Park of the Walls

The Walls and Forts Park of Verona is one of the hidden gems of the city, a place where history, nature, and architecture blend harmoniously, offering visitors a unique experience. This urban park, which stretches for about nine kilometers, follows the perimeter of the ancient city walls, built and modified over centuries to protect Verona from enemy attacks. The history of Verona’s walls is fascinating and complex. The first fortifications date back to Roman times, when the city was an important strategic center along the Via Postumia. Traces of that period remain significant, such as Porta Borsari, one of the ancient city gates, still admirable for its grandeur and architectural details. During the Middle Ages, the walls were expanded and strengthened by the Scaligeri family, lords of Verona, who added towers and bastions to improve the city’s defense. A period of great transformation for the walls of Verona was during the Venetian rule, which began in 1405. The Serenissima, aware of new war techniques, introduced important modifications, including the construction of terracotta bastions and rondelles, giving the walls a robust and imposing appearance. These interventions are clearly visible in places like the Bastion of San Bernardino and the Bastion of Santo Spirito. The last major phase of fortification took place during the Austrian occupation in the 19th century. The Austrians, using the construction techniques of the time, created structures that resemble real stone beehives, with pointed roofs towering over the ancient battlements. These interventions, such as Forte San Felice, testify to the strategic importance that Verona still had in relatively recent times. The Walls Park is not only a historic site, but also an important green area for the city. The park offers numerous paths for walking, urban trekking, and cycling, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy splendid panoramic views of the city and surrounding hills. The nature trail winds through ancient trees, flowered meadows, and rich biodiversity, making the park a true ecological corridor. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Walls Park is the opportunity to see how different historical epochs intertwine along the path. For example, walking along the Scaligeri walls, one can see the Venetian and Austrian additions that tell a story of continuous evolution and adaptation to new defensive needs. This journey through time is made even more interesting by the numerous informative installations and explanatory panels that accompany visitors along the way.