Verona

An enormous, spectacular Roman amphitheatre, crumbling on the outside but still in use today. It was erected in the 1st century AD in an elliptical shape, and is the world's third-largest amphitheatre to survive from antiquity. The outer wall fell down during the earthquake of 1117, except for a small section locally called the "Ala" or wing, and enterprising citizens used the rubble to build houses on the back of the structure. What you see today is the masonry supporting the tiered interior. Catch an opera here if you possibly can, but you'll need to book months ahead. There's another smaller amphitheatre across the river, see below.

A 14th-century, red brick, fortified castle on the banks of the river Adige. The main castle buildings house the city art museum which is packed with a rich collection of medieval sculpture and Renaissance paintings. As well as the museum, the extensive castle ramparts are great for exploring - ideal for families with children who enjoy running around castle fortifications. The Castelvecchio has an adjoining bridge over the river which is open all the time - walk over the bridge for some fantastic views of the castle on the river. Castelvecchio hosts the Circolo Ufficiali, which is reserved to people who joined the army as officers. Sometimes hosts musical events or art exhibitions.

Home of the Forum in Roman times, this is still a focal point of the city. Contains the 'Britney Verona' fountain, 14th-century 'Gardello Tower', and a market that, while picturesque, seems to have become another tourist cliche during its refurbishment.

completed in 1463, this is the tallest of Verona's towers. The distinctive clock tower looms over the Piazza delle Erbe, and you enter via the palace courtyard. 238 steps to the top, or take the lift, for great views. Ticket also includes admission to the Modern Art Gallery - but this is closed Monday and price is reduced.

The remains of a Roman gate, dates to at least the 2nd century AD, but is almost certainly older.

It was built to replace an 8th-century church which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1117. Consecrated in 1187, the church features an ornate marble Romanesque façade by the Veronese architect Nicolò; its pillars are supported by two griffins. Stone reliefs around the door include Biblical scenes. The smaller side door is also worth a look - medieval carvings include Jonah being swallowed by a whale. Inside, the nave has many Gothic alterations, and oil paintings around the side chapels include an Assumption by Titian. The Romanesque baptistery adjoining the chapel of Sant'Elena is preserved, with its exquisite marble font and collection of medieval paintings.

A 10-minute walk NE of Castellvecchio. The church is dedicated to Verona's patron saint, Zeno, a 4th-century North African and a keen fisherman who was ordained Bishop of Verona in 363. Zeno's tomb lies in a shrine in the church undercroft, and he is also commemorated in a grinning medieval statue in full episcopal robes, dangling a golden fish on the end of a fishing rod. The entrance to the church is graced with an ornate Romanesque façade by Nicolò; like the cathedral, this church was erected after the earthquake of 1117. The church was a centre of European pilgrimage for centuries; pilgrims were greeted by huge 10-metre frescoes of St Peter, patron saint of pilgrims. Visitors across the centuries have left their mark - pilgrims happily inscribed graffiti in the frescoes, and signatures dating from 1390 survive to this day. There is also graffiti left by the invading Austrians in 1865.

Richly decorated in 13th-15th century Gothic style. Note especially the Pelligrini Chapel, with the Pisanello depiction of St George setting off to fight the dragon.