The season has begun... and summer at the Arena promises extraordinary emotions!

With the arrival of summer, Verona once again lights up with music and entertainment. Its cultural heart beats strongly in the city’s most iconic amphitheater: the Arena di Verona, which every year transforms into one of the most enchanting stages in the world.

The 2026 Arena Opera Festival season begins on June 12th and will accompany audiences until September 12th, with around fifty evenings dedicated to opera, dance, and major musical events. It’s an unmissable event for those visiting Verona during the summer months who want to experience the magic of music under the stars.

 

A monument that tells almost two thousand years of history

Much more than an open-air theater, the Arena is one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. Built around 30 AD, during the Roman Empire, it was originally created as a venue for public shows and gladiator fights. With its original capacity of about 31,000 seats, it was among the largest amphitheaters of its time.

Today, after centuries of transformations and restorations, the Arena still retains its charm and continues to host performances that attract visitors from all over the world. According to a popular legend from Verona, on the quietest nights you can still hear the echoes of the gladiators who once fought in the amphitheater. It is said that the spirits of the fallen warriors have never completely left this place and that their memory reverberates among the ancient stone arches.

Legends aside, it’s easy to feel that this place has a truly special atmosphere: attending a show among these ancient stones is an experience that brings together history, art, and music.

 

How to get to the Arena

The amphitheater is located in the heart of the city, in Piazza Bra, and is easily accessible on foot from the historic center. For those arriving by plane, Valerio Catullo Airport is about 12 km from the city center and offers fast connections with taxis, buses, and direct shuttles to Verona.

 

Must-see performances of summer 2026

The Opera Festival 2026 program features some of the most beloved titles from the grand operatic repertoire, alongside special events. Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata opens the season with a new production dedicated to one of opera’s most famous love stories.

• Verdi’s Aida will be presented in two spectacular versions: the “crystal” staging by Stefano Poda and the monumental production by Franco Zeffirelli.
• Nabucco, renowned for its powerful chorus “Va, pensiero,” one of the most moving moments in Verdi’s repertoire.
• Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème, an intense tale of friendship, youth, and love in nineteenth-century Paris.
• Turandot, a monumental lyrical fairy tale celebrating the centenary of Puccini’s opera.
• The dance evening "Roberto Bolle and Friends," featuring some of the greatest stars of international ballet.

 

Every performance is accompanied by impressive sets, spectacular lighting, and direction that enhances the unique architecture of the amphitheater. The combination of music, scenery, and the summer sky makes every evening at the Arena a truly unforgettable experience. During the summer, shows generally begin between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m., when the sun sets and the Arena lights up, creating a charming and unique atmosphere.

For the full programme and ticket information, please visit the official Arena Verona Opera Festival website.