They say that if you love someone you should take them to Verona. This beautiful city is probably best known as the setting for Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare’s epic tale of romance and tragedy. But the Bard’s star-crossed lovers are not Verona’s only claim to fame.

Over many years the city hosted some of Luciano Pavarotti’s finest performances and on the 10th anniversary of his death, Verona planned a spectacular concert to pay tribute to the great tenor. So it was with much anticipation – and two precious concert tickets – that we headed north for a couple of days in Verona.

The first thing you see when you arrive in the centre of Verona is the magnificent Roman amphitheatre. Built in the first century, the Arena di Verona is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances held there. Tonight, though, this ancient structure would be the venue for the Pavarotti Tribute Concert…we couldn’t wait.

Top of the bill for the sold-out concert were Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo. It was incredible to hear these two legends sing once more with Pavarotti (who appeared via the magic of technology). And then Andrea Bocelli was beamed in live from Rome to pay homage, in the best possible way, to the man who was his mentor. There were other performers too, many of whom we didn’t know, but all of whom were wonderful. A warm autumn evening, in an ancient Roman arena, listening to Andrea Bocelli and the Three Tenors – it was unforgettable.

The concert ended around midnight at which time thousands of people poured out of the Arena and into the restaurants around the Piazza. There we all were, having shared an amazing experience, still excited and happy…and eating dinner at 1.00am. Great fun!

And that’s the second thing you notice about Verona – the tourists. The city is a magnet for visitors from around the world. Our home city, Bologna, is – for some reason – a bit off the tourist trail and while it certainly attracts visitors we don’t very often hear other English speakers around town. In Verona, though, we were surrounded by a dozen different languages. The upside is that the crowds bring a real energy to Verona and, for its part, this elegant city certainly knows how to impress its guests.

Verona’s old town is small and fits comfortably into a bend of the Adige River. The Arena and Piazza Bra sit at the southern end, and from there cobbled pedestrian streets lead out and up towards the river.

Here you’ll find shoppers browsing the world’s best-known brands in centuries old buildings; it’s a mix of new and old that works well. But once you’re through the main shopping area, the real beauty of Verona reveals itself. Gothic, baroque and neoclassical…portals, facades and palaces – all beautifully preserved and presented. Verona is a feast for the eyes and for the soul.

And then there’s the Casa di Giulietta, the house where Juliet’s family is purported to have lived. Every day thousands of people come to gaze up at a small stone balcony overlooking a tiny square. Most know this story is almost certainly only folklore, but nonetheless standing there among the crowds, it’s impossible not to think for a moment of those two young lovers – and then to reflect on just how lucky we are to be here together on this day in beautiful Verona, the City of Love.