Italy is world famous for its theatrical history, its great artists and the imaginative works that have always inspired and created new opportunities for all sorts of artists. Actors, singers and performers from all backgrounds have successfully established themselves as masters and teachers in every field, dictating the fashions of the moment and paving the way for new experiments. Opera is one of the many fields in which Italy has been and still is the undisputed queen, and the extraordinary setting of the Verona Arena has hosted some of the most beautiful performances in the world. The particular architecture of the Arena and its excellent state of preservation, its functionality and spectacular appearance make it the perfect place to admire wonderful works. Between colourful costumes and wonderful stories, you can still take a journey through time that will leave you speechless! In the Verona Arena, incredible operas and shows are everyday events, and will prove to be an experience not to be missed during your trip to Veneto. Here is a small list of the famous operas at the Verona Arena, which have made the history of this glorious amphitheatre. Treat yourself to an exceptional adventure and get ready to leave and discover beauty!

One of the operas at the Verona Arena that has most struck the collective imagination is certainly the imaginative Aida who, in 1913, gave birth to the long tradition of opera in the amphitheatre. Aida, written by Giuseppe Verdi in the second half of the nineteenth century, tells the story of the homonymous princess and her unfortunate fate. Between adventures, chases, misunderstandings and an incredible love story, the acts follow one after the other at a fast pace until the spectacular finale, steeped in melancholic beauty. The relationship between this work and the Arena has lasted practically since its début. A vision of the Aida in Verona is now a must: not surprisingly, this show boasts spectators from all over Italy and from the rest of the world. It is considered one of the most opulent international shows of the twentieth century, and still today boasts many loyal spectators. There are also those who return to Verona every year, on the occasion of the Arenian Opera Festival, only to be able to once again enjoy the magnificence of Egypt in the heart of one of the most loved amphitheatres in the world. The version conceived and directed by the great director Zeffirelli is one of the best known and replicated during the Arena festival. The costumes of the highest quality and the impressive sets are still today able to leave spectators speechless. An extraordinary opportunity to see one of the most loved operas in the world!

In the Verona Arena there are many outstanding operas, but none touch the heartstrings like the tragic and evocative story of Madama Butterfly, which draws us towards the bright colours and ancient traditions of Japan. Giacomo Puccini’s opera in three acts, known to most people for the spectacular version sung by Maria Callas, is still today a romantic and poignant masterpiece. The story of the beautiful Madama Butterfly, steeped in bad luck and hopes for the future, is painted in the colours of the dream in its Veronese version. The Verona Arena is transformed into a corner of Japan, and during the performance it will be impossible not to feel part of this exciting story. The final part, in which the protagonist faces the harsh reality of life, will stir unforgettable emotions in you. A definite must see!

The tragic and spectacular story of Tosca takes its viewers through a kaleidoscope of emotions, through a Rome shaken by the consequences of the French Revolution. A real dive into the early nineteenth century, where the events of Tosca take place: a good and loving protagonist involved in spite of herself in an amazing story. Amid political intrigues, betrayals and daring scenes, Tosca soon managed to establish itself as one of Puccini’s greatest works, to the point that it is still very much played out and loved today. The version represented in 2006 in the Verona Arena is still remembered today for the pomp and magnificence of the costumes and sets, which blend well with the epic nature of the story. Visiting Verona will prove to be the perfect opportunity to discover the grandeur of Italian operas, and will offer you a myriad of unforgettable sensations!

At the Verona Arena, operas boast a quantity, variety and quality of emotions that are difficult to find in any other form of art: but none of these come close to Turandot. If this work by Giacomo Puccini is considered immortal it is precisely thanks to the mystery that still surrounds it today as, in fact, it is unfinished. Although an ending was later written, in fact, the author himself became stuck at the most important point of the story, disappearing before finishing it. The mystery of how the author would have ended the story still remains a great debate among opera lovers, who in any case love to immerse themselves in the fascinating atmosphere of Beijing “in the time of fairy tales”. An epic and imaginative work, which still today allows spectators from all over the world to dream. Absolutely beautiful!