Panoramic Viewpoints and Picturesque Spots in Verona

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Verona has many romantic places, but I think the most special ones are those with scenic views or a breathtaking skyline at sunset. I discovered four spots in the city that offer these beautiful sights, and I’d love to share them with you.

360° View from the City Center

Torre Dei Lamberti

Torre dei Lamberti offers one of the best views in Verona.

From the top, the entire city stretches out in every direction—Piazza delle Erbe, the Adige River, and rows of red rooftops leading to the hills. On a clear day, the mountains in the distance make the view even more impressive.

Getting to the top is part of the experience. There’s an elevator for those who want a quick ride up, but the real way to do it is by climbing the 368 steps. The staircase winds through the tower, passing old brick walls and arched windows that hint at centuries of history. It’s a workout, but reaching the top after the climb makes the view feel even more rewarding.

The tower itself has been watching over Verona since the 12th century, built by the Lamberti family as a symbol of their power. Over time, it was expanded and eventually reached its current height of 84 meters.

The bells inside—Rengo and Marangona—once signaled everything from war alarms to the start of the workday. Now, the tower stands as a reminder of Verona’s past, offering a view that makes the climb well worth it.

For more information about Torre dei Lamberti, kindly check its official website.

The Scenic: Bridge, River, City, and Hills

Ponte Pietra

If you’re looking for the best scenic views in Verona, Ponte Pietra is the place to be. This bridge, located at the northernmost tip of the peninsula where Verona sits, offers breathtaking views of the river lined with charming houses and the hills that frame the city. The closest hill to the east has Castel San Pietro on top, which appearance adds a romantic touch to the scene.

One of the best things about this bridge is that it is exclusively for pedestrians. This means you can enjoy a peaceful and intimate atmosphere without the noise of passing vehicles.

For a picture-perfect view of the bridge with Città Antica and Verona’s green hills in the background, head to Rigaste Redentore, just across Piazza del Foro. From there, you can spot several of the towers that shape Verona’s skyline. If you have a powerful camera, this vantage point offers a fantastic angle for capturing unique shots of the city’s architectural gems.

What’s interesting about this bridge? Ponte Pietra is a bridge with a history that goes back centuries. Built by the Romans in the 1st century BC, it has survived wars, floods, and the rise and fall of empires.

One of the most powerful chapters of its story comes from World War II. In 1945, as German forces retreated, they blew up most of the bridge, leaving nothing but rubble in the river. Instead of replacing it with something new, the city carefully pulled the original stones from the water and rebuilt it just as it was.

The Panorama of Citta Antica

Castel San Pietro

Did you know that just a five-minute walk from Ponte Pietra, you can take in a wide view of Verona’s Città Antica? Head to the gardens of Castel San Pietro, which you can reach by footpath or funicular.

(The funicular is behind Chiesa di Santo Stefano, only a short walk from the bridge. For more details, check out the official website of the Funicolare di Castel San Pietro.)

Since you’re already visiting the gardens of Castel San Pietro, you might be wondering why not go inside and explore the castle too. Well, right now, the castle itself isn’t open to the public. It is because the building is undergoing restoration, and access has been restricted for safety reasons.

Here’s a quick dose of history: The site was originally home to a Roman fortress, taking advantage of its strategic position above the Adige River. In the late 14th century, the Visconti family, who ruled Verona at the time, built a castle on the hill to strengthen the city’s defenses.

In the mid-19th century, during Austrian rule, the original medieval structure was demolished, and the current fortress was built in its place. The Austrians used it as a military stronghold, reinforcing Verona’s role as part of their defensive network in northern Italy.

While the castle isn’t open to visitors, there’s still plenty to see in this part of Verona. Just below Castel San Pietro, you’ll find an open-air Roman Theater that still hosts performances, especially in the summer. It’s part of the Archaeological Museum of Verona, and visitors can explore the theater while learning about the area’s history.

For more information, check the museum’s official website.

View of Verona and Beyond

Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes

As you explore the area around Ponte Pietra, you might notice a hill topped with a striking white building. That’s San Leonardo Hill, and the building is Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes. It’s another great spot to take in a panoramic view of Verona, where you can watch the Adige River wind through the plains. In my opinion, it’s a great alternative to the Castel San Pietro viewpoint for watching the sunset.

While you can still see Città Antica from the Santuario, the city center is farther away. If you want to capture detailed skyline photos from here, bring a powerful camera.

One advantage of this viewpoint, however, over the others I’ve mentioned is that the Santuario itself is an impressive architectural site. It’s also a pilgrimage destination, which might interest you if you’re Catholic. Let me share a little bit of its history…

The history of Santuario della Nostra Signora di Lourdes dates back to the 20th century. It was built on the site of an old Austrian fortress that was destroyed during World War II. After the war, the idea of constructing a sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes took shape, inspired by the famous Marian shrine in France. The church was completed in 1965 and has since become a place of pilgrimage and reflection for both locals and visitors.

When you visit, aside from the scenic views, you’ll see a peaceful outdoor space with a large terrace in front of the sanctuary. A statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside, welcoming visitors, and a series of steps leads up to the entrance, giving the site a grand and serene atmosphere. The exterior is marked by clean architectural lines, with a bright white facade that contrasts beautifully against the greenery of San Leonardo Hill.

Inside, you’ll find a blend of modern and traditional architectural elements. The sanctuary has a spacious, light-filled nave with a curved ceiling that enhances its sense of openness.

The main altar is adorned with a striking mosaic depicting the Virgin Mary appearing to Saint Bernadette, a reference to the original Lourdes apparition. Stained glass windows line the walls, casting colorful light patterns across the interior. One of the most remarkable features is the large bronze tabernacle, designed with intricate details that symbolize faith and devotion.

In the side chapels, you’ll see additional artworks, including paintings that illustrate scenes from the life of Mary. The sanctuary also has a small collection of ex-votos—tokens left by pilgrims as a sign of gratitude for prayers answered.

Want to visit? The sanctuary is on Colli Street in Verona. It’s just a 20-minute walk from Ponte Pietra or a short bus ride from Borgo Trento if you’re coming from the train station. For more details, check out the sanctuary’s page on Verona Tourism website.

Continue Exploring

Verona is amazing, right? But there’s so much more to explore. From the masterpieces of Veronese, the city’s own artist, to historic landmarks and sites linked to Romeo and Juliet, there’s plenty to experience. WanderInEurope has put together a guide to help you make the most of your visit. If you want a hassle-free plan, check out our ready-made 3-day Verona itinerary. Prefer to create your own? Here are some tips to get you started.

1-Day Verona Itinerary

3-Day Verona Itinerary

Tips Deciding How Many Days in Verona

A Guide to Discovering the Best of Verona

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