ROMEO, JULIET AND A BALCONY

Passion and Tragedy in Shakespeare’s Verona

The desire to escape from the everyday and take refuge in a place that deeply resonates with your emotions is a universal impulse. Whether you want to forget a painful past, relive precious memories, or find inspiration for a better future, you recognize that the search for this “magical” place is an Inner Journey as much as an outer one. Balancing between the majesty of unspoiled nature and the boundless expanses of the sea, between the tranquility of ancient forests and the charm of cities rich in history and art, you let yourself be guided by your emotions and instinct. You wish for this journey to become an opportunity to rediscover yourself, a path where every step, every encounter, every emotion contributes to shaping your future and giving you the strength to face the challenges that await you upon your return. “What matters is finding a refuge for the soul,” you think, with absolute conviction, “a place where I can rediscover myself and nurture hope for a better tomorrow.”

Certainly, Verona is indeed the city for me! Steeped in the tragic and romantic story of Romeo and Juliet, every corner seems to whisper their names. The guide will lead me through the most emblematic places of this immortal legend, starting with Juliet’s House, at number 23 Via Cappello. This iconic place will allow me to admire the famous balcony, where young Juliet leaned out to exchange words of love with her Romeo. Inside, a museum houses stage costumes, period furnishings, and even the bed used in Zeffirelli’s film, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the story’s atmosphere. In the courtyard, Juliet’s statue attracts visitors from all over the world, eager to touch her breast, a gesture that, according to tradition, brings good luck in love. Perhaps I will give in to temptation, but discreetly, so as not to be seen. Romeo’s House, at Via Arche Scaligere 2, although not open to visitors inside, retains the charm of a bygone era. Its external facade, with its ancient walls, will allow me to imagine the events of the young Montague. Juliet’s Tomb, in the evocative complex of the San Francesco al Corso convent, is a place steeped in melancholy and romance. Here, a red marble sarcophagus, believed to be the tomb of the unfortunate heroine, invites reflection on the tragedy of their love.”

The play tells the tragic love story of two young people, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet, belonging to rival families. The narrative opens with a brawl between the opposing factions. Romeo, initially infatuated with Rosaline, attends a party where he meets Juliet and falls madly in love with her. Despite the hatred between their families, the two young people decide to marry in secret, with the help of Friar Laurence. The situation escalates: a series of unfortunate events, culminating in a deadly duel, causes Romeo’s exile. Juliet, desperate and forced into a forced marriage with Paris, accepts Friar Laurence’s plan: a potion that will make her appear dead for a short time. Romeo, unaware of the plan, returns to Verona, finds Juliet seemingly lifeless, and commits suicide. Juliet awakens, finds Romeo dead, and takes her own life. The play explores universal themes such as love, hate, fate, and tragedy. Love is presented as an intense and passionate emotion, but also destructive, capable of overwhelming and leading to impulsive and fatal decisions. The hatred between the families, a central theme, demonstrates how conflict and revenge can have devastating consequences. The author, William Shakespeare, uses a variety of literary techniques, including sonnets, metaphors, and wordplay, to enrich the text and characterize the characters. The language, rich in vivid imagery, makes the work not only a timeless love story but also a profound reflection on the human condition. “But soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun!” This question, which your guide in Verona might ask you, evokes the essence of Romeo and Juliet’s sudden and overwhelming love, a love that defies conventions and fate.

Inspiring countless adaptations in various formats, including plays, films, ballets, and musicals, “Romeo and Juliet” has had a significant impact on world culture and literature. Maintaining its relevance through the centuries, William Shakespeare’s work continues to be studied and performed. This timeless work continues to touch the hearts of audiences with its powerful storytelling and universal themes. The tragedy of the young lovers remains one of the most iconic and heartbreaking love stories ever written, demonstrating Shakespeare’s ability to capture the nuances of human emotions. I hope this overview has been helpful to you; however, there is something in particular that I would like to explore with you in more detail. “Shakespeare’s opera has become an archetype of perfect love thwarted by society, inspiring countless adaptations in various formats, including plays, films, ballets, and musicals,” your guide clarifies, stopping beneath a balcony. “Set right here in Verona, during a period of great cultural and artistic ferment: the Renaissance. The story, which reflects the social and political tensions of the time, unfolds in a context of rivalry between two noble families.” You can’t understand why your guide is holding a half-smoked cigar between his lips, but you can’t help but observe the balcony above your heads. “Ah, the famous balcony! I see that you are interested. One of the most famous places in the world, even if the story is purely the product of the English writer’s imagination. All tourists flock to the courtyard of Juliet’s House to admire the balcony and immerse themselves in the romantic atmosphere of this corner of Verona.”

“If you like the story of Romeo and Juliet, a visit to Juliet’s House is definitely a must, but not right now, because it’s too crowded. Instead, let’s enjoy a good aperitivo at “Bar de Giulietta,” we’re just a short walk from Via del Pontiere.” Along the way, your left-handed guide specifies that Juliet’s House dates back to the 13th century. The Municipality of Verona purchased the building, which was then restored and enhanced with the balcony, added to increase its tourist appeal. Inside the house, we can visit the rooms and see period objects and furniture.” Without asking you anything, the left-handed smoker has ordered two tamarind juice aperitivos, with freshly made appetizers. “Excellent value for money, taste it, you’ll tell me! When we go to the courtyard, you’ll find a bronze statue of Juliet,” he anticipates, looking at you in a strange way. “It is said that touching her right breast brings good luck in love. Who knows what you’ll do?” Even though the story is fictional, looking at the balcony that has become a symbol of romantic and tragic love, something ignites inside you. “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy name; Or, if thou wilt not, be but sworn my love, And I’ll no longer be a Capulet.”

You thank your guide for the fervor with which he recited that verse. You know Juliet’s monologue; you know that the love of the two young people is hindered by the hatred between their families. You are aware that emotions can be ignited for many reasons. Sometimes it’s a memory that resurfaces: a song that takes you back to special moments, or a scent that reminds you of someone. The balcony reminds you that emotions are a fundamental part of who you are and how you experience your life. “Have you ever felt a strong emotion related to something specific, like a book, a song, or a place? I’d love to hear your opinion on this terrace!” The guide’s prompting caught you off guard. Your face is red, as if the left-handed man had discovered what you were thinking. “The courtyard is decorated with thousands of love messages left by visitors. This tradition represents the universal human desire to leave a mark of one’s love.” The guide leaves you alone. You know you’ll find him outside the courtyard. He won’t be able to see you when you read the messages of those who came before you. You reflect. The memory of a verse from that love drama makes its way into you: “But soft! what light through yonder window breaks?” You no longer rule out that love is smoke made with the fume of sighs, a bright star in the eyes of lovers. Hope takes root in you that everyone will find true love. You watch the visitors writing their names and those of their partners, often enclosed in a heart, and you would be curious to know what they wrote in their letters, what drives them to place their love locks in the courtyard.

Your special left-handed man is waiting outside Juliet’s House. “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” That reflection of Juliet, even if expressed by your guide, emphasizes the irrelevance of names and social conventions in the face of the power of love. “Get ready for a dream summer! The Arena di Verona Opera Festival is approaching. This year, too, the stars of opera will return to shine on the stage of the ancient Roman amphitheater. Great voices, awaited returns, prestigious debuts. Who will you choose to come and listen to?” His request catches you unprepared, you hadn’t planned to return to Italy. Of course, it’s an unmissable event for opera lovers. But your guide presses you with new information that, at least from his point of view, should prepare you for a dream summer. “The festival will see the participation of internationally renowned artists. Tickets are available for purchase online through the official Arena di Verona website and other authorized retailers such as TicketOne, but I recommend booking tickets in advance, especially if you want to attend performances with particularly sought-after artists.” You would like to ask him if he has already seen any operas, yet you hesitate, you wouldn’t want to be indiscreet. To break every hesitation, it is the two entrance tickets that he flutters in front of your eyes.

“You could come with me. The Arena di Verona is an open-air amphitheater, so I suggest you dress appropriately for the summer weather conditions.” You would like Juliet’s balcony all to yourself, you cherish the idea of returning to Verona for the festival and ask your guide where you could stay. You feel embarrassed when he observes you from head to toe. You understand why when he winks towards a hotel behind you. “If you have no budget constraints, from your room you can admire the famous balcony, with an exclusive panoramic view of one of the most visited monuments in the world. Obviously, also every other comfort necessary to make your stay exclusive.” You learn from him that in that charming relais, access closes to tourists in the evening. “Juliet’s balcony would remain visible only to you, you would be the only protagonist in that unreal silence. You can dream in a 15th-century palace, a historical monument where time and history have left their mark.” The left-handed man reminds you of a metaphor of Romeo that describes the luminous nature of love. “Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers’ eyes.”

It’s late, you’re hungry and you look around. You’d like your stay in Verona to continue, but you can’t. Work commitments are inevitable, you have to give an answer and try not to hurt those who are waiting for it. Your guide seems to read your mind. “Trattoria Pane e Vino, nothing better to bring the flavor of tradition to the table. Typical local cuisine, obviously. A few minutes and we’re in via Garibaldi 16/a.” You accept his idea, it couldn’t be otherwise; the fervor with which he describes the creamed cod, the potato gnocchi and the rice arancini prepared with Amarone has convinced you. Along the way, you learn from him that Veronese cuisine is an art that has its roots in a thousand-year history. “A combination of authentic flavors and traditions handed down from generation to generation. Each dish tells a piece of history, an indissoluble bond with the territory and its excellences”, he adds, letting you enter the restaurant first. You have finished dinner; you would like to pay and return the many attentions he is giving you. He does not accept, you split the bill in half. You exchange phone numbers and say goodbye in front of your hotel. You will let him know if you will return in the summer. Before falling asleep, you remember something. Tomorrow you will return alone to Juliet’s house, you will leave her your message: “Separation is such a sweet pain, that I will say goodnight until tomorrow”.