Roman Arena

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  • Address
    Piazza Brà, city centre, 37121
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  • Phone
    045 800 51 51
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  • Transport
    bus: 11, 12, 13, 14 from train stn

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Lonely Planet review

For many, the heart of Verona is its pink-marble 1st-century Roman Arena . Once the scene of gladiatorial spectacles, it now stages a rather less bloodcurdling annual open-air opera season (July to September). The third-largest Roman amphitheatre in existence, it could seat around 30,000 people. It is remarkably well preserved, despite a 12th-century earthquake that destroyed most of its outer wall. The arena, similar to others built in Aosta, Arles and Nîmes, has had a mixed career.

From the shows and games of the Roman Empire to the opera of today, it was a long way. In medieval times the matinee showing tended to be jousts or autos-da-fé. In the meantime, the generous arcades were too good to simply admire, and ended up being used to install shops, depots and even private rooms. By the 16th century, the arcades were the designated location for the city's prostitutes. From the 18th century, a popular show was the caccia al toro, in which bulls were pitted against specially trained dogs. The arena's gentler operatic career began with a performance of Aida in 1913.