When planning Verona tours, most travelers think of Juliet’s balcony or charming cobblestone streets. But if there’s one place that truly captures the soul of the city, it’s the Arena di Verona. Towering over Piazza Bra, this incredible Roman amphitheater has stood for nearly two thousand years and it’s still in use today.
While thousands of visitors admire the Arena’s imposing presence each year, few know the secrets hidden in its ancient stones. From gladiator fights to opera under the stars, the Arena di Verona offers a journey through time like no other.
In this article, we’ll uncover 10 fascinating curiosities about the Arena and show you how to experience it the best way possible, with one of the top-rated Verona tours available.
1. It’s Older Than the Colosseum
Yes, really! The Arena di Verona was built around 30 AD, which means it predates Rome’s Colosseum by at least 50 years. Originally used for gladiatorial battles and public spectacles, it was designed to entertain tens of thousands of spectators in grand style.
2. It Could Hold an Entire Roman City
At its peak, the Arena could welcome more than 30,000 people, about the same number as the population of Verona during Roman times. Thanks to its elliptical shape and clever Roman engineering, everyone had a clear view of the arena floor.
Today, it holds around 15,000 guests and remains one of the largest open-air performance venues in the world.
3. The Outer Wall Is Missing but Not Forgotten
Originally, the Arena was surrounded by a third outer ring made of pink and white limestone, giving it an even more majestic appearance. Sadly, a massive earthquake in 1117 destroyed much of this exterior wall. Only a small piece, known as the “Ala”, still stands as a reminder of the Arena’s lost splendor.
4. Gladiators, Animals… and Floods?
The Arena wasn’t just for gladiators. Some historians believe that in its early days, the structure may have been flooded to recreate mock naval battles. While this hasn’t been definitively proven, we do know the building’s drainage system struggled during heavy rains turning it into a temporary lake from time to time!
5. It Was Once Full of Houses and Shops
During the Middle Ages, when the Arena was no longer used for public entertainment, it became a residential and commercial space. People lived, worked, and traded inside the ancient structure for centuries. It wasn’t until the 18th century that serious restoration work began to return it to its original purpose.
6. It Hosts the World’s Most Famous Opera Festival
In 1913, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Giuseppe Verdi’s birth, the Arena hosted its first opera: Aida. It was an instant success. Since then, the Arena di Verona Opera Festival has become a global event, attracting top talents and thousands of opera fans every summer.
Sitting under the stars, listening to live opera in a 2,000-year-old amphitheater? It’s no wonder this is a highlight of many Verona tours.
7. The Acoustics Are a Roman Engineering Marvel
One of the reasons the Arena is still used for performances is its exceptional acoustics. Even in the furthest seats, voices and instruments carry clearly without the need for microphones. This is all thanks to the original Roman design, which modern sound engineers still admire today.
8. It’s Hosted Rock Stars and Royalty
While the Arena is best known for opera, it has also welcomed major international artists from The Rolling Stones to Elton John, Adele, and Sting. This mix of ancient setting and modern sound creates a truly unforgettable experience.
No matter your taste in music, seeing a concert here is one of the most unique things to do in Verona.
9. Ancient Seat Numbers Still Exist
As you explore the Arena, keep an eye out for carved Roman numerals used to guide spectators to their seats. It’s an early version of modern ticketing systems and just one example of how advanced Roman event planning really was.
Even the worn-down steps tell a story, smoothed by millions of feet over centuries.
10. The View from the Top is Spectacular
Climb to the top tiers of the Arena and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over Piazza Bra and central Verona. It’s the perfect spot to take in the contrast between the ancient and the modern city and snap that iconic photo.
From up here, you can see how the Arena truly dominates the cityscape, a silent witness to nearly 2,000 years of history.
How to Visit the Arena the Right Way
Sure, you can buy a ticket and explore the Arena on your own. But if you want to truly understand its history, hear the untold stories, and skip the long lines, there’s a better way.
Join our Arena Skip-the-Line Tour, one of the best-rated Verona tours available. Led by passionate local guides, this experience takes you beyond the surface. You’ll explore hidden corners, discover ancient rituals, and learn fascinating insights that bring this monument to life.
And yes from the top of the Arena, panoramic views of Piazza Bra can be admired, offering a stunning perspective of this ancient monument and its surroundings.
Ready to Make the Arena Part of Your Story?
Whether you’re a history lover, a culture enthusiast, or just someone who wants to make the most of your time in northern Italy, a visit to the Arena di Verona is a must.
Add this experience to your list of unforgettable Verona tours and let us guide you into the heart of the city’s ancient past.
