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The amphitheatre, known since the Middle Ages as the Arena (from the Latin harena, referring to the sand on the ground), was built during the reign of Emperor Claudius (around 41–42 AD, decades before the Colosseum in Rome, inaugurated in 80 AD) as a venue for public spectacles, especially gladiatorial combats and animal hunts. Its dimensions (major axis 152.43 m; minor axis 123.23 m) make the Arena the fourth largest preserved Roman amphitheatre in Italy.
Originally, it could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators, and to facilitate crowd management, the Arena was built just outside the ancient city walls.
The structure, made of large stones from the Valpolicella region, consists of three vaulted concentric galleries and radial walls supporting the cavea with stepped seating, which spectators accessed via stairways and entrances called vomitoria. The cavea was divided into sectors for different social classes.
The Ala dell’Arena corresponds to what remains of the outer ring, demolished by Theodoric in the 6th century and partially collapsed, perhaps during the 1117 earthquake. Entrances on the minor axes were reserved for distinguished guests, while those on the major axis were for gladiators (porta triumphalis).
Over time, the Arena served various functions: residential, commercial, and judicial. In 1913, thanks to the tenor Giuseppe Zenatello, it hosted Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida, marking the beginning of its use as a theatre for opera performances and concerts.
For information, prices and tickets visit the official website
For information, prices and tickets visit the official website
