Verona: Arena di Verona
Built in AD 30, the Arena di Verona, the third largest ampitheater in Italy, is one of the most intact structures left from the Roman era.Throughout its long history, visitors to the arena have seen a variety of events - from gladiator games in Roman times to executions during the Middle Ages and jousts during the Renaissance.
In 1913, the amphitheater began what would become its claim to fame in the music world. It presented its first opera, Aida. Today, the Arena di Verona hosts an annual, summer opera season drawing audiences of up to 16,000 people.
The operas can be quite spectacular with large casts, elaborate sets, and the occasional animal. Added to that, the theater makes the evening magical by providing each audience member with a candle. The 16,000 or so candles are then lit at sunset.
Aida
June 20, 25, July 5, 10, 14, 18, 24, August 2, 5, 9, 12, 20, 29,
Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci
June 13, 19, 23, July 3, 8, 17, August 8, 13, 22,
La traviata
August 1, 7, 15, 21,
Nabucco
July 4, 9, 15, 25, August 6, 11, 19, 28,
Roberto Bolle and Friends
July 20, 21,
Opera Tickets and Hotels
Get details about theater tickets and hotel packages.
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Address: Piazza Brà 5
See also:
Arena di Verona 2016 Opera Schedule
Other theaters in Italy:
Teatro La Fenice - Venice
La Scala - Milan
Teatro dell'Opera - Rome
Seating at Arena di Verona
The best seats are in the center on the main floor. These best seats are upholstered with cushions, reserved and numbered. Further back, you find reserved, numbered seats, with backs but no cushions. Still further, you have the option of numbered, metal chairs with low backs and no cushions, or, finally, open, unnumbered spots on the stone steps (no backs). Some people bring their own cushions to use on the stone steps.
What to Wear at Arena di Verona
Smart or Dressy Casual - You will see people wearing short-sleeve button-down shirts, khaki pants, sport coats, sundresses, and comfortable shoes. It's an open-air amphitheater, so you may want to bring a jacket. The majority of the seats (except the ones at ground level) do not have seat backs and are made of stone; dress comfortably. Those wearing shorts and t-shirts may feel out of place.
