Piazza delle Erbe is Verona’s historic market square, set on the footprint of the ancient Roman forum. Its elongated shape is framed by frescoed palazzi, café terraces and market stalls, making it a lively starting point for exploring the old town.
The square’s layers of history are easy to read. The Fontana di Madonna Verona incorporates a Roman-era statue, while the Lion of St Mark atop a column recalls Venetian rule. Look up at the faded frescoes of the Case Mazzanti and the statues crowning Baroque Palazzo Maffei; the Torre dei Lamberti rises nearby above the former Palazzo del Comune.
Piazza delle Erbe remains a place of commerce and conversation, even if many stalls now cater to visitors. It is also close to Piazza dei Signori and Juliet’s House. For a wider view of Verona’s terracotta rooftops, climb the Torre dei Lamberti or take the lift for part of the ascent.
Come early for softer light and fewer crowds, or visit in the evening for a livelier atmosphere. Check café prices before sitting down, as tables on the square can be expensive. The piazza is roughly a 20- to 25-minute walk from Verona Porta Nuova station, through the largely pedestrian historic centre.