Piazza dei Signori (Lords Square), Verona (must see)

The Lords Square is packed with gorgeous architecture and is a fabulous place to soak up the history and culture of Verona.

This historic square has a strong connection with William Shakespear's Romeo and Juliet, set in Verona. The Town Hall provided the setting where Bartolomeo della Scala banished Romeo and sentenced him to exile in Mantua.

In the center of Lords Square, visitors will find an impressive 19th-century statue of the poet Dante. Dante was exiled from Florence and found protection with Verona's Scaligeri family.

There are a number of historical buildings on the square are well worth checking out. The Portico of the Counsel is a classic representation of stunning Venetian Renaissance style. The Ragione Palace dates to the 12th century. This Romanesque-style palace features an enchanting courtyard and a Gothic staircase. The Capitano Palace features large windows in the ground so that visitors can view the excavated Roman and medieval ruins in the basement.

In the 13th century, the Palazzo Domus Nova served as the Chief Magistrate's offices and the Courthouse. Unfortunately, the building was severely damaged in a 1511 earthquake and underwent several restorations.

The House of Charity (Casa della Pietà) features a gorgeous coral-colored exterior and intricately carved statue embellishments. The building now houses the legendary Antico Caffe Dante, the oldest coffee house in Verona.

Cansignorio della Scala began constructing the Cansignorio Palace in 1363. Initially a fortified palace, it later became the home of the Captain of the City. The glass-protected loggia dates to 1476. The original tower was restored in 1880. Most of the current building dates to the 16th century and features a classical facade.

The Podestà Palace is another palace built for the Scaligeri family in the 13th century. Michele Sanmicheli designed the marble portal in 1533.