Travel Pula Guide
The city of Pula sits at the base of the Istrian Peninsula and is a sunny, historically rich seaside city: the largest in Istria. Most famous for its Roman amphitheater, Pula is filled with Roman ruins and there is evidence of pre-Roman populations dating back more than 3,000 years. A city with a history of occupation, many inhabitants still speak German and Italian. Pula was, at one time, one of the richest ports in Central Europe and controlled rail trade out of Italy. Known for its rebellious spirit, Pula was home to the strongest anti-fascist resistance movement during WWII.
Pula's Roman Amphitheater is the sixth largest Roman amphitheater and is the most famous archaeological site in Croatia. The Pula Amphitheater and the Roman Colosseum were built simultaneously in the 1st Century AD. This three-story elliptical arena once held 20,000 spectators for Roman Gladiator fights and Knights tournaments during the middle ages. The amphitheater is still used today for plays, operas and concerts and can hold around 5,000 spectators.
Another monument worth visiting on your trip to Pula is the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi, or "The Golden Gate". This was originally a gate through the city walls at the port. The Arch is built in the Corinthian style and was originally very ornate and gilded. Built in 29 BC by the Sergi family, the Arch was a glorious marker of the wealth and power of Pula at the time. Today it is a cultural marker and performances are held in the adjacent square. There is also an outdoor shopping area in the nearby streets.
Another remnant of Pula's Roman history; the Temple of Augustus was constructed in Pula in the year 2 BC and was dedicated to the Emperor Augustus. Originally a pagan temple, the monument has since been used as a Christian church, a granary and a museum. Though the original building was destroyed during WWII, it has been re-constructed true to form and contains a museum of sculptures.
The Archaeological Museum of Istria is also located in Pula and began with a small collection of stone monuments from the temple of Augustus. The collection has since grown with the addition of stone, ceramic and metal objects from the Nesactium and with the integration of the collection from the National Collection and the Provincial Museum. Though there was some movement of the collection during WWII to Italy, most of the objects have been recovered and the collection there tells the varied and fascinating history of the local region through its extensive collection of artifacts.
Beyond Pula's collection of ruins, artifacts, museums and monuments, it has some great beaches. Pula's beaches lie on the beautiful, blue Adriatic Coast and offer everything one could wish for from a beach resort town. Beach-side cafés, bicycle and boat rentals, great swimming and ferry rides to the local islands will fill your trip to Pula with joyful activity and the historical city center will fulfill your need for culture in this well-balanced city.
Pula's Roman Amphitheater is the sixth largest Roman amphitheater and is the most famous archaeological site in Croatia. The Pula Amphitheater and the Roman Colosseum were built simultaneously in the 1st Century AD. This three-story elliptical arena once held 20,000 spectators for Roman Gladiator fights and Knights tournaments during the middle ages. The amphitheater is still used today for plays, operas and concerts and can hold around 5,000 spectators.
Another monument worth visiting on your trip to Pula is the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi, or "The Golden Gate". This was originally a gate through the city walls at the port. The Arch is built in the Corinthian style and was originally very ornate and gilded. Built in 29 BC by the Sergi family, the Arch was a glorious marker of the wealth and power of Pula at the time. Today it is a cultural marker and performances are held in the adjacent square. There is also an outdoor shopping area in the nearby streets.
Another remnant of Pula's Roman history; the Temple of Augustus was constructed in Pula in the year 2 BC and was dedicated to the Emperor Augustus. Originally a pagan temple, the monument has since been used as a Christian church, a granary and a museum. Though the original building was destroyed during WWII, it has been re-constructed true to form and contains a museum of sculptures.
The Archaeological Museum of Istria is also located in Pula and began with a small collection of stone monuments from the temple of Augustus. The collection has since grown with the addition of stone, ceramic and metal objects from the Nesactium and with the integration of the collection from the National Collection and the Provincial Museum. Though there was some movement of the collection during WWII to Italy, most of the objects have been recovered and the collection there tells the varied and fascinating history of the local region through its extensive collection of artifacts.
Beyond Pula's collection of ruins, artifacts, museums and monuments, it has some great beaches. Pula's beaches lie on the beautiful, blue Adriatic Coast and offer everything one could wish for from a beach resort town. Beach-side cafés, bicycle and boat rentals, great swimming and ferry rides to the local islands will fill your trip to Pula with joyful activity and the historical city center will fulfill your need for culture in this well-balanced city.