Panorama of Verona

In the northern hills of Verona, alongside numerous fortifications, the church of Santuario della Madonna di Lourdes is clearly visible. So, by extension, this spot must also offer an excellent panorama of Verona. To find this out, I took my morning run through the city, crossing the Ponte Pietra and the Adige, then steeply uphill, gradually gaining altitude towards this church. I noticed that this route is also popular with many locals for jogging. Fortunately, at 7:30 AM, shortly after the sun had risen behind the hills, the entrance gate to the park and the church forecourt was opened, allowing me to finally overlook the panorama of Verona’s Old Town.

The church is surrounded by a small park and rose garden. Spring had arrived in the city during these days, and the plants showed fresh green hues, full of hope for warmer weather; many trees and flowers were in their first, colourful bloom of the year. In the fresh and very clear morning air, the many distinctive towers provided orientation in the labyrinth of the Old Town – alongside many church spires, especially the Torre dei Lamberti and Torre del Gardello on Piazza delle Erbe. After taking my photos, I continued my run down to the Adige, then made the short but strenuous detour up to Castel San Pietro, before returning to the hotel in the Old Town. I christened this route “Corso di due Colli” and can highly recommend it; I describe such running routes as efficient sightseeing or a sporty and fascinating way to get to know a foreign city.