The Arena di Verona is a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre (built around 30 CE) standing in Piazza Bra at the heart of Verona, Italy. It is the third-largest surviving Roman amphitheatre in Europe after the Colosseum and the one at Capua, and one of the best preserved. Once a 30,000-seat arena for gladiatorial games, it was reborn as an opera house with Verdi's Aida in 1913 and today hosts a world-famous open-air opera festival that draws around 15,000 spectators on summer evenings — a rare site you can tour by day and enjoy under the stars by night.
Pink-and-white limestone tiers and arches that have endured two millennia, surviving even the great 1117 earthquake to remain among the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres.
The annual Arena Opera Festival — the 2026 (103rd) season runs 12 June to 12 September, staging classics such as Aida and La Traviata.
The magical opening moment when, after sunset, thousands of small lights flicker to life across the stone tiers.
Sitting on the steep stone steps (gradinata), you hear unamplified opera voices resonate through the ancient walls.
By day it pairs perfectly with the cafe-lined Piazza Bra out front and a short walk to Juliet's House and the old city walls.
Good to know
SafetyPiazza Bra and the area around the Arena are among Verona's top pickpocket hotspots. Wear your bag in front, keep zippers closed, and guard your wallet and phone in the crowds at opening and closing.
CautionBeware ticket touts and counterfeit tickets sold outside the gates — fakes are refused entry. Buy only from the official arena.it site or an authorised box office.
CautionFake charity collectors, map/petition distractions used to lift your belongings, and overpriced taxis from the station or airport are common. Don't take out your wallet for strangers who approach you.
RulesFor opera performances, cameras, tripods and musical instruments are forbidden and there is no cloakroom. Large bags are restricted, so travel light. Confirm current rules and fares when booking.
SeasonUnnumbered stone-step seats are hard and backless — bring or rent a cushion on site. Even summer nights can turn cool, so pack a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes.
MannersStone-step seating is unassigned, so arrive early (gates open about two hours before) to claim a good spot. Avoid filming and chatting during the performance, and don't move around before the interval.
Practical info
Daytime visits: generally Tue-Sun ~09:00-19:00 (reduced hours in summer/opera season, often closed Mondays), tickets about €10-17, free for young children — confirm opening days and last entry as they change. Opera: starts ~21:15 in Jun-Jul and ~21:00 in Aug-Sep, gates open about 2 hours before. Book via the official arena.it.
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