17 Sep Verona: Shakespeare could not have imagined this…

Imagine a city where the roman past goes side by side with the Middle Age, where the structures from the different historical phases blend together in a particular architectonical mixture found nowhere in the world, a city whose beauty and fascination are so famous to become the stage of one of the most important tragedies of the western world. A city like that deserves to be awarded the status of “World Heritage Site” by UNESCU. We are talking about Verona, the next location of our column regarding the incentive destinations around Milan. Let’s go and give a look at it!!

The stage of Romeo and Juliet: where did it all start?

How can we explain this unique blend in architectural elements? A brief historical summary may come in handy. Founded around 550 BC in unclear circumstances, Verona was conquered by the Romans in 300 BC and became roman colony in 89 BC for its strategic geographical importance. In the Middle Age it became a powerful municipality (Comune), under the rule of several families like the Scaglieri, the Visconti and the Carresi, until the coming of the Venetian conquest 1405, followed by the French invasion in 1796 and the Austrian dominion in 1814. The city then became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.  One incentive tool in particular allows us to know in more detail such extraordinary history: Treasure Hunt. The participants, divided in teams, are supposed to find a treasure hidden somewhere in the middle of the town. Getting acquainted with the historical, artistic and cultural aspects will be extremely easy with the format.

But we just have to take a short walk around the city to see its past echoing through its architectural elements, forged by a tremendous earthquake in 1117 which led to a massive Romanesque rebuilding using pieces taken from older structures. We discover a man-sized city attracting visitors from all over the world for its elegance and fascination. In Piazza Bra we find the Roman Arena, an elliptical amphitheater consisting in three concentric rings where the gladiatorial games were held, the third largest arena after the Rome’s Coliseum and the arena of Capua. There is the basilica of Saint Zeno, marvelous example of Romanesque style built in the IX century upon a former roman necropolis, and the Arche Scagliere, a monumental funerary complex with the tombs of the Lords of Verona.

Learning by “Gaming”!

Such extraordinary urban and architectural setting is perfectly suitable for our incentive experience. One of our most successful group entertainments is our Urban Game, a mix of teambuilding, Orienteering, treasure hunt and city tour! Equipped with maps and compasses, the team must reach the finish line in the shortest time possible, passing through a series of check points organized in a certain order. Ideal for developing relationships, decision-making and adaptability in changing contexts, Urban Orienteering will be the perfect tool to practice team building and get to know wonderful historical sites.

We cannot forget that Verona is the stage of the famous Shakespeare’s play “Romeo and Juliet”. So we studied a city game in which participants walking along the streets of the city come across the real locations where the actions of the play really take place: Juliet’s house, belonged to Dal Capello family, with the coat-of-arms still visible above the inner archway of the courtyard and the bronze statue of Juliet at the end of it, and Romeo’s house, belonged to the Counts of Cagnolo Nogarola, with the façade bearing the famous words “oh Romeo, Romeo!! Wherefore art thou Romeo?….”.

The surroundings offer even more…

The towns nearby are equally noteworthy for their splendor and historical heritage. Let’s remember Peschiera del Garda, with its enormous fortress in the shape of a five-pointed star completely surrounded by water, and Valegio sul Mincio, with its imposing castle and next to it the famous Sigurtà garden, one of the five most beautiful in the world: a gem in its own right.

Better not to drive in some occasions

But what about the gastronomical culture? We would like to point out the importance of wine as main gastronomical aspect, not only for Verona, but for the entire area. The Veneto region, in fact, is at the top of the Italian wine producers list, with 24 D.O.C. wines whose quality is promoted and guaranteed by 9 local consortiums operating in the field. In particular around the Lake Garda the town of Bardolino stands out among the others for the production of the ruby-red, delicately scented “Bardolino” wine and for the wine museum. A perfect occasion to practice the Wine Team Building, a format that leads us to discover the art of wine creation and its mysterious tips and tricks: no better way to enjoy the team building experience.

And if you get hungry, no problem!

Verona is also the home of other extraordinary and peculiar dishes found nowhere in the world. We are very talented in team cooking activities. Can we forget the “Pandoro” cake, or the “Tortafrolla”, just for mentioning a few? Would you like to challenge your team, or your incentive group? Here is the perfect format for the purpose: Cake Design Team Building.  Under the guidance of Pastry Masters, the participants learn the secrets of these fascinating and tasty dishes, in a friendly and sweet atmosphere.

Verona and its surroundings appear to be a valuable asset also for a naturalistic point of view. The Lake Garda, famous for its fishing industry, offers the opportunity to practice numerous sports that might come in handy our tem building experience. Of particular interest is the town of Malcesine, on the eastern banks of the lake, considered the paradise for the sailors and windsurfers, where clubs and schools organize state-of-the-art courses for beginners and more experts as well. The perfect location for our Team Sailing Team Building: divided in crews, the participants are involved in a real regatta, finding themselves in a completely new situation away from the daily routine. Improving interpersonal and communication skills, as well as leadership and team sense will be the key ingredients of this unparallel format.

Many other places worthy of being explored wait for us in the lovely and fascinating stage of Verona. Unfortunately, we cannot see all of them here, but just call us and let us discover them together. And do not forget: follow us in the next episode of this column in search of new and extraordinary team building locations.