Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2025: Complete Guide for Your Trip

André Freitas October, 2024

Photo credit: Fondazione Arena di Verona

Arena di Verona: A Spectacular Monument

When you think of a city that breathes theater, Verona is the name that comes to mind. And the most important architectural monument, without a doubt, is the Arena di Verona.

Built around 30 AD, this space is one of the most significant and well-preserved theaters from the Roman Empire, serving as a stage for events, concerts, and extraordinary performances that have captivated locals for centuries. Its splendid architecture is also open for tours.

During the Renaissance period, this magnificent monument was restored to its original function as a theater. The history of opera at the Arena di Verona began with a centennial production of Aida by Giuseppe Verdi. In the early years, the theater had a capacity of approximately 30,000 people—almost the entire population of Verona at the time it was built. Today, the space can accommodate about 15,000 people.

This amphitheater has not always been a stage for the arts. It once hosted gladiator fights and, during the Middle Ages, endured a dark period when it was used for punishing heretics.

What is the Arena di Verona Opera Festival?

Now established as the city’s most important event, this festival draws millions of tourists and opera lovers to Verona. People from all over the world eagerly await the chance to witness the greatest talents on this iconic stage. On August 10, 1913, the world’s largest open-air opera festival debuted to an eager audience, excited to hear the Veronese tenor Giovanni Zenatello. The audience, which included Americans, Argentinians, Russians, Germans, and other nationalities, also hosted several famous figures, such as Giacomo Puccini, Arrigo Boito, Pietro Mascagni, and Franz Kafka.

As expected, the production of Aida was a resounding success. The stunning scenery, three-dimensional elements, and originality ensured widespread acclaim, solidifying Arena di Verona as one of the most important cultural institutions in Western society.

Since 1936, the festival has been organized by the Fondazione Arena di Verona. It only paused during the two World Wars. In 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the festival was postponed to the following summer and replaced by a music festival titled In the Heart of Music. This event featured a series of concerts and performances, held in compliance with the health measures developed to prevent the spread of the virus.

Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2025 Schedule

Opera, Gala, Ballet, and Special Events: Discover all performances at the 2025 Arena Opera Festival.

How to Buy Tickets for the Verona Opera Festival

All performances listed above take place at the Arena di Verona. Tickets can be purchased on the Fondazione Arena di Verona website.

Where to Stay During the Festival

Verona is not a large city, but having everything within walking distance is always a convenience during any trip. That’s why it’s no surprise: the Historic Center is the best area to stay in the city of Romeo and Juliet.

After breakfast, you’ll be just a short walk away from the city’s top tourist attractions, like Juliet’s House, Piazza delle Erbe, and the famous towers and gates that lead to the medieval center. When it’s time to indulge in Italian cuisine, you’ll be close to the city’s most renowned restaurants.

Juliet’s Balcony

For those seeking 5-star accommodations, the Historic Center offers options like NH Collection, Gabbia D’oro, and Vista Palazzo.

What to Do in Verona Besides Opera

In addition to the opera festival, Verona offers other delightful attractions. At the Castle of San Pietro, you’ll get stunning views of the city. The free access is via Ponte Pietra, and after climbing a few steps, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Verona—trust me, it’s worth it!

You can’t visit Verona without seeing Juliet’s House. There’s no evidence that this was truly the setting of the world’s most famous love story, but it’s worth a visit for the beautiful architecture alone.

You can see the Lamberti Tower from Piazza delle Erbe. There’s an elevator to the top, but if you’d prefer to work off some of the calories gained from all the Italian pasta, there are 243 steps to climb.

Piazza delle Erbe

Ready to experience one of the most magical cultural festivals in the world? Get in touch with us. We have the perfect travel solutions to make your trip to Verona unforgettable.

André Freitas é publicitário e já viajou pra 28 países, fazendo malabarismos pra sempre incluir a Itália no roteiro, o que rendeu 19 cidades e uma lista de dicas.