The Roman Amphitheater, better known as the "Arena", is, together with Romeo and Juliet, the symbol that makes Verona famous throughout the world and the first thing that tourists choose to see as soon as they set foot in the city.
Probably built around the first century, the Arena, like all amphitheaters, hosted gladiatorial shows. It was the fourth amphitheater after the Colosseum of Rome, that of Capua and that of Milan with a solid and imposing structure with the exterior covered with brick and stone from Verona that create a sparkling chromatic effect. Inside, with the concentric movement of the steps, it arouses in the spectators a singular effect of majesty. It takes its name from the "rena", the sand that is found in the central part on which the shows were held. It could accommodate up to 30,000 spectators, leaving plenty of space for those who performed. A grand stage for important musical performances, the Arena continues to preserve its millenary function, albeit with less bloody shows! Verona is the theater where the tragic love affair of Romeo and Juliet was consummated, made immortal by the pen of William Shakespeare.