About us
Nearly 25 years ago, the founder and still owner of this restaurant was inspired by amphitheatre Arena di Verona, the construction of which started even before BC. Arena means "sand" and it refers to the sand in the middle of the theatre upon which the performances took place in the old days. It is the third largest open air theatre in the world.
In the days of the Roman Empire amphitheatres were used to offer bread and play to the nation. Often the programmes lasted an entire day. In the morning there was the hunt of wild animals, public executions could be enjoyed by lunch time and gladiators (in a man to man fight) were cheered in the afternoon.
The supreme acoustic value of the Arena di Verona was discovered by accident in 1913, when, as a tribute to the 100th anniversary of Guiseppe Verdi, it was decided to stage one of his opera's in the Arena. The interior is still in perfect condition and off season - from October to June - it gets refurbished and reconstructed continuously. Due to earthquakes in 1183 and 1223 large parts of the building collapsed; the Arena lost its outer wall, except for a small ruin. Even these ruins are well maintained so that they will be preserved for generations to come.
The Arena programmes enjoy great public interest in the Netherlands and throughout Europe. Travel agencies offer all-included package deals and in summer there are scheduled flights from Amsterdam to Verona. The Arena programme is very practically thought-through. In a three day stay one can always attend two performances. Provided they are not sold out, of course. The Arena has over 22.000 seats, still made of authentic stone (www.arena.it).
In restaurant L'Arena, renowned for its Italian culinary specialties, you are welcome seven days a week. Granted, there is no stage and no opera, bet there is a menu of dishes that wilt enable you to savour the authentic atmosphere of the real Arena.
Enjoy!