Verona Amphitheater: Ancient Arena Tour

Verona is a city in northern Italy associated primarily with Romeo and Juliet. This association is absolutely correct, because here you can find the place where Juliet rested, as well as the famous balcony of her house. However, this is not all that is worth seeing when visiting this city full of history. On the main square of Piazza Bra is one of the greatest symbols of the city - the ancient amphitheater Arenda di Verona, which was built in 30 AD. Outwardly, it resembles the Roman Colosseum.

Those who are used to travel on their own without a guide and tour groups can rent a car in Italy at a rental office and not depend on anyone. Renting a compact car in Verona Airport will cost an average of 18 euros per day, in Rome you can rental a compact car from 20 euros per day.

The arena with stands and corridors has been preserved from the original building. Previously, they were surrounded by an impressive three-level facade made of white and pink limestone, quarried in the Valpolicella region. The arena was located outside the defensive walls, but in close proximity to them - its creators wanted to prevent the city center from being crowded with outsiders. Only a small fragment with four arcades has survived to this day. The locals call it Ala (Polish Wing). Separate sculptural elements that decorate the arena (including the columns of the portico) are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum.

For the first time, the outer ring of the walls was seriously damaged during the expansion of the city fortifications under Theodoric the Great (first half of the 6th century). The destruction ended with a tragic earthquake in 1117, after which it could only be used as a quarry. At the same time, the arena was forbidden to be dismantled for building materials.

During the Renaissance, when antiques were experiencing a second youth, the arena was first used as an opera stage. In 1913, one of the best operas in the history of music, Aida, by Giuseppe Verdi, was staged there. Thus, the arena has become quite a popular concert venue.

During the day, the arena is open to the public, there are no exhibitions and no exhibits. Tourists can walk around the stands, stand in the center of the stage or walk along the corridors. To visit you need to buy a ticket.