Kittee C.
Yelp
What a beautiful venue! Talk about atmposphere, couldn't do better than here. When you think about the history, what occurred there - sitting on those steps, looking down on the arena imagining the people who hundreds of years ago sat exactly where you are but witnessing scenes of terrible carnage, it fair takes your breath away.
I was lucky enough to see both Aida and Carmen here, fantastic productions, so opulent and grand, the scenery and sets were fabulous, huge, towering obelisks, horses on stage, hundreds of extras.. Better than I ever could've imagined. We took the cheap seats (the unreserved stone steps at the very top of the arena) which cost something like 25 euros. But we weren't let down, the view and the sound were amazingly good, they don't use microphones or speakers as the acoustics are tremendous, every note, every word so clear. To be honest I don't believe the atmosphere would've been so good sitting in the more expensive seats (and they are expensive - over 200 euros) and we saved money by picking up the tickets at the office rather than having them posted to us.
They have a tradition whereby they switch the lights off before the opera starts and hand around small candles, like birthday candle size, and everyone lights them and holds them up, the effect is magical and again sets the mood and transports you away from the modern world. I have uploaded a picture of this, but it doesn't do it justice!
Honestly, I can't think of words to describe this properly, I just can't tell you how wonderful this was - go and experience it for yourself!