Verona Amphitheater (Italy) - the third largest amphitheater in the world

Where is located Verona Amphitheater?

Address of Verona Amphitheater is Verona, Italy
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When was built Verona Amphitheater?

Built date of Verona Amphitheater is 30 A.D. - completion of construction

Facts, informations and history of Verona Amphitheater

The Verona Amphitheater was probably built in the 1st century AD. It is one of the best preserved ancient amphitheaters in the world.

Initially, the arena was used for gladiator fights and other public performances such as chariot races and theatrical performances. The audience was divided into different sectors, including patricians, knights and commoners.

Over the centuries, the arena has been reconstructed several times and used for various purposes. In the Middle Ages it was a place of defense and protection against attacks by enemy forces. A castle was built on its grounds, whose corridors and tunnels served as shelters. During the Renaissance, it was transformed into a theater arena where theatrical performances were held.

The Arena di Verona is the third largest ancient amphitheater in the world, after the Colosseum in Rome and the Amphitheater in Capua. The building is oval in shape and can accommodate up to 30,000 spectators, currently down to 15,000 for safety reasons.

The length of the arena is about 138 meters, and the width varies from 109 to 139 meters depending on the section. Originally there were three sections of arches 30 meters (98 feet) high, but today only two sections remain, except for one small section where four arches remain from the upper section.

The amphitheater is built of sandstone and brick and has a beautiful pink facade.

The building's circular facade was originally constructed of white and pink Valpolicella limestone, but after the great earthquake of 1117, which destroyed almost the entire building except for the outer ring wing, its stones were quarried for reuse in other buildings.

Inside the amphitheater there are many corridors, stairs and tunnels that allowed gladiators and animals to move around the arena and backstage.

The facade of the building is impressive and decorated with arches and columns. Three layers of arches remain today. The amphitheater has two tiers of arcades, making it one of the few ancient amphitheaters with such a layout. There are a total of 44 rows of arcades.

Today, the Arena di Verona is known mainly as a venue for summer opera performances. Since 1913, the amphitheater has hosted a famous opera festival that attracts music lovers from around the world. In addition to summer opera performances, the Arena also hosts events such as rock and pop concerts and night shows, which with electric lighting create an unforgettable spectacle. Some of the most famous artists have performed here, including Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras.

In the 19th century, renovation work was carried out to restore it to its original appearance.

Visiting the amphitheater, you can see many interesting architectural details, such as the drainage system that allowed blood and water to quickly drain from the arena after gladiatorial combat.

How many meters have Verona Amphitheater?

Height of Verona Amphitheater is 24,1 meters

Construction/building type

Building Verona Amphitheater is of type Amphitheater

Architectural style

Architectural style of Verona Amphitheater is Ancient Roman

What material is the building made of?

Verona Amphitheater is made of the following materials: sandstone, brick

Practical informations

What is the cost of entry for Verona Amphitheater?

Tickets for Verona Amphitheater are available at the following prices and variants:

• Normal: €16,00
• Students and seniors 60+: €13,25
• Children 8-14 years old: €2,10
• Children up to 7 years old: €1,00

At what times is open Verona Amphitheater?

Verona Amphitheater is open or accessible to the public on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday-Sunday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry at 6:30 p.m.), except on days when performances are taking place.
• Closed on Mondays, except October 30 and December 11.

Other names

The building is also known by other common names or in the original language, i.e. Arena di Verona

Is the building on the UNESCO World Heritage List?