Verona: A night at the opera!

At Verona arena.

Ever thought of sitting in an ancient Roman amphitheatre in the middle of Italy watching a 3-hour long opera sung in Italian?

Nah…me neither!

When I visited Verona, I saw that the opera was on, so I thought… when in Rome and all that!

It was, to say the least, an experience.

The show was quintessentially Italian, with the audience sporadically exclaiming, “BRAVO” throughout the entire production.

Yes, the stereotype really does exist!

Something that you just have to do whether you like opera or not when you’re visiting Verona, is experiencing a night at the opera at Verona arena!

Honestly, although I’m someone who has fallen asleep watching “Carmen” previously, I couldn’t resist the ULTIMATE operatic experience.

And now, I won’t ever need to go again, because nothing could top it!

The atmosphere was electric, it was a lovely summer’s evening outside in Verona.

I was sat there in an amphitheatre with a glass (cup to be precise) of wine in hand enjoying the live orchestra.

You couldn’t ask for a more culturally immersive night!

Although I don’t usually like opera, if you haven’t already gathered…but it was the highlight of my trip!

After now being a seasoned opera-goer, I think it right that I pass on a few pearls of wisdom of what to expect and how to best prepare for your night at the opera.

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Don’t miss out on tickets at Verona arena!

I didn’t realise that the opera was on at the arena when I arrived in Verona.

I stumbled across the ticket office and booked tickets on a whim believe it or not!

For me, it wasn’t a problem booking the tickets a few days in advance at the ticket office opposite the amphitheatre.

Basically…I didn’t mind which opera I saw, I just wanted the experience.

If you, on the other hand, are into your operas, you may want to plan things a little better.

So, there are different operas performed at different times, so if you have a favourite that you want to see, check if and when it is showing.

It’s also worth mentioning…

You may also want to guarantee a seat, as the operas are only shown at certain times of the year, between certain dates.

If you’re an avid opera fan, definitely take a look on the website before you even book your trip, if your holiday is riding on it.

When I was in Verona, Aida was showing, which was a relief after the Carmen incident!

Set in Egypt, this is a classic love story between a captured Ethiopian princess and an Egyptian military commander– so predictable…not!

Let’s just say, it doesn’t end well.

As you can imagine, the scenery is amazing! With the giant Egyptian pyramids and sphinx.

When the show isn’t on during the day, the set is stacked outside of the Verona arena like unwanted clutter, which is quite a funny sight.

Each night, the set is carefully manoeuvered back onto the stage in the centre of the amphitheatre.

It’s worth saying…

The tickets are also SUPER affordable if you don’t mind a seat on the stone arena steps.

The Verona arena also do student tickets too! Which is ideal if you’re on a travel budget and want to experience something insanely Italian!

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Don’t get lost during the performance!

Unless your Italian is on point, I’d definitely recommend reading the synopsis before you watch the show.

I am aware that not all operas are in Italian, but… if you’re watching one in Italy then…you get the picture.

Here’s the deal…

Although the whole thing is subtitled, it can be difficult to keep up with the translation.

And if you’re short-sighted, then don’t even expect to be able to read the translation clearly.

Having a prior understanding of the story will really help you keep up with what’s actually going on.

It will keep you a bit more engaged too. Especially if you’re sat near the back, you may also struggle to fully hear the soloists sing.

I mean, let’s be realistic here, yes microphones are invented but, this is a massive amphitheatre we’re talking about, you’re not going to hear every word crystal clear.

Even so, you won’t understand the words anyway!

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Make yourself as comfortable as possible!

If you’re sat at the back of the amphitheatre on the stone steps as I was, I’d suggest either taking your own cushion or renting one there for a few euros.

In hindsight, I’d rather miss out on an ice cream than miss out on one of those cushions!

You can then sit on the cushion rather than sitting directly on the stone steps, which can get a little uncomfortable I must say.

Trust me, you’ll need it!

Sitting on that stone step for 3 hours gives you a numb bum even WITH the cushion!

I don’t even want to imagine how you would feel after sitting that long without the cushion…eugh!

Although there are intervals where you can stretch your legs, they aren’t long.

On the other hand…

If you don’t fancy the cheaper seats, there are more expensive normal seats which I imagine would be a lot more comfortable indeed!

To be honest, I wouldn’t have swapped a stone seat for a chair, because for me, it was all part of the experience.

The atmosphere was immense so high up and I guess a little cooler too!

Be well equipped for the heat!

This open-air opera at Verona arena begins fairly late on into the evening (around 9 pm) to avoid the hot sun.

Although it is a lot cooler out, it’s still sweaty weather.

You’re definitely going to be grateful for a fan.

Remember, you’re going to be sat surrounded by other people watching the show, it gets hot!

Be prepared for a long night at the Verona arena…

This show lasts around 3 long hours! Perhaps longer, depending on the show.

By the time you get out, if you haven’t eaten prior, you will be starving.

You’re NOT supposed to take food and drink into the arena with you, so make sure your stomach is satisfied.

Perhaps take some DELICIOUS gelato whilst you’re waiting for the opera to start!

To conclude…

Whether you’re a fan or not, the opera at Verona arena is extraordinary!

If the opera was showing in an ordinary theatre, honestly, I probably would have given it a miss.

But this was something else!

The costumes, the set, the atmosphere, the location, all make it nothing less than magical!

You can’t NOT appreciate such a spectacle.

And you know what, the tickets are a bargain!

I must say, I’m the first to turn down a night at the opera (like I get asked all the time), but on this occasion, it was everything it cracked up to be.

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Yours,

Holly