The “most Italian place on Earth”, quotes the slogan of the Arena di Verona Opera Festival and, if you think about it, it really is. An ancient Roman theater, built in the first century AD, served as a model for the Colosseum and the largest and best preserved in the world, the Arena di Verona, after having witnessed within its majestic walls all kinds of events, from gladiator fights to bull races, from August 10 1913 is synonymous with one of the greatest Italian arts: opera.

Precisely in that year, on the occasion of the first centenary of the birth of Giuseppe Verdi, the Veronese tenor Giovanni Zenatello, together with the theater impresario Ottone Rovato and other enthusiasts, staged Aida, resorting, for the first time in the history of opera, with three-dimensional sets that are, still today, one of the flagships of the events hosted in the amphitheater.

To celebrate its first 100 editions, the Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2023 offers the public the richest program of events ever.

(Cecilia Gasdìa, Sovrintendente of the Arena di Verona Foundation)

Managed by the newly established Ente Lirico Arena di Verona since 1936, in the summer period of each year, with a single interruption during the two world wars, the Arena Opera Festival has become the most important opera festival in the world; the one with the most famous artists, the most sumptuous costumes, the most ingenious sets, in an apotheosis of all-Italian music, fashion, glamour, architecture and design.

And just to celebrate its first 100 editions, the Arena di Verona Opera Festival 2023, from 16 June to 9 September, offers its audience the richest and most varied program ever: 8 different opera titles, two of which new productions, and 5 special events.

First of all the eagerly awaited Aida by Giuseppe Verdi, the international symbol of the Arena. The premiere, broadcast live on Rai worldwide and starring Anna Netrebko flanked by the tenor Yusif Eyvazov in the role of Radamès and directed by the visionary Stefano Poda, a multifaceted artist who overturned all the canons of the historical drama, taking care also of the set and costume design, broke all records of viewers and social clicks.

And then, the most loved operas of all time: Verdi’s Rigoletto, Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, Puccini’s Tosca, Verdi’s Nabucco, Bizet’s Carmen, Puccini’s Madama Butterfly and Verdi’s La Traviata.

And to give you the opportunity to experience even more special evenings, this year you can book some unforgettable experiences, those that you absolutely must do at least once in your life.

Starting with The Star Roof Experience, a wonderful panoramic terrace overlooking Piazza Bra for a romantic dinner of just 6 tables pampered by the brigade of chef Mattia Bianchi, Executive Chef of Amistà Restaurant, 1 Michelin Star since 2020. The Star Roof Experience includes also the highly sought-after front row to see the show at its best and a courtesy bar service.

Other bookable corporate experiences are The Stone Lounge, the aperitif and light dinner hosted in the lounge area next to the stalls entrance of the Arena, and the incredible Backstage VIP Pass that allows to experience all the excitement of what is happening in the vaulted millenary corridors of the theater before going on stage, between costume fittings, vocalizing in the dressing room, adrenaline rush…and stardust.

Apotheosis of Italianness, beauty, courage.

The Secret

The part of the floor that connects the first ring of the Arena with the tallest wing, which has become one of the symbols of Verona, survived the earthquake of 1117, the strongest seismic event ever recorded before in the Po valley.

Thanks to Heads Collective for the stage photos.

Useful Info

Arena di Verona
Ticket Office
Via Dietro Anfiteatro 6/B
37121 Verona
biglietteria@arenadiverona.it
Call center +39 045 8005151
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