The Verona Arena: history and interesting facts about the Roman amphitheater
The Arena, or the amphitheater of Verona, stands outside the oldest Roman city walls, in a peripheral position, facing the southern corner of the city.
A monument on the edge of the ancient city
It was built in a peaceful period, in the 1st century AD, a strategic location that favored the influx of spectators from nearby cities. The two amphitheaters closest to Verona in Roman times were located in Milan and Padua. The most similar amphitheater, in structure, to the one in Verona is that of Pula.
The building
Those who look at the Arena from Piazza Bra do not see the original external façade, but one of the inner rings: the outer stone ring has in fact almost completely disappeared over the centuries.
Only a portion remains with four arches on three orders, called "l'Ala" by the Veronese. After the Colosseum in Rome and the amphitheater of Capua, that of Verona is the third largest and is considered the best preserved in the world.
The foundations consist of a solid platform and a sewer system that ensured drainage. The walls are rubble masonry, made up of pebbles and bricks, while the pillars in stone blocks constitute the supporting structure.
The vaults, in cement with mortar and pebbles, were embellished with brick elements. Originally the building was also equipped with sculptural decorations, unfortunately lost today.
Venationes and gladiators
In Roman times, the arena hosted the venationes, i.e. hunts with ferocious animals from Africa. But the most anticipated shows were the gladiator fights, known as munera.
Gladiators were real stars of the time. They lived and trained in the ludus, the adjoining barracks, run by the state. In Verona the existence of a ludus is documented thanks to an inscription now preserved in a city museum.
Coaches, gunsmiths, cooks, doctors worked in the ludus. Many doctors of the time started in these environments.
The Arena's patrons
The construction of the Arena was largely financed by the local bourgeoisie. It was thanks to the generosity of wealthy citizens that such an impressive and expensive work could be carried out.
Verona, together with Aquileia, Padua and Milan, was one of the most advanced and prosperous areas of the Roman Empire, with well-developed agricultural, industrial and commercial activities, among which the production of wool and fabrics stood out.
The Arena over the centuries
Over the centuries, the Arena of Verona was used for the most disparate purposes: death sentences, quarry of materials, landfill, housing.
In the 17th century, under the Serenissima Republic of Venice, the first restorations of the steps began. In 1807 the Commission for Public Decoration was established. Shortly thereafter, the Municipality granted the arcovoli as warehouses, finally abandoning their residential use. In June 1805, the amphitheater hosted a bull hunt.
In 1822, on the occasion of the Congress of Verona, Gioachino Rossini directed the Sacra Alleanza, with text by Gaetano Rossi. Theatrical evenings were also held in the Arena: in 1873, a very young Eleonora Duse interpreted Romeo and Juliet.
On August 10, 1913, to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi, Aida was performed: it was the beginning of the famous Arena opera season, still active today.
Visit the Arena with an authorized guide
Do you really want to get to know this extraordinary Roman monument? Book afull hour guided tour with anauthorized guide and you won't even have to wait in line to get in!
For more information:
info@guideverona.net
+39 3398875599
