Nothing
says "antiquity" quite like an amphitheater,
and this is a big one. In fact, it's the third largest
Roman amphitheater in the world. Only Rome's Coliseum
and the Santa Maria Capua Vetere outside Naples are
larger. What makes this one special, however, is that
in spite of age, weather, and earthquakes it remains
largely intact. True, there are only four arches left
in the outer ring, but the inner ring stands as sturdy
today as it did 2,000 years ago. Back then the main
events were bloody gladiator battles, bullfights,
and the killing of Christians. Befitting the city
that is the home to Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"
the amphitheater is now a center of dramatic performance.
With a capacity of 20,000 this venue could hold almost
the entire population of Verona when it was built.
Today crowds gather for operas, concerts, and plays.
The acoustics are so good that microphones are never
used. In the winter The Arena keeps its artsy face
on by supporting a giant star sculpture. It symbolizes
Christmas and the star that led the Three Wise Men
to seek the savior. In addition to being a great piece
of unusual sculpture, children sometimes take a swing
on the star.
