Verona Arena

Verona Arena is a Roman amphitheater on Piazza Bra in Verona, built from pink and white limestone with an elliptical footprint of 152 by 123 meters. The 44 rows of stone seating surround an open performance area and offer sightlines from all sides.

The structure was completed in 30 CE outside the city walls at that time and served first as a site for gladiatorial contests and public games. In 1913, it began its use as an opera house with a performance of Aida, marking the start of the festival tradition that continues through today.

The stage in the center is built fresh each year for the summer performances, often with monumental sets that use the oval shape. Audiences sit on the same stone steps that Roman visitors used nearly two thousand years ago.

Visitors attending a performance should bring comfortable shoes and a seat cushion for the hard stone steps, especially for events lasting several hours. The upper rows offer a good overview of the entire oval, while lower seats are closer to the action.

Only four arches of the original outer facade remain standing after an earthquake in 1117 destroyed most of the outer wall. These remnants are known locally as the Ala and form a recognizable landmark on the Piazza Bra today.

Location: Verona

Architectural style: ancient Roman architecture

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Fee: Yes

Made from material: stone

Operator: Fondazione Arena di Verona

Address: Piazza Bra 1, 37121 Verona

Opening Hours: March 12-April 18 off; April 19-December 31 Tuesday-Sunday 09:00-19:00

Phone: +390458005151

Website: https://arena.it

GPS coordinates: 45.43889,10.99444

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:02