The city of Pula – 14 top attractions to discover

Pula is the largest city in Istria, a peninsula north of the Adriatic Sea. Located by the sea, Pula has unique architecture and many historical, cultural and tourist attractions.

Here are the must-see places to discover in Pula::

1. Pula Amphitheater (Pulska arena) is one of the six largest Roman amphitheatres in the world. Built in the 1st century, it has three floors and a height of 29.40 m. Designed for gladiatorial fights and an audience of 23,000 spectators, currently it is used for shows and can accommodate 5,000 people.

2. Temple of Augustus (Augustov hram) – 1st century temple built on the site of the Roman Forum in honor of Emperor Augustus, today this gem is located near the town hall.

3. Arc des Sergii or The Golden Gate (Slavoluk Sergijevaca) – triumphal arch built in the 1st century AD to pay homage to three family members. During the summer this door serves as a majestic slide for shows.

4. Twin Gates (Dvojna vrata) – built in the 2nd century this ancient monument presents the remains of the ancient fortifications of the city of Pula.

5. Gate of Hercules (Herkulova vrata) – single arched gate is the oldest monument in Pula.

6. Underground galleries Zerostrasse (Podzemni tuneli Zerostrasse) – built at the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they served as a refuge for the inhabitants in the event of bombardment. About 400m long, 3 to 6m wide, about 2.5m high, they are located under the castle which was a military barracks and a prison. Cultural events are organized in the Zarestrasse galleries in Pula, where the temperature does not exceed 20 C.

7. Cathedral of Pula (Pulska katedrala) built at the base of a 4th century church. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it houses impressive relics, mosaics and capitals.

8. Monastery and Church of St. Francis (Crkva i samostan svetog Franje) is an impressive complex dating back to the 13th century. Built in white stone, this site offers architecture of various styles and sculptures dating from Imperial Rome.

9. Luminous Giants (Lighting Giants – Svijetleće dizalice) is a recent curiosity. The eight cranes of a shipyard (Uljanik) are illuminated in color with real sound and light to provide unforgettable shows in the evening until midnight. The Pula – Uljanik shipyard was founded in 1856.

10. Small Roman theater (Malo rimsko kazalište) dating from the 1st century. A Roman site that could accommodate 4000-5000 spectators not to be missed.

11. Aquarium of Pula (Aquarium Pula located) in the fortress of Verudela (fortress of the Austro-Hungarian era) is one of the richest and most visited aquariums in Croatia. It is home to a lot of attractive species and rare and protected species.

12. Brijuni National Park (Nacionalni park Brijuni) – 6 km from Pula and easily reachable by boat from Fažana and Pula. The Brijuni archipelago is made up of two large and 12 small islands. It is known for its sublime vegetation and landscapes, animals and archaeological sites.

13. Historical and Maritime Castle and Museum of Istria (Povijesni i pomorski muzej Istre) is housed in a magnificent Venetian fortress which dominates the city from the highest hill in Pula. This museum houses an immense heritage dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.

14. Archaeological Museum of Istria (Arheološki muzej Istre) – superb museum in a former German school which houses many masterpieces and collections of antiquity.