Nestled in the heart of northern Italy, Verona is more than just the city of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It is a place where history, language, and identity intertwine, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange and political transformations. My roots are deeply connected to this land, not just through the Italian language but also through the rich linguistic heritage of Venetian and Veronese traditions, which tell a story of resilience, adaptation and character.
A City of UNESCO Heritage and Living History
Verona’s historical significance has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Verona is a recognition of its exceptional urban structure, artistic gems, and its role as a cultural crossroads from Roman times to the present. Walking through the city, one encounters layers of history: the Arena, the mediaeval charm of Piazza delle Erbe, and the fortified walls and bridges built by the Scaligeri, the ruling family that built up Verona in the Middle Ages.
The Scaligeri dynasty, particularly under Cangrande I della Scala, transformed Verona into a powerful intellectual hub. Cangrande was not only a skilled military leader but also a patron of the arts, hosting figures such as Dante Alighieri, who found refuge in Verona after his exile from Florence. This deep connection to cultural and intellectual traditions continues to influence the region, beyond romance.
Venetian and Veronese: Languages of My Heritage
While Italian is the official language of Italy, the spoken reality of Verona and much of northeastern Italy tells a more complex story. The Venetian language is a Romance language and the language of Goldoni. This language is distinct from standard Italian and has left an indelible mark on Veronese speech. Historically, Venetian was the lingua franca of trade and diplomacy throughout the Republic of Venice, spreading across territories, including Verona, which came under Venetian rule in 1405.
However, Verona’s linguistic identity is not just Venetian. The Veronese dialect (Veronese: Veronese, Venetian: Veroneso) carries its unique character, influenced by Lombard, Latin and Venetian elements. This dialect, spoken by older generations and still preserved in literature, theatre and local traditions, reflects the deep history of a city that has been at the centre of multiple cultural influences.
Many dialects are fading in everyday speech and are being replaced by standard Italian. Yet, for me, they remain a link to a past that is not just historical but personal: a connection to the voices of my culture and traditions, to a way of thinking and expressing that belongs to this land.
This also echoes in the life of Roberto Puliero (5 August 1946 – 19 November 2019), a well-known Veronese actor, theatre director and Hellas Verona commentator.
Puliero, who was deeply attached to Verona’s cultural, linguistic, and football life, also understood the importance of dialects. He graduated in classical literature from the University of Padua, where he presented a thesis on modern Greek theatre, reflecting his profound connection to his community’s traditions and heritage. He sang a traditional Veronese song for Hellas Verona, which won the Scudetto during the 1984-85 season.
In 1969, Puliero founded the theatre company La Barcaccia, through which he directed and performed in numerous plays, often adapting works by Carlo Goldoni and William Shakespeare.
Villafranca di Verona: A Town of Intellectuals and My Family’s Connection to Giuseppe Rensi
Beyond Verona itself, Villafranca di Verona stands as another cultural and intellectual point. This town, historically a key military and trade focus, is also known for producing influential thinkers. One such figure is Giuseppe Rensi (1871–1941), a philosopher whose existential and sceptical thought challenged traditional ideas of authority, ethics, morality, nepotism and political ideology.
My family’s roots are tied to this intellectual tradition. My maternal grandmother carried the Rensi surname, linking me to this philosophical legacy questioning the foundations of knowledge and existence. Rensi’s works, particularly his reflections on doubt and ethics, resonate deeply with my engagement in philosophy and AI ethics. His belief in questioning established norms and embracing critical thought is an intellectual inheritance that influences my research and worldview.
Preserving a Cultural and Linguistic Legacy
Today, globalisation, education, and digital media have transformed the linguistic landscape of Verona and its surroundings. While Italian dominates formal and public communication, dialects like Veronese and Venetian survive in family settings, local traditions, and folk music.
UNESCO’s recognition of Verona as a World Heritage site reminds us of the importance of preserving monuments and buildings and the cultural heritage, such as identities, languages and intellectual traditions that define a people. My connection to Verona isn’t just about the past. It’s a part of how I live, talk and think, no matter where I go and stay.
