Embraced in the arch-like meanders of the River Adige, Sitting at the feet of the hills of Lessinia rolling down to the plans lost in mists, and bathed in the breezes from Monte Baldo and the parfume of Lake Garda, Verona has always found itself at the centre of Italian and European history. THE ARENA The Romans built the Amphitheatre outside Verona's first circle of city walls in the first part of the 1st century AD. It hosted games where gladiators would fight each other or wild animals before a vast public that came from all over the territory. The Arena held around 30,000 spectators and had four main entrances, corresponding to its two axes. The facade, of which there is still a small section (the so-called "Ala" or "Wing"), was entirely built in large blocks of white and pink limestone from nearby Valpolicella. In the Middle Ages, stones from the Arena were taken for use on other buildings. Later, it resumed its role as a site for shows and events: a role it continues to play today for the annual summer opera season, which began in 1913. Since the Renaissance, there have been numerous large restoration projects, leading to the gradual reintegration of the tiered seating inside. For some years, a large-scale project has been in progress to ensure the preservation and dignity of the Arena. PIAZZA DELLE ERBE The Forum, centre of city life during Roman times, was situated here. The Piazza delle Erbe has continued to fill this same role for centuries: meeting place, home to the market, and also home to the city's administration. The centre of the square contains the monuments that symbolise the different rulers of Verona: the most famous is the fountain, built using a Roman statue during Scaligeri rule and later known as the "Madonna Verona". On the far side of the square are the 14th century Gardello Tower and the Baroque Palazzo Maffei. The courtyard of the Palazzo del Comune leads on to the Lamberti Tower with its suggestive panoramic views over the city. PIAZZA DEI SIGNORI The monuments in this square are linked to important periods in Verona's history. Entering from Piazza Erbe, to the right is the Palazzo del Comune (built in the 12th century), and the Scaligeri palace that was once the Tribunal. On the far side is the Palazzo del Governo, also built by the Scaligeri; while to the left is the loggia by Fra' Giocondo (1476-1493), an elegant example of Renaissance architecture and home to the Council during Venetian rule. The basement of the ex-Tribunal provides a suggestive archaeological journey, with remains that date from Roman times up to the 14th century. It also houses the temporary exhibitions held by the International hotography Centre, inaugurated in 1996. JULIET'S HOUSE This building, originally dating back to the 12th century, was owned for a long period by the Dal Cappello family, whose coat-of-arms is carved into the keystone of the courtyard inner archway. Identification of the name Cappello with that of Capuleti began the popular belief - already widespread during the last century - that this was the home of Juliet, mythical heroine of the Shakespeare play, set in Scaligeri Verona.