Arco dei Gavi, Verona

in Verona

Arco dei Gavi
Arco dei Gavi
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Claconvr

Arco dei Gavi (often called the Arch of the Gavi) is a freestanding Roman arch set in a small green pocket next to Castelvecchio, right on the edge of the Adige. It's not the biggest monument in town, but it's one of the things to see in Verona because it feels unexpectedly intimate: a slice of ancient city life sitting quietly beside a major medieval fortress, with just enough space around it to step back and appreciate the proportions.

It's also a natural “stitch point” on a walking tour of Verona, especially if you like linking landmarks with simple, walkable transitions rather than hopping between ticketed interiors. Think of it as a pause that adds texture to your day: a few minutes to see Roman craftsmanship up close, then straight back into the flow of the historic centre.

History and Significance of the Arco dei Gavi

The arch was built in the 1st century AD to honour the gens Gavia, a prominent family in Roman Verona, and it originally stood along the Via Postumia, one of the key Roman roads connecting northern Italy. Unlike triumphal arches commissioned by emperors, this one is tied to local status and civic identity, which gives it a slightly different feel: refined, proud, and firmly rooted in Verona's own Roman story.

In the Middle Ages, the arch’s role shifted from monument to infrastructure, becoming part of the city’s defensive system and functioning as a gate. That re-use is part of what makes it interesting today: it wasn’t preserved in a museum-like bubble, but pulled into the practical needs of a changing city.

Its modern location is the result of a dramatic detour. During the Napoleonic occupation, it was demolished in 1805, its stones moved and stored, and then reassembled in 1932 using original blocks, close to its earlier position. That reconstruction story matters, because it explains why the arch sits where it does now and why it’s often described as both ancient and “returned.”

Things to See and Do in the Arco dei Gavi

Start by walking a slow loop around it, because the arch is designed to be read from multiple sides. The Corinthian columns and framing details are easier to appreciate when you give yourself a few angles, rather than standing only on the road-facing side.

Look for the details that make it unusually personal for a Roman monument, including the emphasis on names and identity, and the sense that it was meant to impress visitors arriving along a major route. Even if you do not know the full backstory, the carved geometry and balanced proportions still communicate that Roman “function with elegance” language.

Then use it as a connector stop. From here you can drift straight into Castelvecchio’s surroundings, follow the riverside edge for views, or continue along Corso Cavour toward the older centre lanes. It’s a small sight that fits beautifully between bigger ones, especially when you want your day to feel seamless.

How to Get to the Arco dei Gavi

Arco dei Gavi is next to Castelvecchio, in the small green area by the Adige, with the address commonly listed as Corso Cavour, 2. If you are already in the historic centre, it's an easy walk from Piazza Bra and the Arena area, and it's just as simple to reach from the river promenades.

For flights, the nearest airport is Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN), with additional options at Bergamo (BGY) and Venice Marco Polo (VCE) if you want broader route choice. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Verona on Booking.com. From VRN, shuttle buses and taxis bring you into the centre, then you can continue on foot to the Castelvecchio area.

By train, arrive at Verona Porta Nuova and take a short bus or taxi ride into the centre, then walk to Castelvecchio and the arch in minutes. Use Omnio to easily compare schedules, book train tickets, and find the best prices all in one place for a hassle-free journey across Italy. Local buses also work well if you want a straightforward budget transfer without adding much walking.

If you’re travelling by car, park at the edge of the historic centre in a garage and walk in, since central traffic patterns and limited access streets can make short drives feel slower than they look. If you are looking to rent a car in Italy I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Arco dei Gavi

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 hours
  • Best time to visit: Early morning for quiet, or late afternoon for softer light on the stone and a calmer riverside feel.
  • How long to spend: 10-20 minutes is ideal as a stand-alone stop; 30 minutes if you combine it with a slow loop around Castelvecchio and the river edge.
  • Accessibility: It’s largely flat and easy to approach, but sidewalks and crossings nearby can be busy, so take care when moving between viewpoints.
  • Facilities: No dedicated visitor facilities on-site; plan cafés and restrooms around Piazza Bra, Castelvecchio, or nearby central streets.

Where to Stay Close to the Arco dei Gavi

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Verona's Centro Storico around Piazza Bra and the main sights; if your priority is easy arrivals and fast rail connections, staying nearer Verona Porta Nuova can be more practical while still keeping the centre walkable.

If you want to be close to Castelvecchio and have an easy walk to the arch at any time of day, Hotel Milano & SPA is a strong central base for a landmark-focused itinerary. For a comfortable stay that sits neatly between the station and the historic core (and keeps Corso Cavour within easy reach), Hotel Mastino is a practical choice. If you prefer a classic old-town feel with quick access to both Piazza Bra and the Castelvecchio side of the centre, Hotel Accademia works very well.

Is the Arco dei Gavi Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you like small monuments with a strong story and an easy fit in a walkable day. It’s quick, free, and sits right on a route most visitors take anyway, which makes it one of those “high-impact, low-effort” stops that improves your sense of Verona’s Roman layers.

It’s also worth it because it changes the mood: after the spectacle of the Arena and the energy of the main squares, the arch feels quieter and more personal. You get a close-up Roman moment without the crowds that often gather at the headline sites.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (1,835)

Arco dei Gavi on Corso Cavour in Verona is a large white-marble Roman triumphal arch that was dismantled in the Napoleonic era and later reassembled; it sits outdoors near Castelvecchio and the river, making it an easy, free sight to admire while strolling the city, appreciated for its classical design and romantic setting with nearby gardens, bridges and ducks.

Dr. Hani Hossni
2 months ago
"Arco dei Gavi is a remarkable Roman triumphal arch in Verona, Italy, built in the 1st century AD to honor the noble Gavi family. Originally part ofthe city’s fortifications, it showcases elegant classical design. Though dismantled during Napoleonic rule, it was faithfully reconstructed and now stands proudly near Castelvecchio..."
Gaber Zidar
7 months ago
"Romantic place for lovers. River, old castle, green garden, ducks, bridges.... and just imagine to hug some sweet girl..."
Nataliya Ivanova
2 months ago
"Don't miss the chance to admire this beautiful monument of history."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, the Arco dei Gavi is a great micro-stop because it's visual and easy to understand without a long explanation. Kids can walk around it, look up, and immediately grasp that it's an ancient gateway-style monument, which often works better than a dense interior visit.

Pair it with a simple “bridge-and-castle” loop nearby so it feels like part of an active walk rather than a static lesson. Keeping it brief and combining it with open space tends to make it a smoother win.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this stop is more about atmosphere than checklist sightseeing. The small green setting and the riverside proximity give it a calm, slightly cinematic feel, especially late in the day when Verona softens and the stone takes on warmer tones.

It also works nicely as a transition between bigger moments: the Arena earlier, then a quieter walk via Castelvecchio and the arch, then dinner back in the centre. That pacing makes the day feel thoughtfully shaped.

Budget Travelers

Budget travellers should absolutely include it, because it’s free, central, and genuinely interesting even if you only give it ten minutes. It adds a Roman layer to your day without turning into a ticket decision or a time-consuming detour.

Use it as a connector between free experiences: riverside walking, exterior architecture, and the city's main squares. Verona is at its best when your itinerary mixes a few “big names” with these smaller, texture-rich stops.

FAQs for Visiting Arco dei Gavi

Getting There

It’s next to Castelvecchio, in a small green area by the Adige, just off Corso Cavour. It’s an easy walk from Piazza Bra and other central sights.
Aim for Castelvecchio and follow Corso Cavour until you reach the castle area, then step into the green space beside it. Once you’re at Castelvecchio, the arch is very close and easy to spot.
From Verona Porta Nuova, take a short bus or taxi ride toward the centre and get off near the Castelvecchio area, then walk a few minutes. If you’re travelling light, you can also walk from the station in a direct, simple line.
Parking is easiest in garages at the edge of the historic centre, then you walk in. Driving into the core is rarely worth it for a quick monument stop because access streets and traffic rules add friction.

Tickets & Entry

It’s free to visit because it sits in public space and does not have a controlled entry. There’s no ticketing, so you can stop as briefly or as long as you like.
It’s essentially an open-air viewing experience: walking around the arch, appreciating the details, and fitting it into a wider route. If you want more context, a guided city walk can add depth, but the monument itself is self-contained.
No booking is needed, and it’s easy to visit on impulse. The only planning factor is choosing a time with better light and fewer people around the nearby crossings.
Because it’s outdoors in public space, it’s accessible year-round without seasonal opening schedules. The practical difference is daylight and weather, which affect comfort and photography more than access.
The main thing people miss is how close it is to active streets, so it’s worth being careful when stepping back for photos. Treat it as a streetside monument rather than a fenced archaeological site.

Visiting Experience

Ten minutes is enough to circle it, take photos, and get the sense of it. If you have twenty minutes, you can slow down and appreciate the carving and proportions more fully.
Yes, because it’s quick, free, and sits naturally on routes you’re likely already walking. It adds a Roman layer without stealing time from the Arena or the main squares.
Combine it with Castelvecchio and a short riverside walk, then continue toward Piazza Bra or deeper into the historic lanes. It’s an easy loop that feels varied without needing transport.
It’s better in fair weather because you’re outdoors and the experience is mostly visual. In light rain it can still work as a very quick stop, but stone details and photos are best in dry light.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

It’s often included because it sits near other major stops and helps tell Verona’s Roman-to-medieval story. Even self-guided routes commonly pass it as a natural connector between areas.
Independently, it’s easy and satisfying as a short look. A guide becomes worthwhile if you want deeper context on why the arch was built, how it was reused, and what you’re seeing in the details.
Start at Piazza Bra, walk to Castelvecchio and the arch, then follow the river edge briefly before looping back into the centre. It’s straightforward, scenic, and keeps navigation simple.

Photography

Yes, because it’s close-up, architectural, and easy to frame without crowds clustering right on top of you. It’s especially good for detail shots of columns and stone texture.
Late afternoon tends to flatter the stone and gives a calmer feel around the riverside edge. Early morning also works well if you want cleaner frames and fewer passersby.
As an outdoor monument in public space, casual photography is typically fine. The main limitation is courtesy and safety around nearby pedestrian flow and crossings.
A slightly off-centre angle that includes both the arch and a hint of Castelvecchio context tells the strongest story. If you want pure symmetry, step back just enough to capture the full opening and columns cleanly.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, it’s approachable on foot with mostly flat access in the immediate area. The main consideration is navigating sidewalks and crossings in a busy central zone.
No dedicated facilities are tied to the arch itself. Plan breaks around nearby cafés and attractions, especially in the Piazza Bra and central streets area.
Yes, the surrounding area has benches and plenty of café seating options within a short walk. It’s an easy stop to fold into a slower-paced day.
Yes, as a quick outdoor stop it’s stroller-friendly and low-pressure. It works best when paired with a short walk so kids can stay in “moving mode.”

Food & Breaks Nearby

Head toward Piazza Bra for maximum choice, or duck into the side streets between Corso Cavour and the central lanes for slightly calmer options. The Castelvecchio area is also a convenient place to pause mid-walk.
This is a great pre-lunch stop before you head into the historic core for a longer sit-down meal. It fits neatly into a route that ends in the livelier piazzas where choices are widest.

Safety & Timing

Yes, it’s central and well trafficked, especially around Castelvecchio routes. As always, keep an eye on belongings in busy tourist areas and stay aware near road crossings.
Morning is best for quiet and clean photos, while late afternoon is best for warmer light and a more relaxed city feel. If you’re building a sunset walk, it’s an easy stop on the way to riverside viewpoints.

Nearby Attractions to the Arco dei Gavi

  • Castelvecchio: Verona's fortress-castle complex with strong medieval character and a riverside setting that pairs naturally with the arch.
  • Ponte Scaligero: The striking Castelvecchio bridge, ideal for river views and dramatic stone-and-water photos.
  • Piazza Bra: Verona’s grand central square and the natural next stop if you want to reconnect with the city’s main energy.
  • Arena di Verona: The city's headline Roman monument, perfect to compare with the smaller, more intimate scale of the arch.
  • Porta Borsari: Another Roman-era gateway experience in the centre, great for building a short “Roman Verona” mini-route on foot.

The Arco dei Gavi appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Verona!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 hours

Price:

Free

Address: Arco dei Gavi, Corso Cavour, Verona, VR, Italy
Verona: 0 km

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