Visit the Verona Arena

The Arena is one of the largest amphitheatres in Italy and Verona’s most famous monument. It was built by the Romans around the mid 1st century CE to host a wide range of shows, including fights between gladiators and with ferocious or exotic animals. Its elliptical shape was conceived to allow seating for as many spectators as possible (ca. 30,000) and provide ample space for the shows. It was erected outside of the city walls to allow easy access and avoid excessive crowding downtown.

From the Middle Ages, the Arena’s arched gallery – the so-called arcovoli – were rented out by the city council and until the 16th century they were used by prostitutes and later by craftsmen. The inner part was used for a wide range of different purposes: to administer justice and for parties, shows, and races. In 1913, the Arena hosted the premiere of Verdi’s Aida and, since then, it has become the venue for the summer opera season.