Built along the banks of the Adige river, the city of Verona has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 2000. Founded in the 1st century B.C. by the Romans, it was later conquered by different Barbarian tribes, until it became an independent municipality in the 12th century, when it prospered under the rule of the Scaligeri family.

This wealthy and powerful dynasty built the urban layout of the city, placing Piazza delle Erbe, the ancient Roman forum, in the center; the square became the seat of political and administrative power and today it still contains elements from different historical periods.