![Photo by: Pcdazero [via - pixabay.com]](https://www.carnifest.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/arena-783671_1280.jpg "Photo by: Pcdazero [via - pixabay.com]")
Arena di Verona Opera Festival
| Title | Type | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Beethoven – Symphony No. 9 (Opening Night) | Concert | 11 June 2027 |
| Aida – 1913 Edition | Opera | 12 June – 7 August 2027 |
| Romeo and Juliet (Prokofiev) | Ballet | 18 June – 20 August 2027 |
| La Traviata | Opera | 25 June – 11 September 2027 |
| Carmen | Opera | 2 July – 10 September 2027 |
| Roberto Bolle & Friends | Ballet Gala | 8 & 21 July 2027 |
| Nabucco | Opera | 29 July – 9 September 2027 |
| Jonas Kaufmann in Opera | Concert | 8 August 2027 |
| Aida – Stefano Poda Edition | Opera | 12 August – 8 September 2027 |
| Viva Vivaldi – The Four Seasons Immersive Concert | Concert | 24 August 2027 |
| Paganini Paradise – Superlive Immersive Concert | Concert | 25 August 2027 |
| Carmina Burana (Orff) | Concert | 29 August 2027 |
The festival is held every summer from mid-June to early September, with performances almost every evening. Thousands of spectators fill the ancient stone tiers, where the amphitheatre’s natural acoustics carry voices and orchestra without amplification. As dusk falls before the overture, the audience traditionally lights small candles across the steps, a sea of flickering flames that is among the most unforgettable sights of Italian summer.
Opera Festival Highlights:
- Aida in the Arena: Verdi’s Aida is the heart of every season. The faithful reconstruction of the original 1913 staging, with giant sphinxes, pyramids and a triumphal march involving hundreds of performers, alternates with Stefano Poda’s contemporary vision of the opera.
- Great Italian Repertoire: Alongside Aida, the season fills with large-scale productions of La Traviata, Carmen, Nabucco and other classics, including Franco Zeffirelli’s legendary stagings.
- Ballet, Galas & Concerts: Ballet productions, star gala evenings with international opera and dance stars, and choral works such as Carmina Burana round out the program. Immersive concerts reimagine Vivaldi and Paganini for the Arena stage.
- A Roman Amphitheatre: The Arena di Verona is one of the best-preserved amphitheatres in the world. It sits in Piazza Bra in the heart of Verona’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:
- Tickets & Seating: Seats range from premium “poltronissime” cushioned armchairs at the front to unnumbered stone tiers, the cheapest option with no backrest. If you buy unnumbered seats, rent or bring a cushion and arrive early to choose a good spot.
- Performance Times: Performances start around 9 pm, after sunset. Long operas such as Aida finish well past midnight. In rain, performances may be delayed or interrupted, so check the Arena’s weather policy on your ticket.
- Getting There: Verona Porta Nuova train station is about 20 minutes’ walk from Piazza Bra, and Verona Villafranca Airport is a short shuttle ride away. The square itself is pedestrianised, and there are paid car parks nearby.
- What to Wear: There’s no strict dress code, but long trousers are expected in the stalls. Evenings in the stone amphitheatre can be cooler than expected after a hot day, so bring a light layer. Umbrellas and glass bottles are not allowed inside.
- Accommodation: Verona’s historic centre is busy all summer, and hotels within walking distance of the Arena — ideal for walking back after midnight performances — fill up first, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
- Explore Verona: During the day, visit Juliet’s House, Piazza delle Erbe and Castelvecchio, or take a guided tour of the Arena itself — browse top Verona tours and activities here.
The full opera calendar, cast lists and ticket sales are published on the official Arena di Verona website. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.
Add Comment