Belfiore
Discovery of Verona's Origins
The history of Verona dates back to the Neolithic period, when a village settled on the San Pietro hill. This place was chosen for its defensible position and proximity to the Adige, the main communication route with northern Europe. At that time, the river flooded the surrounding areas annually and the surrounding hills were safe. The culture of square-mouthed pots was already widespread at the beginning of the fourth millennium BC and left traces of a geometric and linear style that would later evolve into a meander-spiral style.
Roman Era
Under Roman domination, Verona became one of the most important cities in Northern Italy. The city maintained its status of importance even after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, when the city was elevated to capital of the Roman-Germanic Kingdoms.
Battles of the Middle Ages
The Late Middle Ages saw Verona become a communal age, often disrupted by bloody battles between the Guelphs and the Ghibellines. The Montecchi and Della Scala were the main actors in Veronese history for two centuries and it was under their leadership that there was an effortless transition from a commune to a city lordship. In 1388, the city lost its independence and ended up being subjugated by the Visconti and later by the Da Carrara. In 1405, Verona dedicated itself to Venice, which administered the city until its fall in 1797.
French and Austrian Dominion
After the fall of Venice, Verona came under French and then Austrian domination. It was not until 1866, following the disastrous third Italian war of independence, that Verona became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Italy.
In summary, Verona's history is long and rich in events that have influenced the city and its culture. From the Neolithic period, when the San Pietro hill was chosen as a place of habitation, to the French and Austrian dominations, Verona has maintained its historical importance and is still a city that attracts tourists from all over the world.
