Arena di Verona

Arena di Verona Review

Only Rome's Colosseum and Capua's arena would dwarf this amphitheater. Though four arches are all that remain of the arena's outer arcade, the main structure is complete. It dates from the early Imperial age, and was used for gymnastic competitions, choreographed sacrificial rites, and games involving hunts, fights, battles, and wild animals. Unlike at Rome's Colosseum, there is no evidence that Christians were ever put to death here. Today you can visit the arena year-round; in summer, you can join up to 16,000 people packing the stands for one of Verona's spectacular opera productions. Even those who aren't crazy about opera can sit in the stands and enjoy Italians enjoying themselves—including, at times, singing along with their favorite hits. Note that the open hours are sometimes reduced in the late fall and winter. The main interest is to see an opera in the arena; when there is no opera performance, for €6 you can still enter the interior, but be aware that the Arena di Verona is much less impressive inside than the Colleseum or other Roman ampitheatres.