Verona is a city in northern Italy located on the Adige River with over 265,000 inhabitants. It has a rich artistic heritage and is the setting for three of Shakespeare's plays, leading to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has a long history, originally inhabited by the Euganei people before becoming a Roman colony in 89 BC. In the medieval era, Verona was dominated by its many towers and ruled by powerful families who expanded and beautified the city. Today, Verona is best known as the legendary location of the story of Romeo and Juliet, though the historical accuracy is uncertain.