Verona Arena
Travel Attractions
Verona Arena
Verona Arena
Quick Facts
- Name: Verona Arena
-
Location: P.za Bra, 1, 37121 Verona VR, Italy
- Built 30 AD
- Type of attraction: Amphitheater
- Ticket price: From $30
LOCATION
The Verona Arena (Arena di Verona) is a Roman amphitheater in Piazza Bra in Verona, Italy, built in the first century, beyond city walls. Today, the arena maintains a central position in the city of Verona.
It is still in use today and is internationally famous for the large-scale opera productions given there. It is one of the best surviving ancient constructions of its sort.
HISTORY
In ancient times, the arena’s capacity was over 30,000 people. The stage for concerts and opera events limits the available seating to a maximum of 15,000.
The ludi (shows and games) conducted there were so famous that spectators came from numerous other places, frequently far away, to witness them. The amphitheater could hold more than 30,000 spectators in ancient times.
The first attempts to reclaim the arena’s function as an opera venue occurred during the Renaissance. Some operatic performances were later held in the structure during the 1850s, owing to its remarkable acoustics.
At 1913, operatic performances in the arena begun in earnest due to the energy and initiative of the Italian opera tenor Giovanni Zenatello and the impresario Ottone Rovato. The first 20th-century operatic production at the arena, a staging of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, took place on 10 August of that year, to honor the birth of Verdi 100 years before in 1813. Musicians Puccini and Mascagni were in attendance. Since then, summer seasons of opera have been mounted continually at the arena, save in 1915–18 and 1940–45, when Europe was overrun in war.
In current times, at least four productions (often up to six) are setup each year between June and August. During the winter months, the local opera and ballet companies perform in the Teatro Filarmonico.
Modern-day passengers are cautioned that entrance tickets to sit on the arena’s stone steps are far cheaper to buy than tickets allowing access to the comfortable chairs accessible on lower levels. Candles are handed to the audience and ignited after sunset around the arena.
Every year around 500,000 people witness renditions of the popular operas in this venue.
HOW TO GET TO THE ARENA?
The location of Arena Verona is very central and cannot be missed, but if you are coming from other areas, bus station at Piazza Bra is the best place to arrive closest to the Arena. Buses numbers 11, 12, 13, and 51 will get you there.
Top hotels near Verona Arena
Hotel Gabbia D’Oro
The 5-star Hotel Gabbia D’Oro offers comfort and convenience whether you’re on business or holiday in Verona. The hotel offers a wide range of amenities and perks to ensure you have a great time. Property Location With a stay at…
Hotel Antica Porta Leona & SPA
With a stay at Hotel Antica Porta Leona & SPA, you’ll be centrally located in Verona, steps from Porta Leoni and Biblioteca Civica. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of San Fermo Maggiore and Juliet’s House. Property Location With…
Due Torri Hotel
Set in a prime location of Verona, Due Torri Hotel puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. Offering a variety of facilities and services, the hotel provides all you need for a good night’s sleep.
Travel info about Verona and Italy
Verona: city of love
By placing his play, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in Verona, William Shakespeare has forever positioned this city on the world stage. Located in northern Italy, near Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) and almost on equidistance from Milan, Venice and Bologna, Verona…
Visit Italy: 14 things you need to know
Italy has it all: rich history, spectacular cultural heritage, great food, wonderful site seeing experiences, numerous world known landmarks, friendly people, affordable accommodation and easy transport from place to place.
Tours and trips including Verona Arena
Verona food and wine walking tour will give you a taste of the city’s culinary culture. While being guided by an expert, try pairing a traditional Italian pastry with an…
Verona Food and Wine Walking Tour – small group
Don’t simply photograph the gorgeous façade of the Verona Arena (Arena di Verona); with this combo skip-the-line ticket and private tour, you’ll get a personalized peek inside the Roman amphitheater….
Verona Arena Guided Tour: Skip the Line
Complete your Italian holiday with a fully escorted day trip from Venice to Verona. Includes skip the line access to Verona Arena.
Verona Day Trip from Venice: Juliet’s Balcony, Verona Arena, Colle San Pietro
There is nothing quite like Verona in Northern Italy. With a history that dates back to Roman times, the city center is divided by the river Adige, and it’s a…
Two Hour Verona Walking Tour
Interesting facts about Verona Arena
Here are some interesting facts about this amazing ancient landmark:
- The Arena is one of the best-preserved ancient structures in the world.
- Because it was built in Its elliptical shape, it enhances the acoustic quality of the performances.
Some operatic performances were performed in the building as early as the 1850s, owing to its outstanding acoustics.
Safe travels!
[lmt-post-modified-info]
