VERONA'S FALLING STAR

Experts are still estimating the damage caused by the fall of the 78 ton “Star” comet sculpture that bridged the ancient Roman Verona amphitheatre and the outside Piazza Bra in the city centre. The massive 70m high and 82m long steel “Star of Bethlehem”, created by architect-scenographer Rinaldo Olivieri in 1984, has been a fixed feature of the Verona Christmas season ever since.

Unfortunately, its career may be over. A fatal mistake in the complex operation to remove the sculpture caused it to fall and crash into the celebrated Arena, venue of the prestigious summer opera season, causing what experts called “irreparable damage” to the cavea, which dates back to 30 AD.

The “Star” was originally meant to be one-only fixture, and was much criticized by culture experts when it was first installed, but was subsequently greeted with such affection by the local people that it has become the symbol of the Verona Christmas, erected every year.. A recent opinion poll has established that three quarters of those questioned want the Star to be repaired and set up next Christmas.

M. STENHOUSE

Info: Fondazione Arena di Verona Tel. +39.045596517 www.arena.it info@arenadiverona.it