For Love of Verona

Two households, both alike in dignity
In fair Verona, where we lay our scene

—William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet, The Prologue

Verona, Italy. The setting for Shakespeare’s timeless classic, Romeo and Juliet. But how many people know that the story did not originate with Shakespeare (he simply adapted it to play form), or that earlier versions were set in Siena, Italy instead of Verona?

No matter. Today, thousands flock to Juliet’s balcony, leave messages of eternal love on the graffiti walls leading into her courtyard, and cup the bronzed breast of her statue in the traditional belief that this will portend good romantic fortune. Quite an impressive legacy for two imaginary lovers whose tumultuous passion from courtship to death lasted all of six days!

Good-night, good-night! Parting is such sweet sorrow
That I shall say good-night till it be morrow.
– Juliet, Scene ii