Arena di Verona
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Arena di Verona
Piazza Brà, 1, 37121 Verona, Italy The Verona Arena is a Roman amphitheatre built in AD 30 on a site which was then beyond the city walls.
It is still in use today. It is famous for large-scale opera performances. It is one of the best preserved ancient structures of its kind. In ancient times, nearly 30,000 people was the housing capacity of the Arena. Nowadays the maximum attendance is 15,000 people. The round façade of the building was originally composed of white and pink limestone from Valpolicella, but after a major earthquake in 1117, which almost completely destroyed most of the structure's outer ring the stone was quarried for re-use in other buildings. |
I rose early one morning to get to the Arena and catch the first light and shadows.
There were some Italian tradespeople working on restoring the rockwork using original material and mortar. I mentioned that Verona was so beautiful and questioned why no-one had written about it. "But they have", was the reply . "Who?", I responded ... Wry smiles followed ... "Shakespeare, of course" came their reply!! Much laughter followed, including mine. |
I purposely haven't mentioned the so-called Juliette balcony .... while it is a nice romantic fantasy, focus rather on the city, the streetscape, the river, the mountains and the wonderful arena .... I recommend a visit any day.
Unfortunately, I usually go to Italy before mid-year and the shows at the Arena usually start later. I'd even sit through an opera here, such is the grandeur of the place. .... perhaps!
Unfortunately, I usually go to Italy before mid-year and the shows at the Arena usually start later. I'd even sit through an opera here, such is the grandeur of the place. .... perhaps!
The City Views
The Arena in preparation for the Opera Season
Season dates for the Arena are available on line ... Just click on http://www.veronaticket.com