In Roman times, this city gate was part of a larger structure with fortified towers, one known as Porta Jovia in reference to a temple to the god Jupiter that stood nearby. The name changed to Porta Borsari when the gate became the main tax-collection point for goods heading in and out of Verona. Built in the first century AD by Emperor Gallieno, the gate stands at the top of Corso Porta Borsari, one of Verona’s best shopping streets. It’s a popular stop on guided walking tours and hop-on-hop-off bus tours of the city.
For the best view, approach the city gate from the pedestrianized Corso Porta Borsari for the best view.
You’ll find numerous cafes nearby—they’re perfect for lunch or a snack.
Wear comfortable footwear if you’re planning to join a walking tour of the city.
Porto Borsari is located at 59 Corso Porta Borsari in downtown Verona. It’s easy to access on foot from other points in the city center, and hop-on-hop-off tour buses stop nearby.
Porta Borsari is a public monument accessible 24 hours a day year-round. Located on a busy shopping street, if you’re planning to take photographs of the gate, try to visit early in the day when there are fewer people.
William Shakespeare set one of his most famous works in Verona—that’s right, Romeo and Juliet. Down a narrow street in the city center, you’ll find the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet’s house) and its romantic balcony that’s believed to be the inspiration behind the play’s most famous scene. Although Shakespeare never visited Verona, and the balcony was added in the last century, the house did once belong to the Capellos, a precursor of the Capulet family that’s immortalized in the tragic love story.
