Arena – Amphitheater

The most famous and significant monument, a building from which every city tour begins and ends – the Pula Arena – a building where gladiator battles were held. It was built in the 1st century, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time as the largest and most famous building of its kind – the Colosseum in Rome.

It is elliptical in shape, with a main axis length of 130 meters and a shorter axis of 100 meters. In the middle is a flat area – the arena, and spectators sat on stone steps or stood in the gallery. It is believed that the Arena could accommodate 20,000 spectators. It was built of local limestone. In the Middle Ages, the Arena was used for knightly tournaments and fairs.

Today it is used for summer events – Film Festival, Opera Season, Equestrian Festival, concerts... when it can accommodate around 5000 spectators.

During the summer, gladiator battles are held in the Arena every week as part of the ancient historical-entertainment spectacle "Spectacvla Antiqva". In the underground room, which previously served as the gladiators' quarters, a permanent exhibition "Olive Growing and Viticulture in Ancient Istria" is now set up, enriched with reconstructions of oil and wine production machines (mills, presses, vessels for settling), and amphorae that served as packaging for transporting oil and wine.

The Arena is located outside the old city walls of Pula due to its size and geographical convenience, and a road founded in the time of Vespasian leads to the city itself, after whom it was named – Via Flavia, which still represents one of the main city streets.

Pula Cathedral

The Pula Cathedral was built on the foundations of an early Christian church from the late 4th or early 5th century, but it is believed that during the Roman persecutions, this was a place of secret religious gatherings.

Since then, a building has been erected on that site, and the cathedral itself has undergone numerous modifications. Today's form is mostly due to additions in the 5th century, and today it is the center of the Poreč-Pula bishopric.

Pula Aquarium

With such clear sea, it is no wonder that Pula can boast one of the richest and most visited aquariums in Croatia. The Pula Aquarium is located in the Austro-Hungarian fortress Verudela, which has been repurposed and "hosts" a variety of marine animals such as favorite seahorses, but also jellyfish and sharks.

The aquarium is known for its ecological character and its seahorse recovery center, and it is a sanctuary for the now protected loggerhead turtles. As part of the aquarium, the "Evolution" exhibition is very popular, which presents living fossils and reptiles in an educational way, while the children's playground and terrace allow visitors to relax after sighing during the aquarium tour.

Temple of Augustus

In honor of the Roman Emperor Augustus, a temple was erected as an excellent example of Roman architecture, made of perfectly square stone blocks. In the Byzantine era, the temple was converted into a church, then into a grain warehouse, and since the early 19th century, it has served as a museum of stone monuments.

The current temple is a faithful reconstruction of the original, which was largely destroyed during the bombing in World War II, and it is visited by lovers of ancient art because it preserves numerous Roman stone and bronze statues.

Dalmatia has been known for centuries for the construction of summer residences and villas - with good reason. The mild climate, gentle breeze, healing sea, and relaxing sun are just some of the benefits that the Mediterranean has to offer, so today Pula is a place that offers the possibility of renting luxurious villas. As the Roman poet Horace would say: Carpe diem - seize the day.

Forum in Pula

This forum, the central city gathering place and square, was created by filling the coast in the 1st century BC. On it, like on every Roman forum, there were buildings that had religious, judicial, administrative, and economic purposes. There were several temples on it, one of which was dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, and the other to Augustus. The third, whose back wall remains preserved, became an integral part of the city hall from the 13th century.

Trip to the Brijuni Islands

Not far from Pula is the perfect, idyllic destination for day trips - the Brijuni National Park. A short drive to Fažana and then a boat ride to the island of Veliki Brijun opens up countless options for entertainment and cultural elevation.

From Roman ruins to dinosaur footprints, golf courses, safaris, and beautiful beaches with clean sea, the Brijuni Islands can offer something for every visitor.

Arch of the Sergii or Golden Gate

This arch, named after the family that had it built in the 3rd century BC, is also called Porta Aurea or Golden Gate because of its function as the main city gate, but also because of its rich gilded stone decorations. Along with the Golden Gate, today, Herkules Gate (the oldest gate in Pula) and Double Gate are preserved.

For all culture lovers, this arch is an unavoidable point, not only because of its ancient history but also because of the numerous theatrical and choral performances that provide a perfect stage for them in the summer months.

Zerostrasse - Underground Tunnels

Making a historical leap from ancient times to World War I, explore the underground tunnels that served to shelter the inhabitants of Pula in case of air raids. This network of tunnels stretches almost throughout Pula and includes shelters, galleries, trenches, passages, weapon storage, and communication corridors.

Since Pula is located at the foot of seven hills, these tunnels represent a real engineering feat because it was necessary to drill the hills for their execution. The castle under which the tunnels meet also has a rich history as an Austro-Hungarian military base, warehouse, and prison.