Arena, Verona

The whole structure is made out of stone. Big stones placed one on top of the other.

In the interior the monument has two oval corridors, like two rings, one smaller than the other. My first thought when I noticed this two "rings" was that one might have been clockwise traffic and the other on the opposite direction. Thus, would avoid human traffic congestion. ...
... well, it's just a thought.

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I first saw the Arena by accident. On March 28, 2007, I arrived late evening in Verona and was following directions to a certain meeting point where my friends were waiting for me when I first saw the Arena. I must say I got quite impressed with the beauty of this 2000 year old building. It's really very impressive !!!. I was amazed and couldn't wait for a visit to this Old Monument of the Roman Empire !!!

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The Romans built the Amphitheatre outside Verona's first circle of city walls in the first part of the 1st century AD. It hosted games where gladiators would fight each other or wild animals before a vast public that came from all over the territory. The Arena held around 30,000 spectators and had four main entrances, corresponding to its two axes.

The facade, of which there is still a small section (the so-called "Ala" or "Wing"), was entirely built in large blocks of white and pink limestone from nearby Valpolicella. In the Middle Ages, stones from the Arena were taken for use on other buildings. Later, it resumed its role as a site for shows and events: a role it continues to play today for the annual summer opera season, which began in 1913.

Since the Renaissance, there have been numerous large restoration projects, leading to the gradual reintegration of the tiered seating inside. For some years, a large-scale project has been in progress to ensure the preservation and dignity of the Arena.

Despite its widespread fame, Verona's Arena seems to still be almost unnaturally quiet. When I visited, in summer, the place was virtually empty apart from my small group of three. It really is worth visiting in the early summer, though, before some of the larger tour groups arrive, and take time to explore not only the steps and marvel at the ala, or wing, the only remaining section of colonnades; go down into the 'tunnels' underneath, the long, curving subterranean passageways that thread between the entrances in cool, dank darkness. It is amazing to think, looking at the cleverly built walls, ceilings and arches, feats of engineering, that such a structure was built almost two thousand years ago, in AD 30! Enjoy the panoramic views of the city and mountains from the top, and imagine what it would have been like filled with Veronese spectators at some gladiotorial event way back... In summer there are regular performances of classic Italian operas, a truly magical setting guaranteed.

if you are interested in classic opera music an evening in the arena is mandatory. there are different price categories, but all places have its own charm. you can choose between normal chairs like in every opera house to unnumberd stone steps, so be early, because the best seats are quickly occupied. tickets can be orderd by internet, but it is mostly possible, to get tickets at the evening cash box. although you can buy tickets "on the road", sometimes they are cheaper than the normal price!

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The Arena is a fantastic Roman Amphitheater that amazing is still being used for Lyric Opera performances (Aida is the big hit), as well as regular rock concerts and other stuff. If you can coordinate your trip, seeing Opera or a concert is a great way to 'see' the arena as it was meant to be...fullfilling its task as a theater.

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The stage for Zeffirelli's production of Verdi's Aida is dominated by two large statues of ancient Egyptian pharaohs* (rulers), which between performances are stored out in front of the Arena on the Piazza Bra.

*Thanks to VT member awladhassan for pointing out that these are pharaohs, not gods, as I had originally written.

Second photo: Piazza Bra and the Arena, with statues for the Aida stage.

Third photo: More of the stage elements for Aida in storage on the Piazza Bra, with the Arena in the background.

Fourth photo: Egyptian symbols on some of the stage elements for Aida.

Fifth photo: On the day of the performance, all the statues and other large stage elements are lifted off of the Piazza Bra and into the Arena by a large crane.

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Considering that it was built nearly two thousand years ago, the Arena di Verona is remarkably well preserved -- so well preserved that it is still used for opera performances six nights a week during the summer, and for other large events during the spring and autumn. (Bruce Springsteen is coming in October 2006, for example.)

A distinctive feature of the Arena is the Ala or wing, which is all that is left of an external decorative wall that originally surrounded the entire structure. The rest of this outer wall was destroyed by an earthquake in the year 1117.

Second, third and fourth photos: Views of the Ala from other angles.

Fifth photo: The Ala at night.