Traveler Description
Built in the first century AD, this is one of the best conserved Roman amphitheatres, whose seating area is made up of 44 levels and can hold up to 22,000 spectators.

Address: Piazza Bra 28
Phone: 39 045 8005151

http://www.arena.it

Traveler Reviews

One of the greatest outdoor experiences in Europe.
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Aug 25, 2008


This amazing Roman-built stadium, however diminished from it?s original glory, comes alive during opera and live performances throughout the summer in Verona. I can concur that attending an opera or other performance in the Arena is a remarkable and not-to-be-missed experience if your travels take you anywhere near northern Italy. From my several trips to the Arena, here are my tips to make the opera experience the best it can be. WHEN TO GO The opera season runs from about the third week of June, through the end of August. Many of the performances can be very full, which makes the experience less enjoyable. However, the last couple weeks in August usually feature fewer attendees. HOW TO BUY You can purchase directly from the Arena di Verona official website: http://www.arena.it/ (available in English). You?ll receive a confirmation code, bring this to the ticket office located just across the street from the Arena on the northwest side. WHERE TO SIT Tickets range from about ?25.00 for the Gradinata seats (the upper bowl in American-speak) to about ?90.00 for the lower bowl to about ?200.00 for the floor and VIP seats. The Gradinata seats are general seating meaning there are no assigned seats. Many people buy the Gradinata tickets and line up early and then run to the very bottom row of the upper bowl, securing the best value available. However, nearly all of the Gradinata seats are quite fine and similar in quality, although those directly opposite the stage may hold an advantage. I cannot speak for the assigned seating quality, as my meager salary affords only the cheap seats and a bottle of wine, which takes us the next section? WHAT TO BRING Even if it?s very hot during the day, be sure to bring at least a sweater or jacket and blanket. The temperature can drop 25 degrees (Fahrenheit) once the sun goes down and the breeze blows down from the mountains. If there is a chance for rain, bring your rain jacket with hood, as umbrellas disturb the views of those behind you. Large plastic bags to cover your legs while seated are a good idea too. You?ll want a seat cushion and they rent red cushions as you enter the seating area for ?3, which are comfortable, or you can bring your own. I like the high density foam type, like your yoga mat, as they?re lightweight and don?t trap moisture. Despite the explicit rules written on their website and the many audio announcements affirming the same, camera usage, even with flash is universally tolerated. I would think anything short of a professional video camera on a tripod will be allowed without a problem. Also universally tolerated (and explicitly forbidden) are glass bottles of wine or your favorite beverage. As with all such things, if you are responsible with your glass bottles and cheese knives, you?ll prevent unwanted attention and the possibility of ruining it for everyone. Bring a small backpack or small cooler bag (better if it?s soft sided) to contain your beverage, a selection of cheese and bread and/or fresh summer fruit ? all of which are available at local produce markets. Many people also eat before the show and only bring a snack and wine inside. Many others get their seats early, then go back out for take away pizza or panini. If you do none of this, there are frequent vendors walking around selling everything from ice cream to beer, wine, water and soda to sandwiches, however wine is ?5 and ice cream ?3 ? at least 3 times what it would cost outside. I like to bring a small thermos with strong coffee or tea inside for those later waning acts of the show or the late drive home. Also you should bring a small light, like a keychain LED light to read the program and such ? please don?t bring a bright annoying light ? you have to share close quarters with 10,000 others ? so act accordingly. WHAT TO WEAR The clothing range is from t-shirts and shorts all the way to black suit & tie. Remember to layer and try not to look like you just stumbled in from the beach. Why not 5 stars then? The bathrooms are difficult to reach and can be dirty. They have been known to perform rain or shine when they probable shouldn't and the line up to get in can be quite a cattle call - although these are very small considerations in the overall scope of things. _written august 25, 2008

Night at Opera - Amazing
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jul 20, 2008


If you do one thing, make sure you go to the opera in Verona. It was the best thing we did on our trip. We bought tickets up in the nose bleed seats for 26 Euros or around there. The doors opened at 7, we got there a few minutes earlier than that and were in the first group in. We immediately went to the center of the section and more importantly, in the first row of the section behind the actual numbered seats. This left us plenty of room for us to put our feet and for us to spread our stuff out in front of us. We brought in food and wine. If we'd known we'd have as much room as we did we would have packed a picnic! Things you should bring/buy for a great night: the book they sell for 5Euros that translates the opera into English so you can follow along, a small reading light so you can read the book when its pitch black and you'd like to know what they are singing, a seat cushion so that your seat is comfy instead of hurting you, plenty of food and drink. It was amazing, half the coliseim was the stage with people entering in and out of all the different levels and entrances, the acoustics were great and you could hear everything. We got there around 7, it started at 9 something, and didn't end until 1:30. Luckily our hotel had a shuttle to take us back. This is Not To Be Missed.

amaxing experience
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Jul 16, 2008


Anyone visiting verona who does not take the opportunity to watch an opera if one is on at the time of their visit is missing a great experience- even if you don'y really like opera that much. The spectacle and spectator atmosphere is unique. Hopefully the weather will be warm but wear something long if you are prone to being bitten by mosquities, just in case. It will an a long night in that it will not finish til after midnight and have a number of breaks. The volume of singing is incredible. The acoustics do the Romans proud. You don't have to pay a fortune to get a seat to have a good night. Enjoy! My husband and I went 10 years ago to see NArbucco and are returing in a few weeks to see Aida.

Really fascinating
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Dec 27, 2007


My kids (4 and 1 1/2) loved this. Not near as crowded or as large as the Colosseum, it has held up very well. We were so disappointed that we couldn't see a performance there...it would have been amazing. We only had one day there and had no idea how wonderful it would be. Ok, my kids ran up and down the aisles but it was so large and with so few people, nobody minded. I did want to use the bathroom but they were either locked or filthy! I wasn't that brave or desperate. So that's something that could be improved upon.

A night at the opera
Reviewed by A TripAdvisor Member on Oct 24, 2007


What a great evening. My Husband & spent three nights in Verona and had a night at the opera. We saw the Barber of Seville and it was a superb experience. We paid for good seats in the stalls but the view must have been great from the seats along the top of the arena. It was a beautiful evening we sipped champagne and at show time everyone lit a candle and the whole arena lit up. You weren't out of place if you were dressed in your sunday best or casual. A great experience not to be missed if you are in Verona.