In the days of Romans, there was an ancient forum where gladiator fights took place. Later, in the Medieval Ages, the square operated as a market where traders sold fruits and vegetables. That’s why it was named  “Piazza delle Erbe” since the Italian word “erbe” means “herbs”. 

The first thing you will notice in the centre of the square is the Madonna Verona fountain which was built in the 14th century during the reign of the Scaligeri family. The marble Roman statue, which is much older than the fountain, holds a scroll with an old motto of the municipality: “est justi latrix urbs haec, et laudis amatrix” (To this city, bearer of justice and lover of praise). 

Madonna Verona is surrounded by important buildings: on the left, you can see Casa dei Mazzanti (the House of Mazzanti)  decorated with 16th-century frescoes by the Italian painter Alberto Cavalli, and next door to it, the Torre dei Laberti (the Tower of Laberti), the highest tower of Verona. Behind the fountain, you will notice the 17th-century Baroque building of Palazzo Maffei (the Maffei Castle)  and Torre del Gardello (the Tower of Gardello), another old tower with a mediaeval clock, and Colonna di San Marco, with its winged lion which represents the Venice. The sculpture was erected in 1523 when Verona was under Venetian rule, to show the dominance of Venice. 

You should finish your stroll under the Arco della Costa (the Arch of Costa)  on the left side of the square. There is a large bone under the arch, which some people say is from a whale, others from a dragon. Legend says that it will fall on you if you walk through and you are honest.