Juliet’s House (or Casa di Guilietta in Italian) is probably the most famous landmark in Verona. And while the Verona Arena might trump it in history, there’s no doubt that Verona is mostly famous for it’s connection to Shakespeare’s famous “Romeo & Juliet”. Its safe to say that nearly every tourist to Verona goes to see Juliet’s balcony. Of course, just like with any popular tourist destination around the world,… it’s subject to damage by the very people appreciating it.
Marco Padovani, a representative from Fratelli d’Italia, is raising the alarm over a growing issue at one of Verona’s most iconic landmarks. Hundreds of pieces of chewing gum have been stuck to the walls of Juliet’s House, and Padovani is not pleased. He calls this an “uncivilized gesture” that defaces a key symbol of the city. And… we would have to agree.
“it is essential that there is a constant commitment to keeping our sites clean and respected. The beauty and dignity of our city cannot be compromised”
-Marco Padovani
Padovani, who previously served as a councilor in Verona, highlights the severity of the situation. “The walls are invaded by chewing gum,” he says, emphasizing the impact on the beloved tourist spot.
An Ongoing Battle to Keep Juliet’s House Presentable
Of course, for an attraction this popular, this isn’t the first time Juliet’s House has dealt with damage from visitors. Previous administrations have also grappled with the negative effects of mass tourism. Padovani recalls the efforts made under former mayor Federico Sboarina’s administration to clean up graffiti and restore the site’s beauty. He questions the current administration’s vigilance, asking, “Is the administration present? Are they even walking through the historic center?”
A Plea for Action
Padovani is passionately urging the current municipal administration to take swift action. He stressed the importance of maintaining the site’s dignity and cleanliness, especially given its significance to both locals and visitors. “Allowing this to continue is a negligence towards our city and its citizens,” he asserts.
Respecting Verona’s Heritage
Tourists from around the world visit Juliet’s House each year, and Padovani believes the site deserves better. He’s asking for immediate measures to clean the walls and restore their appearance, underscoring the need for ongoing commitment to the upkeep of Verona’s historic sites.
And if you’re visiting Verona, we encourage you to do the same. Verona is a beautiful city with rich history, but that can only continue to be enjoyed if visitors respect the sites they visit. Please, don’t feel the need to make your mark on history. Leave historic sites as you found them, to be sure that they are still there for future generation to enjoy.
Want the full guide on visiting Juliet’s Balcony? Check out: Romeo & Juliet’s Balcony: The Ultimate Guide
