Discover the world of ancient gladiator fights and operas at Verona Arena

The Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater from the 1st century AD in Verona, Italy, originally hosted gladiator fights. Now, it's a top opera venue, famed for summer productions like Verdi's Aida. Its vast, ancient architecture enhances the immersive...

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Discover the world of ancient gladiator fights and operas at Verona Arena

Quick Information

ADDRESS

P.za Brà, 1, 37121 Verona VR, Italy

RECOMMENDED DURATION

1 hour

Timings

09:00–19:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

500000

TICKETS

From $31.18

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

1-2 hours (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

The Verona Arena hosted gladiatorial contests, dancing, circus processions, prisoner executions and battles between wild exotic animals.

The amphitheater's elliptical shape and tiered seating create stunning natural acoustics that reflect and amplify sound, eliminating the need for modern amplification.

The Verona Arena, renowned for its opera performances by legends like Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi, has served as a stage for several iconic rock and pop concerts featuring artists like Bruce Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Sting, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Muse, and Leonard Cohen, and many more.

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Why visit the Verona Arena?

See a top-preserved ancient amphitheater: The Verona Arena stands tall even after 2,000 years, and it is the third biggest amphitheater still around in Europe, just after the Colosseum. The arena's big oval shape and tall stone walls show how skilled the ancient Romans were at building.
Enjoy opera and global concerts: Once a venue for gladiator fights, the arena now stages performances by international bands and artists like Pink Floyd, Roger Waters, Alicia Keys, Evanescence and Muse. It also hosts operas! Experience the magic of timeless classics like Aida and Carmen or beloved masterpieces like La Traviata and Turandot while being seated under the open sky, surrounded by the ancient walls of the amphitheater.
Appreciate unique acoustics: If you attend one of the opera events happening at the arena, you can experience exceptional clarity and resonance of sound in the arena due to its remarkable acoustics. The oval shape and stone construction of the amphitheater allow for sound waves to travel and amplify, creating a captivating auditory experience for spectators during performances.
Soak in the cityscape views: Climb to the highest rows of the Arena and treat yourself to the charming cityscape, taking in sights of the bustling Piazza Bra, the Adige River, and the rolling hills beyond. For added magic, visit during or after sunset when the city shines with lights.

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What to see at the Verona Arena?

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The grand architecture

The arena is a vast oval space surrounded by towering stone walls, where events from bull fights to operas have taken place through the course of history. The arena hosts performances like galas and concerts, offering close-up views of the stage and performers.

Cavea

The Cavea is the seating area, consisting of stone steps, simple and padded chairs, surrounding the arena floor. It is divided into different sections based on proximity to the stage and rises in tiers, like giant steps, providing sweeping views of the performances below.

The ring remnant

Much of the arena crumbled in the 1117 earthquake, and while the overall structure remains largely intact, parts of the outer ring were lost during the earthquake, resulting in its incomplete appearance. Despite this, restoration efforts have preserved its historical integrity. The ring remnant, a surviving portion of the arena, serves as a reminder of the earthquake's impact.

The surrounding Piazza

The Piazza is dotted with trees and impressive historical buildings. On one side, there are cozy restaurants and bars, overlooking the "liston" (a wide sidewalk paved with exquisite red marble from Verona's nearby mountains), showcasing fascinating spiral-shaped fossilized shells. The arena is at the center of the Piazza.

History of the Verona Arena

1 AD: The Romans start constructing the Verona Arena.

1117: The strongest earthquake ever recorded in northern Italy wrecks part of the arena.

1590: The first known joust happens here, with knights showing off their horse skills.

1751: People are amazed by a show with a rhinoceros at the arena.

1786: A famous writer named Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visits and loves the arena.

1798: Napoleon watches a hunting event at the arena after his army beats Venice.

1913: The first ever modern opera, Aida by Giuseppe Verdi, is performed.

1945: The arena gets damaged in the World War II but survives.

Today: The Verona Arena still hosts lots of brilliant events, like operas and concerts with famous singers like Yanni, Muse, and Evanescence.

Detailed history of Verona Arena

How did the Verona Arena get its name?

The Verona Arena, much like its Roman counterparts, was constructed as a multifunctional venue, hosting everything from grand processions and protests to vibrant musical shows and brutal blood sports. Among its grisly spectacles were battles between gladiators and hunts of exotic beasts, all set upon a floor covered in sand. This sand, soaked with the blood of combatants and creatures alike, lent the arena its name, derived from the Latin word for sand— a poignant reminder of the arena's violent past.

The legend of the Verona di Arena

Legend has it that during the construction of the Arena di Verona, a condemned prisoner struck a deal with the rulers: he'd build a structure big enough to fit all citizens in exchange for his freedom, seeking help from the devil. However, he repented his alliance with the devil and prayed to Our Lady, who scared the demons away and liberated him. While the arena's external wing remained unfinished, the prisoner still earned his freedom thanks to its construction.

Verona Arena architecture

The Verona Arena's design is a testament to ancient Roman engineering brilliance. The amphitheater boasts a massive elliptical shape with towering stone walls that once accommodated up to 30,000 spectators. Its outer walls are crafted from pink and white limestone, giving it a majestic appearance.

Inside, the seating area is cleverly divided into tiers, ensuring every spectator has a perfect view of the action below. Crafted from Veronese marble, beneath the tiers lie galleries, cells, and passageways inaccessible to visitors today. It is regarded as one of the most well-preserved monuments of its type, and its perimeter spans an impressive 391 meters. The ingenious use of ramps and staircases ensures smooth flow of traffic, allowing thousands of attendees to enter and exit efficiently.

The Verona Arena as an Opera venue

The Verona Arena stands as a revered venue for open-air opera performances, drawing acclaim as a cultural hub of world-class productions. The arena has a seating capacity of up to 15,000 attendees, and has hosted illustrious figures such as Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras, all of whom have contributed significantly to the legacy of Verona Opera.

The oval-shaped amphitheater, built with sturdy stone materials, enhances sound waves, creating an engaging auditory experience. This makes the performances of beloved operas like Aida, Carmen or La Boheme even more fulfilling to watch.

The Verona Arena festival

The Verona Arena Festival, held in the historic Arena, is a summer event between 7 June and 7 September dedicated to opera. The performances usually begin around 9 pm. Adding to the ambiance, spectators illuminate the arena with small candles known as "mocoleto." This tradition dates back to 1913 when Aida was staged to commemorate the centenary of Giuseppe Verdi's birth, spearheaded by tenor Giovanni Zenatello and impresario Ottone Rovato.

This year, the 101st Arena Festival will kick off with Turandot, with stunning sets and costumes. You'll also get to see recent productions like Il Barbiere di Siviglia and Carmen. Aida will be showcased in two styles: modern and classic 1913. Special evening events include performances by Roberto Bolle and Plácido Domingo, and immersive concerts featuring Vivaldi and Orff's Carmina Burana.

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Other uses of the Arena

The Verona Arena has hosted numerous concerts by famous rock and pop bands like Zucchero Fornaciari, Roger Waters and Bruce Springsteen. It's also been a venue for special events, like Diodato's performance after the Eurovision Song Contest was canceled in 2020. Additionally, it's been used for sports ceremonies, including the Giro d'Italia podium presentations and the CEV European Women's Volleyball Championships. Looking ahead, it's set to host the closing ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Olympics and the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Paralympics.

Frequently asked questions about the Verona Arena

How is the Verona Arena different from other Roman amphitheaters?

It stands out from other Roman amphitheaters with its unique oval shape, distinctive pink and white limestone walls. It’s also renowned specifically for hosting opera performances, notably through the celebrated Verona Arena Festival held annually, making it a distinct cultural landmark in Italy. This year, the opera festival occurs between 7 June and 7 September, with the return of classics such as Carmen and Aida.

Are there any parts of the arena that are not open to the public?

Yes, there are certain parts of the Verona Arena that are not open to the public, such as restricted backstage areas, maintenance rooms, and certain archaeological sites undergoing excavation or preservation work. These areas are typically off-limits to visitors to ensure safety and to protect the historical integrity of the site.

What are the opera performances that are locally popular in the Verona Arena?

Locally popular opera performances often include iconic works such as Giuseppe Verdi's Aida, La Traviata, and Nabucco, as well as Giacomo Puccini's Tosca and Turandot. These timeless classics consistently draw large audiences to the arena's spectacular open-air performances, captivating both locals and visitors alike with their enchanting melodies and dramatic storytelling.

How did the Verona Arena survive natural disasters and wars?

The Verona Arena's survival is attributed to its sturdy construction using limestone and concrete, strategic location within the city's defensive walls, and ongoing maintenance and restoration efforts over the centuries.

Why is the Arena open-air?

The Verona Arena is open-air primarily because of its historical origins as a Roman amphitheater, where outdoor events like gladiatorial contests and public spectacles were held. Additionally, the open-air design allowed for natural ventilation and light within the structure, enhancing the experience for both performers and spectators.