Verona in Love 2026 transforms Italy’s most romantic city into a Valentine’s Day celebration spread across its historic heart. Over three days, from 14th to 16th February, Verona glows with heart-shaped installations, romantic lights, artisan markets, live music, and cultural events inspired by love in all its forms. Set against medieval squares and Shakespearean landmarks, the festival blends romance, art, food, and shared experiences making it an unforgettable getaway for couples, friends, families, and solo travelers alike.
Experience Verona’s love story where it began, around Juliet’s House and medieval squares, turning Valentine’s Day into a culturally rooted, story-driven city celebration.
Pre-2000s: Verona’s romantic identity takes shape
Long before the festival existed, Verona had already become internationally associated with romance through Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. By the late 20th century, sites like Juliet’s House were firmly established as symbolic landmarks of love-driven tourism.
Early 2000s: Birth of Verona in Love
Verona in Love was launched in the early 2000s as a Valentine’s Day initiative by the city to formally celebrate this romantic identity. Initially, it focused on decorating central squares and hosting small cultural events around 14 February, drawing couples into the historic centre.
2010s: Expansion into a city-wide festival
As visitor interest grew, the event expanded into a multi-day festival spanning Valentine’s weekend. Artisan markets, concerts, performances, and public programming were added, with Piazza dei Signori emerging as the festival’s main hub.
Late 2010s–2020s: Introduction of ‘L’Amore Diffuso’
To reduce crowd concentration and deepen cultural engagement, organizers introduced “L’Amore Diffuso”, spreading love-themed exhibitions, talks, and events across museums, libraries, and historic venues throughout Verona.
Today: A shared celebration across the city
Today, Verona in Love is a three-day winter festival held annually in mid-February, transforming Verona’s historic centre into a coordinated celebration of love, culture, food, and community, experienced not in one square, but across the entire city.
Most outdoor events and markets are free. Some concerts, performances, and special experiences may require tickets or reservations.
Not at all. While romantic in theme, the festival is designed for couples, families, friends, and solo travelers.
Yes, but access to Juliet’s House and balcony is ticketed and limited. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.
Valentine’s weekend is one of the busiest times of the year, especially around Juliet’s House and main squares.
Afternoons are great for markets and cultural events, while evenings offer the most atmospheric lighting and performances.
Yes. Many restaurants offer set Valentine’s menus, advance reservations are highly recommended.
Absolutely. Verona in Love is ideal for a 2–3 day romantic getaway.
Visit the Roman Arena, stroll along the Adige River, explore historic churches, or plan a day trip to Lake Garda.
Set in Piazza dei Signori, the Market Cuore is arranged in the shape of a large heart, with wooden stalls clustered around the square. Visitors browse handmade jewelry, candles, artisanal chocolates and regional food products, making it the festival’s main spot for Valentine’s gifts and edible souvenirs. Soft lighting and music give the square a festive, evening-friendly atmosphere.
Rather than staying in one location, L’Amore Diffuso spreads the festival across Verona’s cultural spaces. Museums, libraries, and historic buildings host love-themed exhibitions, literary readings, small talks, and artistic displays, often centered on letters, poetry, historical love stories, and romantic art, encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known corners of the city.
Live programming takes place in atmospheric venues such as Loggia di Fra’ Giocondo and Loggia Antica, where visitors can attend acoustic concerts, poetry readings, author talks, and short theatrical performances. These events typically rotate throughout the day, offering relaxed cultural breaks while exploring Verona’s historic center.
The festival also includes participatory events like the Romeo & Giulietta Run, along with shorter, family-friendly runs. These activities wind through Verona’s streets, combining light sport with sightseeing and creating a shared, community-driven experience beyond traditional festival activities.
During Verona in Love, many restaurants offer fixed Valentine’s menus focused on local cuisine. Expect dishes like risotto all’Amarone, handmade pasta, regional meats, and chocolate-based desserts, often paired with Veronese and Valpolicella wines, making dining a key part of the celebration.
Across the historic centre, illuminated heart installations, themed lighting, and decorative displays appear along main pedestrian routes and squares. These create a romantic nighttime setting ideal for evening walks, photos, and slow exploration of Verona’s medieval streets.
For Verona in Love 2026, the best times to visit are:
