Romeo & Juliet
The universal archetype of forbidden love
The teenage lovers of two feuding families whose deaths became the universal archetype of forbidden love.
01Why it matters
It is the most adapted love story in history: opera, ballet, film, "West Side Story." "Romeo and Juliet" became a synonym for impossible love in every language.
02The conflict
The feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.
03The iconic moment
The balcony scene; the double death in the tomb.
04What survived
Gounod's opera, Prokofiev's ballet, the films of Zeffirelli (1968) and Luhrmann (1996), and "West Side Story."
05What to watch, read & listen
06Where to travel
07Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Romeo & Juliet famous?
It is the most adapted love story in history: opera, ballet, film, "West Side Story." "Romeo and Juliet" became a synonym for impossible love in every language.
How does the story of Romeo & Juliet end?
The balcony scene; the double death in the tomb. Gounod's opera, Prokofiev's ballet, the films of Zeffirelli (1968) and Luhrmann (1996), and "West Side Story."
Where can you visit the story of Romeo & Juliet?
You can visit Juliet's House, in Verona. The Casa di Giulietta and its famous balcony.
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