Yes, I was in Verona. And while many associate this charming city primarily with Juliet's balcony I would like to tell a different story, one about another wonder: the Arena di Verona. No, I did not attend an opera, did not listen to "La Traviata" under the stars, but I stood right in front of this enormous structure, touched its ancient walls, and tried to imagine everything they have witnessed. This is not simply stone. It is history, chiseled in marble.
What is the Arena di Verona?
The Arena is a Roman amphitheaterbuilt as early as 30 AD. It already existed before the Roman Empire reached its greatest extent. Originally located outside the city walls, it later became part of the urban core as Verona grew.
It is remarkable how well it has been preserved. Despite earthquakes, wars, and the passage of time, the basic structure still stands. Back in its day, it could hold up to 30,000 spectators, almost like a small city. Today, it no longer hosts gladiatorial combat but rather concerts, operas, and cultural events. Artists such as The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Elton John, and Andrea Bocelli have all performed here.
What left a particularly strong impression:
First, the sheer size. In photos it looks large, but in person it is simply overwhelming. And at the same time, it feels very "alive." One can almost sense history breathing through it.
Second, the atmosphere. Even standing outside, it was easy to imagine what it must have been like when spectators sat shoulder to shoulder, what the cheering sounded like, how everyone held their breath. Today the shows are different, but the magic remains.
Third, the contrast. The Arena stands right in the heart of Verona, on the Piazza Bra, surrounded by cafés, boutiques, and tourists with gelato in hand. This closeness of everyday life and antiquity is simply wonderful.
Since May 2025, the Arena is open again!
The Arena is older than the Colosseum in Rome by a full 50 years! During the summer opera festival, genuine stage sets are used, not projections, but actual constructions under the open sky. In the Middle Ages , part of the stadium was destroyed by an earthquake and the stones were used for the reconstruction of other buildings. Italians take great pride in the Arena: it is a symbol of the city.
A visit was made in April. And honestly, there was a strong desire to go inside, but the Arena was closed. It turned out that it had been temporarily inaccessible due to restoration work . The good news: since May 2025, the Arena is open again!
From June 13 to September 6, 2025, the renowned Arena di Verona Opera Festival takes place. The program includes "Aida," "Carmen," "La Traviata," "Rigoletto," and "Carmina Burana," among others. There are also performances by stars such as Roberto Bolle and Jonas Kaufmann. For those planning a trip to Verona in summer , it is well worth checking the schedule in advance!
How to get to the Arena di Verona?
Once in the city, the Arena is hard to miss. It is located in the center, on the Piazza Bra. From Verona Porta Nuova station, it is about a 20-minute walk or a few minutes by bus.
Even without attending a performance, a look inside is worthwhile. Admission is paid (prices may vary by season), but it offers a great sense of the atmosphere and the impressive architecture.
For those who wish, it is possible to climb to the upper tiers, where there is certainly a lovely view over Verona. A personal visit to the top was not made, but it is easy to imagine that it would be worth it.
Opening hours:
Tuesday through Sunday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:30 PM)
Monday: closed, except on public holidays
The Arena in Internet!