First Day in Verona and Cinque

First stop of my Italian adventure was Verona.

I checked into Cinque.

The first street hotel in Italy, located on the ground floor with rooms facing the street, bringing a totally new and original concept of hospitality. No reception, no dining or lounge area, all about providing guests with utter privacy and comfort.

All rooms are modern and cosy, with all mod cons.

The breakfast was limited, but delicious and brought to your room at a preferred time.

Free minibar and my own espresso machine easily made up for it.

Very private and convenient, right next to the river and only 5 minutes stroll to Castelvecchio and city center, 10 minutes to Arena but yet far away from madding crowds.

Extremely helpful staff (Silvia, you rock!) that provided lots of great suggestions for restaurants and places to see in Verona. Recommend to those seeking their own space, check them out here.

Eager to explore this historic and cultural city, I set off by a walk along the river.

Overlooking the River Adige and facing the town, the Castelvecchio is a medieval castle constructed in 1354 in order to defend Verona's people.

Made of red-brick walls and arches full of Gothic architecture and charm.

A few minutes further down the cobbled streets, I reached the charming old town.

In the heart of the city is Piazza delle Erbe square, Verona's market place watched over Madonna Verona.

Make sure you look at the Casa Mazzanti, the 16th-century murals on the upper levels of the house.

A cup of mixed fruit? Yes, please.

Climbed more than 350 steps up the Torre dei Lamberti, rising high above the square for a glimpse of the city.

Just around the corner, I found Cappelletti house featuring the balcony where Romeo promised his beloved Juliet eternal love in Shakespeare's famous tragedy.

^ Juliet's right boob is rubbed by tourists who believe it brings luck. Last year a replica of the statue was commissioned because of the cracks and wear from the touch of love-seeking tourists.

Everywhere you look, you see love letters, endless hearts, and padlocks not just in the courtyard but all around the city. Verona certainly is the City of Love.

Exhausted from the scorching sun, I stopped for much-needed gelato which Italians are rightly famous for. And it was to die for.

In the far distance, up the hill overlooking Verona, stands the grand Castel San Pietro.

Guess what these are!

The perfect spot for a proper view of the city in all its glory.

 The magic of golden hour.

A beautiful way to wrap up the first day of wandering.

More exploring next.