Tourists visiting one of Italy’s most iconic romantic landmarks must now pay €12 to access the courtyard of Juliet’s House in Verona, as city authorities introduce new measures to control overcrowding and improve visitor safety. The change marks a significant shift for one of Europe’s most visited literary attractions, which until now had largely remained freely accessible to the public.
Juliet’s House, known locally as Casa di Giulietta, has become a place of pilgrimage for visitors from around the world, despite the fact that Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a work of fiction. The palazzo is linked to the legend because of the similarity between the fictional Capulet family and the real Dal Capello family, who lived in the building during the Middle Ages. Over time, the small stone balcony overlooking the inner courtyard has come to symbolise romance, love, and devotion.
For many visitors, the experience has been less about literary history and more about ritual. Large crowds regularly gather in the narrow courtyard to take photographs, write love notes on the walls, and rub the bronze statue of Juliet for good luck. The popularity of these traditions has, however, turned the site into one of Verona’s most congested locations, particularly during peak travel periods and the Christmas season.
Did you know that it is believed that Shakespeare drew inspiration from this very balcony in Verona when he wrote Romeo and Juliet's most famous dialogues? Can you picture it? Every year tourists from around the world go just to see this balcony where Juliet was wooed by Romeo! pic.twitter.com/XR48zrj34D
— Italy in Los Angeles (@ItalyinLA) February 14, 2023
New access rules come into force
From 6 December, Verona’s authorities began enforcing new access rules that prevent visitors from entering the courtyard unless they have purchased a ticket to the museum inside Juliet’s House. Until 6 January, access to the space beneath the balcony is restricted exclusively to ticket holders, with adult tickets priced at €12.
In addition to the entry fee, visitors wishing to step onto the balcony itself now face further limitations. Couples are allowed a maximum of 60 seconds on the balcony to take photographs, a measure designed to keep queues moving and reduce congestion inside the historic building. The number of people allowed inside Juliet’s House at any one time has also been reduced from 130 to 100.
According to local authorities, the measures are intended to be temporary but necessary, particularly given the expected surge in visitors during the festive period.
My morning stroll in Verona and the tourists flock to the most famous balcony in the world. The Juliet balcony looking splendid in the morning sun (& yesterday’s evening glow). Legend has it that a rub of the breast of the Juliet statue will bring good luck!💙#italy🇮🇹 #verona🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/z7bJ4bDkxR
— Paul Mckenzie (@MaccaTHFC) October 29, 2024
City defends decision amid backlash
The decision has sparked frustration among some tourists. Italian and international media reported scenes of visitors expressing anger at the entrance, with some shouting at guards after being turned away for not having tickets. Security staff stationed at the site confirmed that many visitors were surprised by the new rules.
Verona’s councillor for culture and tourism, Marta Ugolini, acknowledged the disappointment but defended the decision, emphasising safety concerns.
“The last thing we want is to limit access to a place as beloved as the Courtyard and Juliet’s House,” Ugolini said. “However, when people’s safety is at stake, we have a duty to adopt appropriate protective measures, especially in the presence of extraordinary visitor flows such as those expected during the Christmas period.”
She added that the city was aware of the inconvenience caused to visitors but believed the move was essential to protect both people and one of Verona’s most symbolic sites. According to Ugolini, once an agreement currently under discussion is finalised, visitors will be offered a more welcoming, structured, and culturally meaningful route through the attraction.
Concerns from local businesses
The new restrictions have also raised concerns among local shopkeepers, many of whom rely heavily on foot traffic from tourists passing through the courtyard. Souvenir shops surrounding Juliet’s House sell postcards, love locks, and themed memorabilia, and fear that reduced access could impact sales during one of the busiest times of the year.
Alessandra Sinico, a local shop owner quoted by Italian media, said she understood the need to regulate crowds on particularly busy days but questioned the length of the restrictions.
“I understand that when tourist numbers are very high, there is a need to regulate the crowds,” she said. “But it is unthinkable that it is going to be like this until 6 January. It is really going to hurt us.”
Part of a wider fight against overtourism
Verona is far from alone in grappling with the pressures of overtourism. Across Italy, cities are increasingly introducing measures aimed at controlling visitor numbers and preserving historic sites. Venice has become a prominent example, having introduced a charge for day trippers during peak periods last year. The city has already announced plans to extend the scheme in 2026.
Similar debates are taking place in Florence, Rome, and other popular destinations, where local authorities are seeking to strike a balance between maintaining open access to cultural landmarks and protecting residents’ quality of life.
In Verona, officials insist that the new ticketing system should be seen as part of a broader strategy rather than a permanent barrier. The long term aim, they say, is to manage visitor flows more effectively while enhancing the cultural value of the experience.
For travellers planning a visit to Verona during the winter holiday period, the message is clear. Access to Juliet’s balcony is now more regulated, time limited, and ticketed. Visitors are advised to plan ahead, book tickets in advance, and expect a shorter but more controlled experience at one of literature’s most famous locations.
