The Arena of Verona is the largest open-air opera theater in the world, the third-largest Roman amphitheater in Italy, and the oldest with the best level of preservation. Along with Juliet's balcony, it is one of the symbols of Verona.
Its history is very ancient and dates back to the first century AD: it was built in Piazza Bra, which at the time was located outside the city walls, and was completed around 30 AD.
Like the Colosseum, the Arena was used to offer Verona's citizens various types of games and shows, including gladiator battles.
Since the 1600s, it hosted jousting and shows like bull hunting, and from the 1800s, it became a venue for operas, the first being La Santa Alleanza with music by Gioacchino Rossini. During that time, horseback riding and bicycle races, balloon ascension shows, acrobatic gymnastics, comedy, and bingo were also highly popular.
The first opera season took place in 1856, featuring Il Casino di Campagna and La fanciulla di Gand by Pietro Lenotti, as well as Le convenienze teatrali and I pazzi per progetto by Gaetano Donizetti.
In 1913, a performance of Aida officially opened the Arena Opera Festival. Since then, the Verona amphitheater has become the largest open-air opera theater in the world. Every year, in addition to the Opera Festival, it hosts numerous concerts by major Italian and international pop and rock artists.