Historic center, Other

This square gives a magnificent glance on the history of the city: it is the foyer of the Arena on occasion of the opera, which draws thousand of spectators. It is the place where the people from Verona like strolling for more than two centuries – along the Liston: between 1770 and 1782 it was paved with red marble from Valpolicella, the same used to build the Roman Amphitheatre.

It is the place where people meet to talk about daily events or to drink a coffee or a cocktail in one of the numerous bars, which are open even in winter.

The Liston gives evidence of the vitality of the city and represents the frame of the many events which take place in Piazza Brà or in the Arena. It was made even more spectacular by the new iron structures which support the colourful marquee tents. They were designed by the master Franco Zeffirelli and planned by the architect Gualtiero Rizzi. The Palazzo della Gran Guardia hosts important cultural events, while Palazzo Barbieri is the seat of Verona Town Hall.

An old clock, which was donated by the count Antonio Nogarola and set between the two arches of the XIVth century Portoni della Brà, indicates the time to the strollers.

About in the mid of the XIIth century the market of wood, hay and cattle was held in the wide empty space around the Arena. This event became permanent between the XVIIIth and XIXth centuries. In 1897 the square hosted the most important horse Fair of the North-East. Nowadays it is one of the most important in Europe.

Ancient documents refer to Piazza Brà as “foro boario”: this tradition survives thanks to the fair of Santa Lucia which takes place here every year. The place then was urbanized: different activities began and buildings were built between the XVIth and the XVIIIth centuries.

In 1873 the central part of the square was transformed into a garden.