The Arena is the most characteristic monument of Verona.
It is the third largest Roman amphitheater in Italy after the Colosseum and the arena of Capua. Built in the first century AD, it can hold about 20,000 people.
It was built just outside the city walls, still partly visible behind the amphitheater, in a large open space. With the construction of new walls during the twelfth century, that space became Piazza Bra.
The Arena was built using the typical stone of Valpolicella in all its shades of red and pink. It was severely damaged during the earthquake of 1117: the outer wall ring collapsed leaving only four rows of arches, the so-called "wing" of the Arena, which still characterizes the building.
In roman age the amphitheatres were used for gladiator fights and other gory spectacles. The name Arena, means "sand", and it comes from the sand that was placed on the floor of the amphitheater with the purpose of absorbing the blood of fighters. It is unknown whether the arena was ever used also for naval battles, like the Colosseum.
Around the sixteenth century the Arena was restored. For this reason it is still in good conditions. Since 1913 the famous opera festival takes place in it every year, which makes the amphitheater of Verona the largest opera house in the world.
The Arena, thanks to an elliptic shape, has perfect acoustics. This allows the voices of opera singers and music to spread perfectly, so there is no need for amplification systems. Amplification, instead, is used in many concerts and other events that are held each year in the Arena.
During december and january the Christmas Star, a big iron sculpture, is placed in piazza Bra; at first it was linked to the Nativity Scene Exhibit, but now it's considered a symbol of unity against divisions and violence.
Nice wide angle view of the Arena and the star. The star was removed today and I really wanted to take a picture of the event, but I was cold and hungry...,did you see it?
Thank you very much to you both.