Verona, Italy

Our trusty navigation system did finally bring us back to the autostrada and we found our way to our next destination - Verona, Italy. Main attraction- the Roman Arena. This amphitheater is the third largest in the Roman world. Most of the stone is original (we did notice one section that looked newly replaced) dating from the first century A.D. Up to 25,000 spectators could be seated watching gladiators! The arena was under some construction as they were setting up a stage to host a concert....but it was still amazing - and from up on top we had great views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Outside the Roman Arena...a closer look at the stonework.

inside - WOW....double WOW...can you imagine the workers who built this place! These are some HUGE stones!

The view down on the square below.

Another picture from up in the arena showing the tops of buildings....and then another view down by the river Adige, that runs around the old town.

Silas - chilling out in the backpack carrier/portable chair!

After the Roman Arena we decided to stoll along the streets of Verona. The pedestrian shopping zone has a street paved with marble. Very interesting and way different then the cobblestones we are use to in Germany! We of course stopped for some Gelato (ICE CREAM) at a gelateria, which are found on every street corner....who wouldn't want ice cream when it looks like this....

I also snapped a quick shot of the scooters lining the roadway. These little guys are apparently the way to travel around here...they zip through traffic and I'm not sure if there are any traffic signs/rules for the scooter/mini motorcycle drivers.