First-century Roman amphitheatre that held about 30,000 spectators and still hosts the summer opera festival. The 104th Arena di Verona Opera Festival runs 11 June to 11 September 2027, with seats from about EUR 23.
The Arena di Verona stands on Piazza Bra, the large oval square at the southern edge of Verona's historic centre in Italy's Veneto region. Built in the first century AD, the Roman amphitheatre once held around 30,000 spectators for gladiatorial contests and is among the best-preserved structures of its kind in the country. Only a short fragment of the outer ring of arches survives, known locally as the ala, but the inner tiers of pale pink-and-white limestone remain largely intact and are still used for seating today. Visitors enter through the arcaded passages beneath the stands and climb worn stone steps to the upper rows, where the full ellipse of the arena floor spreads out below and the rooftops, bell towers and surrounding hills of Verona come into view. A daytime visit normally takes one to one and a half hours, including time to walk the arena floor, look at the vomitoria and underground passages, and sit on the terraces. In summer the floor is often covered with stage sets for the opera festival, which turns the visit into a look behind the scenes of one of Europe's largest open-air opera venues. The Arena Opera Festival runs from June to September, and performances start at sunset, so seating on the original stone tiers is one of the great evening experiences in northern Italy. On performance days the monument closes to daytime visitors around 3 to 4 PM to prepare for the evening show. Good photo angles include the ala from Piazza Bra at golden hour, the view along the arcades from the lower ring, and the panorama across the city from the highest steps. Crowds are heaviest in the middle of the day between April and October and when cruise-style coach groups arrive, while opening time and the last hour before closing are noticeably quieter. The square outside has cafes under the Liston, the marble-paved promenade, which makes it easy to pair the visit with a coffee. The Arena is close to the Porta Nuova railway station and to the main shopping streets, so it works well as the first or last stop on a walking tour of Verona.
| Admission | Adult EUR 12 (~$13.80); reduced EUR 9 (~$10.35) · Child Free under 8 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue-Sun 9AM-7PM (last entry 6:30PM), Mon 1:30PM-7PM; closes early (about 3-4PM) on opera-performance days; closed 25 Dec and 1 Jan |
| Typical visit | 1-1.5 hours (daytime visit); 3.5-4 hours for an opera |
| Best time | Daytime visits in the morning; opera evenings at sunset (June-September) |
| Getting there | 10-15 min walk from Verona Porta Nuova station along Corso Porta Nuova; city buses to Piazza Bra |
| Address | Piazza Bra 1, 37121 Verona VR |
Location
Piazza Bra 1, 37121 Verona VR
45.4389, 10.9944 View on map
Highlights
- Climb the original stone tiers for a panorama over Piazza Bra and the city
- Walk onto the arena floor and through the underground vaults
- See the surviving ala fragment of the outer ring from Piazza Bra
- Attend a summer opera performance that starts at sunset
- Compare Verona's amphitheatre with the larger Roman arenas elsewhere in Italy
Tips for visiting
- Buy tickets on the official arena.it page to avoid the ticket-office queue.
- Visit at opening time on weekdays for the thinnest crowds.
- Check the opera calendar first: daytime visits close early on performance days.
- Wear shoes with grip, as the old stone steps are uneven and worn.
- For opera, unreserved stone tiers are cheap but cushions are advisable; bring a light layer for after dark.
When to visit
Mornings at opening time are the quietest for sightseeing, while opera evenings from June to September offer the most memorable experience at sunset. Midday in summer is hot and busy.
Accessibility
The stepped stone tiers and uneven historic surfaces make the Arena difficult for wheelchair users and visitors with limited mobility. Some ground-level areas can be reached, and special seating is arranged for opera performances by contacting the organisers in advance.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Arena di Verona take?
A daytime visit usually takes one to one and a half hours. An opera performance runs about three and a half to four hours.
Is the Arena di Verona worth it for kids?
Yes, children usually enjoy climbing the tiers and exploring the passages, and entry is free for children under 8. The steps are steep, so younger children need supervision.
Can the Arena be visited on opera days?
Yes, but daytime access ends early, typically around 3 to 4 PM, and stage sets may cover part of the floor. Check the official calendar before planning.
Is photography allowed in the Arena?
Photography for personal use is generally allowed during daytime visits. Rules during opera performances are stricter, and flash is not permitted.