Arco della Costa
A medieval archway in Verona featuring a mysterious hanging whale rib, steeped in local legend and connecting vibrant historic piazzas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Arco della Costa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A medieval archway in Verona featuring a mysterious hanging whale rib, steeped in local legend and connecting vibrant historic piazzas.
"The Arco della Costa is a charming, legendary spot connecting Verona's most vibrant squares, with a whale rib that sparks endless curiosity."
📸 Capture the Mystery
Don't miss a photo under the whale rib! It's a unique Verona landmark with fascinating legends.
🚶♂️ Connects Key Piazzas
The arch is a natural passageway between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Hanging Whale Rib
Under the arch
A mysterious, massive whale rib suspended from the arch, sparking local legends and curiosity.
Intricate Carvings
Archway details
Admire the detailed stonework and medieval craftsmanship that adorns this historic passage.
Piazza delle Erbe Connection
Entrance to Piazza delle Erbe
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Verona's most famous market square as you pass through.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Legends
Best Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Mystery
Don't miss a photo under the whale rib! It's a unique Verona landmark with fascinating legends.
🚶♂️ Connects Key Piazzas
The arch is a natural passageway between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori.
🧐 Learn the Legends
Ask locals or guides about the stories behind the whale bone for a richer experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Mystery
Don't miss a photo under the whale rib! It's a unique Verona landmark with fascinating legends.
🚶♂️ Connects Key Piazzas
The arch is a natural passageway between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori.
🧐 Learn the Legends
Ask locals or guides about the stories behind the whale bone for a richer experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Arco della Costa's unique whale rib and the legends surrounding it. Its central location connecting Verona's vibrant piazzas makes it a charming and historically significant spot, perfect for a quick photo opportunity and a glimpse into local folklore. While some find it a brief stop, its iconic imagery and historical context are highly memorable.
"Arco della Costa is a medieval archway in the heart of Verona, featuring a hanging whale rib and rich in local legend and history. It connects Piazza delle Erbe to nearby historic streets, boasting intricately carved details. This charming spot is perfect for photos and experiencing the city's vibrant culture, making it a must-see for Verona visitors."
E Scott Parks
"The Arco della Costa is located near Piazza delle Erbe, under which a whale bone hangs, there are several legends and mysteries related to this bone. Some believe that it is good luck to pass under it, while others believe that the bone will only fall when an honest and pure-hearted person passes by. The origin of the bone is uncertain, but it is thought that it could be a relic from the Battle of Lepanto, an ichthyosaur fossil or simply an advertising sign from an old pharmacy."
Davide Bernardi
"The Arco della Costa is a mysterious and symbolic architectural element of Verona, located between two emblematic buildings in the historic center: the Palazzo della Ragione and the Casa dei Giudici, near Piazza delle Erbe.
It is a vaulted stone arch, sober and elegant, that connects the two medieval palaces, forming a small pedestrian passage. What makes it really special is the fact that, from under the arch, hangs a huge animal rib, fixed in an iron hook — hence its name, "Arch of the Coast"."
Mărginean Cristina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Arco della Costa is centrally located in Verona's historic center, easily accessible on foot from most major attractions. It's situated between Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza dei Signori, making it a natural part of exploring these vibrant squares.
Yes, Arco della Costa is directly connected to Piazza delle Erbe, serving as a gateway to the bustling market square. You'll likely pass through it while exploring the area.
If you're not staying in the immediate vicinity, consider taking a bus to the city center and then walking. Verona's public transport is efficient, and the arch is a short walk from many central bus stops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Arco della Costa is a public archway and a part of the city's historic streets. There is no admission fee to walk through it or admire its features.
As it's an open passageway, Arco della Costa is accessible 24/7. However, the surrounding piazzas and shops have their own operating hours.
For the best experience and fewer crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. This also provides better lighting for photography.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo is taken from beneath the arch, capturing the whale rib. You can also get great shots looking towards Piazza delle Erbe or Piazza dei Signori.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for photography. Weekends can be busier, so weekdays might be better for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage in historic city centers like Verona is often restricted due to regulations and privacy concerns. It's best to check local drone laws before flying.
🎫 🧐 History & Legends
The whale rib has several legends. Some say it's a relic from the Battle of Lepanto, others an ichthyosaur fossil, or an old apothecary's sign. It's believed it will only fall when an honest person passes beneath.
Arco della Costa is a medieval architectural element connecting important historic buildings and piazzas in Verona. It's a symbol of the city's rich past and local folklore.
The name 'Arco della Costa' translates to 'Arch of the Coast' or 'Arch of the Rib,' directly referencing the large animal rib hanging from its underside.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since the arch connects two major piazzas, it's a perfect spot to take a break from walking. You can easily transition from exploring the arch to enjoying the sights and sounds of Piazza delle Erbe, which often has street performers or vendors that can entertain younger visitors. Remember to keep an eye on children in the bustling squares.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
To get the best shots without crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The softer light during these golden hours will enhance the textures of the stone and the atmosphere of the historic setting. Consider using a wider lens to capture both the arch and the surrounding piazza, or a tighter shot to focus on the details of the rib and carvings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystery of the Whale Rib
While its exact origin remains debated, theories abound. Some believe it's a relic from the historic Battle of Lepanto, a significant naval engagement in the 16th century. Others propose it might be a fossilized ichthyosaur bone, or perhaps a more mundane, yet still historically relevant, advertising sign for an old apothecary shop that once stood nearby. The apothecary theory suggests the bone was used to create medicinal remedies, acting as a visual lure for customers.
Regardless of its true origin, the whale rib has become an iconic symbol of the Arco della Costa and a must-see for anyone visiting Verona. It sparks conversation and adds a unique, slightly eerie charm to this historic passageway, making it more than just an architectural feature but a piece of living folklore.
Architectural Significance and Location
Its strategic location places it at the heart of Verona's bustling historic center. Passing through the arch offers a tangible connection to the city's past, allowing visitors to transition from the vibrant market atmosphere of Piazza delle Erbe, with its colorful stalls and lively energy, to the more stately and perhaps contemplative Piazza dei Signori, often referred to as Verona's 'living room.' This transition is made all the more memorable by the presence of the mysterious whale rib overhead.
The archway is nestled between the Palazzo della Ragione and the Casa dei Giudici, further emphasizing its integration into Verona's core historical fabric. Its simple yet effective design ensures it complements, rather than overpowers, the surrounding Renaissance and medieval architecture, making it a subtle yet essential part of the Veronese urban landscape.
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