Verona Arena

Ancient Roman amphitheatre holding moonlit opera concerts

You’ll find the Verona Arena (“Arena di Verona”) nestled in the heart of the city’s historic centre. It’s the third-largest surviving amphitheatre in Europe, measuring a massive 152 metres (499 feet) long and 123 metres (404 feet) wide. 

This ancient Roman ruin is thought to date back to around the 1st or 3rd century. Despite its age, it’s remarkably well preserved to this day. The structure is made from white and pink limestone, which gives it a dazzling appearance in the sunlight. 

Two rows of arches form the exterior of the oval-shaped amphitheatre, in a strikingly similar design to Rome’s Colosseum. And much like in Rome, the building was once used as a stage for gladiatorial contests and ritualised combat. 

Today, the theatre is a venue for singers and musicians from all around the world. Concerts are a regular occurrence here, and in summer it hosts the city’s Arena Opera Festival. We highly recommend booking a ticket to one of these events, to enjoy the unbeatable atmosphere of live music in this ancient ruin.