So, let's go back to our March/April vacation in Venice-Verona! Sometimes I feel like I've barely scratched the surface, but truly I have, I know.
You can safely say that after doing all the research before Verona, what we most wanted to see was the Arena.
As you can see, it stands out like a sore thumb...looking like Rome's Colosseum.
[Google image]
In fact, it really is oval in shape, as you see here, like the Roman Colosseum...not round.
Interestingly, the Verona Arena was built in AD 30, before the Colosseum was built in AD 70.
However, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world, while the Arena is the 3rd largest.
[Google image]
The Saturday we visited Verona's Arena was during their Garden Floridea flower show.
OMG! What a showcase for such an historic landmark!
Before we went inside, we walked all around its outer perimeter.
The outer ring of white and pink limestone was almost completely destroyed from an earthquake
in 1117. But the inner ring you see now is well preserved, considering.
Like Rome's Colosseum, if you've ever been there, you enter via the passageways below.
Look at how tall they are.
Some passageways seemed stunted by comparison, but once you climb the stairs,
you quickly find the doorways into the actual arena, like baseball stadiums in America!
In earlier years, the Arena was used for gladiator fights, jousts and game tournaments.
Since the 18th century it's been used primarily for opera performances.
In fact, they were setting up for one while we were there.
You can picture it, can't you...attending an opera there.
We have good imaginations and left it at that...picturing it.
The next day, Sunday, as we walked back through town, we had our own free performance.
Apparently Italy is known for its flag-throwing competitions, as part of their Medieval festivals,
so we felt lucky to happen upon this one, against the backdrop of the Arena.
These are the memories you don't soon forget!
