There are grandiose constructions in this world, and without a doubt, one of them is the famous Arena of Verona. A unique place that has seen so much history happen in its surroundings and in its inner corridors, that we don't even know how to list.
Walking around this monument is like getting to know beauties from the XNUMXst century, a time so distant that we only have remnants of stories. But there she is in beautiful Verona, beautiful, stately and brighter than ever! The place is simply majestic in Italy.
To Verona Arena
The Verona Arena is the symbol of the city, and its biggest attraction. This beautiful monument attracts thousands of tourists every year, not only to discover this structure of the first half of the XNUMXst century, but also to see the numerous performances that take place here during the European summer, such as operas, concerts and the like.
Of those attractions that are worth a trip to a place, the Arena of Verona never disappoints! So, let's find out more about it and how to visit this beauty!
Accommodation in Verona
How about starting to plan your trip and staying in Verona? Even better, how about staying very close to the Verona Arena? Indeed, Verona is a very peaceful city to explore on foot, after all all the attractions are close by. Therefore, if you choose to stay close to the old center, you will be close to all of them. So, an excellent option, very close to the Verona Arena is the Grand Hotel des Arts. With a wonderful location, this is one of those hotels that make holidays more enjoyable.
If you want to wake up, open the balcony and face the Arena, there are several apartments on Booking, one of which is the Arena Dreams Apartment. Also very close to the Arena, but much cheaper, are the Hotel Siena and Hotel Verona, which also have good reviews. But those who want to stay close to Verona's train station have the Sole Hotel Verona as a great option.
About Arena of Verona
Located in Piazza Bra', starting point for most visitors to the city, the Amphitheater was built in the first half of the XNUMXst century AD. Right in the period that marked the end of the reign of Augustus and the beginning of Claudius. At the time of its construction, the Arena was outside the Roman walls, to avoid possible outbreaks of disturbance and/or violence.
Although arena in Latin means “sand”, “harena”, or the area covered with sand, the word ended up becoming a synonym for amphitheater. This is because where the gladiator shows and fights at the time of the Roman Empire were held, sand was used to absorb the blood of gladiators and animals in the center of the amphitheater.
Functions of the Arena of Verona throughout History
Throughout its existence, the Arena had several functions. Initially, it served to host fights between gladiators, later other types of shows were presented there. Like everything else, the place has had many ups and downs over these 2 years. But without a doubt, the saddest part of its long existence was in the Middle Ages. For in that period the Arena was used to burn 200 heretics in 1278. In addition, it served as a dwelling for prostitutes from 1276 to 1310.
But it also enjoyed certain moments of glory when it hosted the 25-day celebration for the marriage of Antonio della Scalla to Samaritana da Polenta. After all, this was a memorable party in the city.
Incidentally, it is believed that the amphitheater has never ceased to be used in all this time, except for a brief period. Besides, one of the great surprises of its history was having survived the earthquake of 1117 almost intact. Therefore, the Arena can reach the present day very impressive and well preserved.
Verona Arena Facade
The beautiful construction was made of marble from the region. The facade was built in white and pink limestone from the nearby Valpolicella quarries. Thanks to a recent restoration, its original color can be seen.
But unfortunately, of its rich decoration, little has survived to the present day. So what was found can be seen in the Civic Archaeological Museum, in the city.
Measurements of the Verona Arena
A Verona Arena is the third largest amphitheater in Italy, after the Coliseum and the amphitheater of Capua. But he is the best preserved of all. The amphitheater is so large that when it was inaugurated it could house the entire population of the city, which was around 30 people.
The Roman amphitheater is 152 meters long, 123 meters wide and 31 meters high. Having been built from three concentric rings, and of these, the exterior has only one side that remains standing, being known as "Wing".
The second inner ring remains intact with its double row of seventy-two arches. The perimeter of the area where the seats are located is 391 meters, and including the wing, the outer ring, is 435 meters.
Its elliptical shape produces perfect acoustics at all points in the arena and increases its capacity to accommodate large numbers of people.
Underneath the Arena there are galleries, cells and passages (which cannot be visited), which served, and still serve, in part, for the complex operation of the amphitheater.
Events in Verona Arena
Since 1913, the Arena has been used as the first and most important open-air opera house in the world. It holds 22 spectators during the summer and features works by Verdi, such as Aida.
Staging in opera format of Romeo and Juliet takes place every year, to please fans who want to unite all the attractions of the city in one.
shows and theaters
But in addition to being the stage for operas, the place hosts plays, concerts by many famous singers, rock concerts and festivals, including the traditional Opera Festival.
And every year, the famous last night of the festival bar. This is a festival that travels around Italy in the summer and that closes with the public choosing the winner. It is a live and televised presentation, with great repercussion in the country.
Attending a presentation at the Arena is one of those events that you must do once in your life! And it's so worth it! The lights and all production transform the event into something magical. And that should not be missed by anyone passing by at this time of year.
To find out all the information about the presentations and buy tickets, click on the Arena di Verona link.
Visiting Arena di Verona
Even those who don't have the opportunity to attend a performance at the Verona Arena, can get to know it by visiting its interior. It is open daily for visitors. And walking through its interior, imagining what those corridors and bleachers have already seen in so many years of history is one of the most recommended programs in the city.
Opening times for the Arena of Verona
Visits take place on Mondays between 2:13 pm and 30:19 pm; and from Tuesday to Sunday, between 30:3 am and 08:30 pm.
During the Opera Festival, visitation only takes place until 15:30 pm.
Tickets
The entrance ticket to discover the Arena, its halls and all its structure costs €10 for adults, and the reduced ticket costs €7,50.
Children between 8 and 14 years old pay only €1, and children under 7 years old do not pay. Free for Verona Card holders.
A good tip!
Between October and March, on the 1st Sunday of the month, entry costs just €1.
Attention: these days the queues are usually long!
