In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, summertime spectacles take to the stage. In the heart of the true city of romance, basks the great Roman amphitheatre – The Arena Di Verona. Standing strong at it’s great age, it is the venue for then annual opera festival. Glorious in its stature, and vibrant in its ambience. The arena provides a familial and historical atmosphere in which to observe the show. Showgoers dressed in their smart summertime attire with scripts in hands, make their way along through lantern lit, cobbled streets. Behind the stage, scales and hums are sounding in preparation for songs to come. Then at long last, the lights are dim, and all is quiet. The show begins…

The Verona Opera Festival is an annual summer of operas. Performed under the stars, in the nearly two thousand year old arena. For both great enthusiasts of opera, or fledglings on the matter, the festivals performances provide all in attendance an immense night of music and drama. The nights consecutively, and consistently provide guests with iconic memories and sensations of magic. Through the beauty and the artistry of opera.

The History of The Arena Di Verona

The Arena di Verona has maintained a stupendous reputation of being a venue for performances of the highest class. However, before 1913 – the year it was established as the home of open-air performances – it was reputable for more than just music. During the era of Ancient Rome, gladiators and horse races were what spectators would make pilgrimage to attend at the arena. Throughout the course of the middle ages, staged naval battles and jousts were held to entertain. The venue is embedded in nearly two thousand years of history – which is evident through the atmosphere and emotion that engulfs guests when visited in the present day.

The Performances

Chills and cheers at the inspiring performers will be felt – and heard, throughout the summer nights.  With many different operas performed on rotation throughout the festival, attendees will witness a great variety of stories and stars. From Aida and Carmen to Rigoletto and Madame Butterfly. The showgoers are left impressed and in awe at these exemplary stories. Adorned in elaborate sets, the various stages play a large part in setting the scene and immersing the crowd in the plots. Aida’s stage is embellished with golden gods and sphinx statues. In great contrast with Giuseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto where period design and costume brings the history of the piece to life. As often the singers may change from the beginning of the season through to the end, it is essential to seek out the dates of the greats!

The Venue

Before sitting down for the show, attendees enter through the ancient stone arches into the amphitheatre. The same paths that those hundreds of years ago would trail. Though many guests will continue on into the venue, those who lean toward a more luxe experience find themselves heading down a different route. Only twenty four guests will find themselves residing on the Star Roof. Connected to the first ring of the arena sits an exclusive terrace where dinner is served in a truly top class fashion. A gastronomical creation curated by Michelin star chef Giancarlo Perbellini is just one of the catalysts in concocting a night of magic. Once dining is done and the curtains are called, guests are accompanied to the most sought after seats in front row to enjoy the show. The small number of guests of the Star Roof, not only gain the best experience on offer. But their funds are collected in a charitable fund that goes towards preserving the arena.

The City

Whilst visiting Verona to enjoy the arenas annual affair, there is plenty to facilitate those looking for more during the day. Just a short, and scenic walk, from the arena is the Piazza Delle Erbe. A historic piazza, with a vast range of top end shopping opportunities, tucked away amongst the ancient architecture. When your feet need a rest from trotting about the cobbled streets, food is the answer. And La Fontanina is the destination. A house of history, its walls are covered in antiques and art. Stories of times past and people gone, live on through the restaurant. With mismatched chairs and a romantic air about the place – the Michelin stars are not the only charm of La Fontanina. The rich wine list and carefully curated menu are sure to be the pre-show stop.  Those with parched tongues, may find themselves looking for a spritz or two to take them into the night. With a string of bars surrounding the arena, showgoers have a list of options for an afternoon Aperol at their disposal. For wine lovers – and romantics alike, Antica Bottega del Vino is a certain choice to taste both regional and natural wines. Standing sturdy since the time of Marie Antoinette, the century’s old bar is one to compliment the historic city. Where what used to be a gathering place for artists and intellectuals sat, is now a wine central venue with a worldwide reputation for its amazing wine list.

The summer season is one of love. And what better than spending it in the city named so by Shakespeare. The opera festival at the Arena Di Verona is a marriage of music, romance and history – an affair not to be missed