet stands, your love will be returned to you. Here this is also a life size statue of Juliet, positioned in the courtyard. While Juliet is of course not a real person, it is a stop which every Shakespeare fan should see. While also in Verona another place you should check out is Sab Francesco al Corso, a monastery which is also know as Juliet’s Tomb. This is thought to have inspired the finial scene where the two lovers meet their dark end.

However, Verona is not the only city in Italy with Shakespearean ties. For example, Padua is where Two Gentlemen of Verona takes place. This city is known for its beautiful churches and squares, such as Piazza delle Erbe. As well as this be sure to check out Basilica di Sant’Antonio.

While Shakespeare is known for his comedies and tragedies he did also write a number of historical plays. This takes us to our next city, Rome. Rome is where Julius Caesar, Coriolanus, Titus Andronicus and Antony and Cleopatra take place. This city is known for its ancient ruins, which can be seen in places such as the Colosseum. As you walk through Rome, you are walking in the footsteps of some of history’s most famous people! You can seen the place were Julius Caesar is thought to have died Largo di Torre Argentina.

Of course sometimes you want to see something a little more light-hearted. Much Ado About Nothing which is thought to be set in the town of Messina. This is a city located on the east coast of Sicily. This vibrant town is known for its beautiful baroque architecture, which you can see in places such as Piazza del Duomo.

If you’re looking for more of Shakespeare’s historical plays, head to Florence. This city is known for its art and architecture, which served as inspiration for many of his works. All’s Well That Ends Well comes to mind when I think about this iconic city.

Another city worth mentioning is Siena. This city is home to the Palazzo Pubblico, which was used as a model for Shakespeare’s Palace of Polonius in Hamlet. If you’re looking to feel like you’ve stepped right into one of Shakespeare’s stories, this is the place for you! Both The Taming of the Shrew and Macbeth are thought to have taken inspiration from the city. If you want to feel a connection to those Shakespeare’s stories then you best place to check out in Siena is the Piazza del Campo.

Another city in Italy that is steeped in Shakespearean history is Mantua. This city is where Romeo and Juliet was set. In addition, it was also the home of Italian poet Virgil. If you’re looking for a place that is steeped in Shakespearean history, this is it!

While of course you cannot go to Italy without a trip to Florence, Shakespeare is said to have been inspired by the city in his work. In fact, it’s thought that he took inspiration from Othello while living here. If you’re looking to explore more of Shakespeare’s work, be sure to check out the Palazzo Vecchio and the Uffizi Gallery.

One of my favourite cities I’ve ever been to is Venice, and this is home of Othello’s Desdemona. If you’re looking to feel like you’re in Shakespeare’s play, then a walk through the streets of Venice is a must. As well as this, be sure to check out the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Basilica. One of the iconic landmarks you should visit is of course the Doge’s Place.

Another story which is to have taken inspiration from Venice is of course the Merchant of Venice, Venice was on of the first cities of establish Ghettos and is most likely why Shakespeare choose this incredible cities as the home to one of this stories. Be sure to check out one of the five synagogues which all still stand in Venice’s historical ghettos.

Lastly we finish with Naples. . If you’re looking for a place that is rich in both Italian and Shakespearean history, Naples is definitely it! In addition, it was also the birthplace of Italian poet Torquato Tasso. As you walk through Naples, you can feel the history come to life. If you’re looking to explore more of Shakespeare’s work, be sure to check out the Teatro San Carlo.

As I’m sure you can see, there is no shortage of places in Italy that are inspired by Shakespeare’s work. If you’re looking to explore more of his stories, or just want to feel like you’ve stepped right into one of them, then be sure to check out these places!