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A Day in Verona for UWCad Students
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The heavy fog and low temperature in Verona on Saturday February 3, 2007 didn’t
prevent 44 students from absorbing the culture of the ancient city. The College sends students on
cultural visits to Venice, Padova, Rome, Ravenna, Verona, and Bologna each year. The visits are
subsidized by the school and cost each student only €5 to ensure that the cultural opportunities
are accessible to all.
The group left the Duino Piazza at 7:00 am and arrived just over three hours later. First on
the agenda was a visit to the Roman arena. Of the arenas in Italy dating from this period, this is
the most intact and still used for operas and other concerts. Next was a short walk to Sant’A
nastasia to view Pisanello’s "St. George". Along the way, the group passed underneath whalebone
hanging in an archway. Legend has it that anyone who is true and honest and passes underneath it
will have the whalebone fall upon them. Curiously everyone passed without incidents. Perhaps no one
fit the criteria, but at least no injuries were sustained. Afterwards the group went to visit the
"Duomo di Verona", home to a painting by Titian. Last, but not least, the Roman Theatre right next
to the river Adige.
After the morning visits we had some free time. Following a quick pizza, most explored Verona
and visited one of its major tourist attractions — La Casa di Giulietta ("Juliet’s house", as
Shakespeare’s "Romeo and Juliet" is set in Verona!). Almost two hours later, the group met at the
Castello Vecchio for a walk along the banks of the river Adige. The walk ended at the Basilica of
San Zeno, the patron saint of Verona. The smiling statue of San Zeno holding a fishing pole is
well-known for its uncommon representation.
Unfortunately, the World Arts and Cultures teacher, our authority on art history, was unable
to come. The accompanying teachers took turns in describing the significance of the places visited.
With the help of the World Arts and Cultures students on the trip, our visit to the cultural hubs
of the city was enriching.
After many hours of walking in the biting wind we were all very tired but the charm and
fascinating history of the city made for a memorable day in Verona.
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