Verona: an evening at the Opera in the Arena

When you were born and live in Verona, you grow up with the natural conviction that the city's symbolic monument can only be the Arena. Built-in the 1st century A.D. by the Romans, the Arena is still a theatre in its own right, hosting events, concerts, and the famous opera festival in summer. Even if you are not a big opera fan, you have to admit that at least once a year, the Veronese loves to sit on the warm steps of the Roman amphitheatre and enjoy the show. This is definitely one of those experiences that Visit Italy recommend to everyone who comes to visit the city. Why?

First of all, the Arena is located in Piazza Bra, one of the main squares in the historic centre of Verona. Here there are bars and restaurants from which you can observe the swarming of people during the hot summer evenings in Verona and be fascinated by the atmosphere of those evenings. Piazza Bra seems to be the centre of the world: locals, tourists, couples, groups of friends, families, people walking their dogs. Nobody is missing from the picture.

Secondly, the smell of succulent dishes always rises from the restaurants in Piazza Bra. Having a 'snack' is undoubtedly a tasty way to fill the time until the Opera starts. The gastronomic offer is quite varied: typical Verona dishes, burgers with fries, pizza or simply sandwiches and ice cream. There is something for everyone!

Perhaps not many people know that the Arena of Verona can accommodate up to 15000 people. Traditionally at the amphitheatre entrance, each spectator receives a candle. All these candles are lit together before the show's beginning: the scenery is breathtaking! The image is an orderly crowd of people sharing in an almost religious silence a unique experience, enraptured by sumptuous stage settings, glittering costumes, piercing music, harmonious voices, and the presence on numerous extras, including actors dancers, horses and riders.

Opera is undoubtedly one of the richest and most complex theatrical genres. To enjoy the show to the fullest, you can drop by L'Italiano con noi, an Italian language and culture school, a stone's throw from Piazza Delle Erbe. Lessons with the legendary Marcello dedicated to the operas scheduled in the Arena are an unmissable opportunity to understand the intertwining of characters and the even more complex ones between music and libretto. 

When the show is over, even the exit from the Arena holds a few surprises. Late at night in summer, the air is more relaxed, the bars are still open, and the square is finally silent. Without any more distractions, it shows itself in its elegant simplicity with the central fountain, the trees and the flowerbeds surrounding it. I don't know if you will ever visit Verona. If you do, you now know that you don't need to be an opera expert to treat yourself to an enchanting evening full of emotion and magic!