Summary
Controlling the Adriatic from the southern end of the Istrian Peninsula, Pula has been a significant stronghold for various powers since Roman times. This city is characterized by its natural harbor and was developed during the Augustan period, featuring a magnificent amphitheater, temples, and a collection of arches that have endured for over 2,000 years.
Subsequently, the Venetians integrated it into their Adriatic defenses, further enriching the city’s military heritage. However, it was the Austro-Hungarian Empire that significantly developed Pula, selecting its harbor as their imperial naval arsenal in the 1800s. Today, the city is filled with impressive historical buildings and is nestled in a stunning hillside location, surrounded by natural parks.
Let us explore the top attractions in Pula:
1. Arena
Pula’s iconic Roman Amphitheatre is recognized as one of the most well-preserved examples globally.
The remarkable three-story arched walls and four towers around the perimeter continue to stand, illustrating the intricate inner workings of a Roman amphitheatre in impressive detail.
Visitors can observe the underground passages utilized by Gladiators, along with the cisterns that channeled perfumed water to the 20,000 spectators.
This historic monument dates back to the first century; its preservation can largely be attributed to its continued use for tournaments by medieval knights, 1,000 years after its construction.
2. Forum
Much like during Roman times, Pula’s forum serves as the main square of the city. This space has historically hosted significant gatherings, and contemporary events continue to take place in this vibrant locale.
During the summer months, the forum features concerts and cultural activities, as well as large crowds during events such as the Euros or the World Cup when the Croatian national football team plays.
The setting is impressive, surrounded by other Roman monuments and the Renaissance-style city hall, enhancing the experience with a sense of grandeur.
3. Arch of the Sergii
This triumphal arch commemorates the distinguished Sergii family’s role in the pivotal Battle of Actium, situated in France. Constructed around 30 BC, it has remarkably withstood the test of time.
Originally functioning as a city gate leading from the naval port, elaborately carved friezes adorn the stone, featuring cupids and garlands, with a depiction of a horse-drawn battle chariot beneath.
4. Temple of Augustus
The grand tetrastyle portico of this historic structure is unmissable while in the forum. The temple was constructed during Augustus’s reign, making it over 2,000 years old.
The temple’s well-preserved state can be attributed to its conversion into a church once Christianity took hold in the Roman Empire, and it later became a granary before its current role as a lapidarium in the 19th century.
Visitors can step inside to view ancient stonework and bronze sculptures from the surrounding region of Pula.
5. Archaeological Museum
Established in the 1800s, the Temple of Augustus initially served as the city’s museum. However, due to the extensive ancient heritage discovered, a new museum opened in 1925.
The Archaeological Museum showcases artifacts from the Istrian peninsula, including busts, mosaics, and ancient stone reliefs.
Exhibits are frequently updated to reflect the region’s rich historical legacy, starting from Stone Age artifacts and culminating in Byzantine marble carvings discovered at the site of Pula’s first cathedral.
6. Church and Monastery of St. Francis
Positioned on the slope of the central hill ascending from the Forum, the Franciscan church in Pula dates back to the 1300s, coinciding with the arrival of this monastic order in the city.
A monastery complex was constructed around the church during the subsequent century. Its tall, slender windows and understated facade exemplify late-Romanesque architecture.
The cloister and courtyard are particularly favored by many visitors. The garden at its center provides a delightful oasis filled with statues and palm trees, where small tortoises can often be seen sunbathing during summer.
7. Kastel
Situated atop a rise in central Pula, Kastel is a Venetian fortress constructed in the 1600s.
The fortress features formidable star-shaped walls, designed to counter artillery fire following the advent of gunpowder.
Kastel served as the primary stronghold for the Venetians, protecting Pula’s harbor and the entire upper Adriatic region.
Those interested in military history should consider climbing the angular walls to explore the cannons and watchtower.
Alongside the arena, Kastel is a prominent venue for the Pula International Film Festival held each July.
8. The Gate of Hercules
Though this historical monument may appear modest, it is one of Pula’s earliest remnants of Roman heritage still in existence.
The arch features an eroded carving of Hercules, alongside the names of two Roman officials: Gaius Cassius Longinus and Lucius Calpurnius Piso.
These officials were commissioned by the Roman Senate to establish Pula as a Roman colony in the mid-1st century BC.
Flanking the gate are medieval towers that constituted part of the original city’s defenses on the former Upper Circular Street.
9. Small Roman Theatre
Complete your exploration of Pula’s Roman sites at this theatre on the hillside. These evocative ruins are labeled as “small” because Pula’s larger theatre is situated beyond the city walls.
This small theatre is the only one to have survived, allowing visitors to traverse a significant portion of the tiered seating, as well as parts of the stage and orchestra where the ancient chorus would perform.
As a lesser-known attraction, it offers a peaceful experience with fewer tourists.
10. Pula Aquarium
Housed within the historical Austro-Hungarian fortress Verudela, Pula’s Aquarium is the largest in Croatia.
This aquarium offers an enjoyable indoor option during rainy weather or during the hottest parts of summer.
Integrating seamlessly with the fort’s stone architecture, the aquarium showcases both freshwater and marine species native to Croatia and the Adriatic, alongside tropical exhibits, a turtle rescue center (the only one in Croatia), and a dedicated room for seahorses.
The highlight of the attraction is the shark tank, prominently located in the former atrium of the fortress.
11. Pula Communal Palace
This spot, next to the Temple of Augustus, has housed a town hall for 2,000 years.
This location was originally occupied by the Temple of Diana until medieval times, when it served as the town hall for several centuries.
The current structure replaced the original building in the 13th century, but remnants of the original temple’s stonework are still visible behind the contemporary edifice.
Over the years, numerous renovations have resulted in The Communal Palace reflecting a blend of architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque.
12. Cape Kamenjak
A few short kilometers from Pula lies Istria’s southernmost point, characterized by a rugged headland adorned with numerous small islands offshore.
The landscape embodies a raw beauty, featuring stark cliffs and unusual rock formations that entice visitors to plunge into the clear, calm waters of the Adriatic.
The best beaches can be found on the cape’s western side, boasting a series of pebbly coves and rocky terraces that cascade toward the water, resembling the best swimming pool imaginable!
13. Brijuni National Park
The only access to this park from the mainland is from the town of Fazana, located a few kilometers north of Pula.
Here, visitors can board a regular boat service to the archipelago, which takes approximately 20 minutes.
The park is immensely picturesque, featuring densely forested islands surrounded by narrow white sandy beaches. Explore the natural history sites on Veliki Brijun, where 200 dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous Period have been unearthed.
The remains of a Roman villa and a Knights Templar church can also be observed here.
14. Local Produce
For a genuine Istrian souvenir, nothing surpasses a bottle of Rakija. This aperitif is crafted throughout the Balkans, each region incorporating its unique characteristics.
In Istria, Rakija is available in honey and mistletoe varieties, with the latter known as Biska, featuring a subtly sweet flavor and a yellow-brown hue.
If you visit a market or artisan shop in Pula, don’t miss the opportunity to find a bottle of oil infused with Istrian white truffles.
These truffles thrive in the humid oak forests of the Istrian peninsula, and they are traditionally grated onto steaks or served with fuži pasta, which are small rolled pasta sheets typically accompanied by veal sauce.
15. Austro-Hungarian Fortresses
Pula’s Austro-Hungarian period, during which the city served as the Empire’s primary naval port, left a striking collection of coastal fortifications.
There are 26 forts in total, along with batteries, trenches, and tunnels, many of which are gradually being reclaimed by nature.
All of the fortresses feature a circular layout, specifically designed to deflect artillery fire. It is possible to acquire a map of these historical sites for a walking expedition.
A noteworthy aspect is that some forts, such as Fort Bourguignon and Fort Punta Christo, are located on elevated hilltops, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding areas.
