Arena di Verona (Verona Amphitheater), Verona (must see)

Verona Amphitheater stands as one of the most remarkable Roman amphitheatres still in existence. Built around 30 AD, it once formed the lively heart of entertainment in ancient Verona. Its elliptical shape, strong stone arches, and imposing tiers made it a masterpiece of Roman engineering, perfectly designed to host crowds who came to witness gladiatorial combat and public spectacles. Today, more than 500,000 visitors each year step into the Arena to reconnect with this extraordinary past.

Constructed from pink and white limestone quarried in nearby Valpolicella, the amphitheatre originally seated up to 30,000 spectators. A devastating earthquake in 1117 damaged the structure and destroyed most of its outer ring, leaving only a single surviving portion, known as the “Wing”. Even with a reduced capacity of around 22,000, the Arena still conveys the scale and innovation that made it one of the largest venues in the Roman world.

In the modern era, the Arena has earned international acclaim as the home of the Verona Opera Festival, held every summer beneath the open sky. Its acoustics are so exceptional that performers often sing without amplification, their voices carried naturally through the ancient stone. Legendary operatic stars such as Maria Callas, Plácido Domingo, and Luciano Pavarotti have graced this stage, along with world-renowned rock and pop artists.

Visiting the Arena offers a chance to explore its historic passageways, climb the stone seating tiers, and admire views across Bra Square. Yet the most unforgettable experience comes at night, when the amphitheatre glows beneath the lights and a performance begins.