Casa di Giulietta

“Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.”

Who doesn’t know about the love story between Juliet and Romeo? Immortalised by Shakespeare in the first line of his play, Verona holds the claim to having the houses of perhaps the greatest lovers in history. Of course, there is much debate as to whether the lovers existed or not. That hasn’t stopped hundreds of thousands of tourists from wanting to see the Casa di Giulietta, or Juliet’s House.

The dell Capello family owned the house on Via Capello for a many years. In fact, it is the similarity of their name that spurned the popular belief that this was the house of the Capulets in Shakespeare’s play. The dell Capello’s coat-of-arms can still be seen on the keystone of the inner archway in the courtyard. The house itself was built in the 13th century. A massive restoration effort to add the windows, gothic doors and the balcony was carried out in the 1930s. The late addition of the balcony is a point of contention, though.

From the courtyard you can see Juliet’s Balcony. This is supposedly the very same balcony where the tragic heroine cried out to her Romeo. These days, do not be surprised to see many a young girl standing on the balcony, probably dreaming her own dreams.

Perhaps the highlight of the visit would be the 20th bronze statue of Juliet in the courtyard. Though its origins cannot be determined, the most popular thing to do when visiting the statue is to rub its right breast, which will bring good luck. So don’t be surprised if the right side of the bronze Juliet seems to be shinier than the rest of her! Numerous graffiti and stick notes can also be found on the walls and doors in the courtyard. This is a pity as it somehow destroys the ambience.

Inside the house is a small museum. All the items on display are genuine antiques from the 16th and 17th century. The frescoes, paintings, and ceramics all relate to Shakespeare’s play, but again, it is not proven that they ever belonged to the Capulets.

If you want to escape the crowds, time your visit to Juliet’s House perfectly. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon would be best. There is no entrance fee for the courtyard but you have to pay to enter the house. They are open everyday until 7:30 pm. On Mondays, they open in the afternoon only.

Not far from the house you can visit La Tomba di Giulietta, or Juliet’s Tomb. The heroine’s final resting place can be found in the San Francesco al Corso cloister on Via del Pontiere. If you are a die-hard romantic, be sure to take the time to visit this place.

Purists scoff at the idea that this house on Via Capello has anything to do with the great love story at all. However, that hasn’t taken anything away from the enjoyment that countless people have had. So, whether or not it really was Juliet’s house — that is if Juliet ever existed at all — the courtyard and her tomb is still worth a visit.

Address: Via Cappello 23, Verona, Italy
Phone Number: 045 803 43 03
Cost of Entry: €3
Opening Hours: 8.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun, 1.30pm-7.30pm Mon