Attending Opera in the Arena of Verona

Verona’s ancient arena, site of its world-famous opera

Next year the opera will return again to Verona’s ancient arena. And if you can, go, here are a few tips to keep in mind. It is the setting of the arena is what makes attending the opera in Verona so special. Built in 30 A.D., Verona’s arena originally served as a kind of Colosseum. Here was where gladiators fought to the death before the eyes of 30,000 spectators. After the Empire fell, the arena became the scene of jousts, tournaments, and trials. And, like Rome’s Colosseum, Verona’s arena became a quarry. Between the habit of locals removing materials to built other structures and Italy’s predisposition to earthquakes, the arena today isn’t exactly what it would have been in ancient times. But it’s not too far off — and while it’s seen better days, it’s definitely not a ruin.

Ever since 1913, the arena has served a new purpose: as the stage for opera performances.

Today, the arena’s lauded as one of the best places to see outdoor opera in the world. That’s not just because it’s atmospheric. It’s also because of the acoustics. One of the toughest things with outdoor performances is the lack of a theater’s usual sound system, but because the arena’s acoustics are so excellent, it works. (That said, of course, the better your seat, the better the sound. And some who have seen the opera from the “cheap seats” have complained they could hear hardly anything).

Next year, the opera season kicks off in June with Adia and La Traviata and  along with other shows, there will be performances throughout the summer (the last performance is normally the first weekend of September). The cheapest tickets are just €21 for the unnumbered stone seats at the very top (bring your binoculars… and come early! expect to be squeezed in like sheep and in the summer evening the stone you are setting on can feel like an oven so bring a cushion); for the best seats in the house, expect to pay up to €198. To book tickets, go to www.arena.it.

Bring a back pack with some water, snacks, and a jacket or shirt for the evening as it cools off. Do not expect to be back at your hotel until mid night or later.  It is best to plan your touring around this so you do not have to be somewhere in a hurry the next day.  Also if you are staying outside the city do not expect to find a train back to your location you will want to rent a car or book a driver.