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Situated near the base of the Istrian peninsula, the population of Pula stands at just over 62,000 making it the largest city in Istria. Its most famous attraction, the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre, is one of the most famous sights in the whole of Croatia.

If you’re here for a city break , take a look at our Two Days in Pula itinerary for how to make the most of your time.

Getting to Pula

Pula has an international airport, with a number of flights from the UK and Ireland and other cities in Europe to there – see our Getting to Istria  page for details. You can use the Brioni  / FILS  shuttle buses to travel from the airport to the main bus station in Pula, or other destinations in Istria. Take a look at our Getting to and from Pula Airport page for details on how to transfer from the airport.

You could also fly to Trieste  and then get a bus to Pula, or fly to Venice  and either get a bus or a catamaran to Pula.

Although the amphitheatre in the town announces Pula’s Roman origins, its history in fact stretches far, far beyond this period. Archaeological findings in the area suggest that Pula’s history stretches back to 40,000 or even 1 million years BC!

It was however in the 11th century BC that Pula rose to prominence when it became a major settlement for the Illyrian tribe the Histri. After expansion by the Roman Empire into Istria in 177 BC, in 40 BC Pula became a Roman colony and grew rapidly during the years 27 BC to AD 14 under Emperor Caesar Augustus. During this time several important buildings were constructed (including the amphitheatre) and the town rose in strategic and economic significance for the Romans, with local trade becoming rather important.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, Pula fell under the control of various groups, including the Eastern Goths for 45 years to 538 when it became part of the Byzantine Empire, until the Slavs began their colonisation in the early part of the 7th century.

As with the rest of Istria, Pula fell under the control of the Venetians in 1331 and at the time the town had both strong Slavic and Roman influences. In was under Venetian control that Pula unfortunately suffered from numerous plagues and attacks from other groups (the Habsburgs, for one) and its population dwindled – by the 16th century, there were only 1,000 citizens (down from 5,000 in the previous century) and by 1631, only 300 people lived there.

Pula finally recovered in part during the 19th century when, now in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it was proclaimed the chief port of the Empire in 1853 and the population rose once more as industry grew and workers flocked to the town. Around this time, Pula had a large German and Italian population.

After World War I, Pula (and Istria) became part of Italy and the majority of Croatians suffered oppression during this time as their rights were not respected.

After World War II ended in 1945, Pula was administered by the United Nations and British and American units. It finally became part of Yugoslavia in 1947, and was then part of Croatia when it declared its independence in 1991.

Sightseeing in Pula

The most famous sight in Pula is – of course – the Roman amphitheatre, which is called The Arena. Built during the 1st century AD and completed under the reign of Emperor Flavius, this amphitheatre is the sixth-largest in the world (of those that still exist). The three-storey structure held 23,000 spectators in Roman times and today hosts numerous concerts and events throughout the year, including Pula Film Festival screenings.

The Triumphal Arch of the Sergii was built between 29 and 27 BC in honour of the Sergi family who fought on the side of Octavian, who later became Emperor Augustus, in the Battle of Actium in present-day Greece.

The Temple of Augustus ( Augustov Hram in Croatian), was built during AD 2-14 in honour of Emperor Augustus. It stands at a site next to which there was also an accompanying Temple of Diana (of which only a very small part remains). The Temple now contains Roman sculpture.

The Forum , where the Temple of Augustus stands, was once the main square in Roman times and is still a bustling piazza today with its many cafes.

The cathedral contains parts from various centuries, with its rear wall from the 4th century; its sanctuary from the following century; the internal part from the 15th century; and the bell tower from the 17th century.

Hercules Gate ( Herkulova vrata in Croatian; also known as Porta Ercole) is the oldest standing Roman monument, dating from the 1st century BC.

The Aquarium Pula is located in the impressive 130-year-old Fort Verudela, and largely features displays of Adriatic sea life as well as fish and aquatic animals from Croatia’s rivers and lakes.

The Pula Olive Oil Museum showcases a product that Istria is famous for, explaining the history of its production (as far back as Roman times) and exhibiting modern-day production methods. You can also enjoy olive oil tastings here!

There is also a hop-on/hop-off sightseeing bus that runs during the summer months. The bus operates an audio tour in numerous different languages and stops at the main sights in town. For more details, and to see a map of the route, please see the official website: Pula City Tour .

Eating and Drinking in Pula

Epulon Food & Wine ( Epulonova 4 ) offers a wonderful range of Istrian dishes – and wine – in a smart setting in the centre of the city.

Konoba Boccaporta ( Dolinka 18 ) used to be located in Pomer (close to Medulin ) but moved to Pula in 2014. A wide variety of meat and fish dishes, which are all recommended – try one of the platters to sample several tasty items at once.

Tivoli ( Veli vrh 1) is one of the top choices if you’re hankering after some good quality pizza. Plenty of choice on their menu with some pasta options as well.

Day Trips from Pula

Take a look below at some of the top tours you can take in and around the Pula region:

Pula Trivia

Author James Joyce stayed in Pula for five months from October 1904. He arrived to teach English to Austrian officers at the Berlitz language school. Despite calling Pula a “naval Siberia”, he is thought to have written part of his first novel Stephen Hero there, was well as working on his classic A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man . A bronze James Joyce now sits at Uliks (Ulysses) cafe in the town.

Italian poet Dante Alighieri mentioned Pula in his Divina Commedia.

The Pula Film Festival is one of the oldest film festivals in Europe, and over the years has attracted glamorous acting greats such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Orson Welles.

Accommodation in Pula

See our special Accommodation in Pula page.

General Info

The area code is 052.

The Tourist Office is situated at Forum 3, tel: 052 219 197, fax 052 211 855, email: [email protected] .

For more info, point your browser to the Tourist Office website , or the Istria Tourist Board’s section on Pula.

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See & Do in Pula

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Discover Pula: A Historical Jewel

Nestled on the Istrian Peninsula, Pula stands as a testament to centuries of history. From its grand Roman amphitheater to its pristine beaches, this Croatian city offers a mix of ancient wonders and modern attractions. As you explore Pula’s landmarks, you’ll journey through time, encountering tales of gladiators, Venetian palaces, and Austro-Hungarian forts. Whether you’re a history buff, a sun seeker, or a culinary enthusiast, Pula’s rich tapestry promises a memorable experience. Dive in and explore the attractions that make Pula an unforgettable destination.

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Istrian Olive Oil Museum in Pula

Veruda Farmers market Pula

Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery

Gallery NOVO

Fort Monvidal Pula

Fort Benedetto

Ribarska Koliba Playground in Pula

King Petar Krešimir Park in Pula

Verudela Promenade Pula

Fort Munida Pula

Old Bunker near Soline

Park Franje Josipa I

Gallery C8 in Pula

Museum and Gallery Sacred Hearts

Pula Carnival

Skatepark Štinjan Pula

Old Bunker near Cove Valmižeja

Old Bunker near Monte Kope

Pula Rock gallery

Levan Island

Fenoliga Island

Lighthouse Porer

Archaeological museum Pula

Sergijevaca Shopping Street

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Giardini Pula

Juraj Dobrila Park

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Aquarium Pula

Sisplac Dog park Pula

CineStar Pula

Trim track Lungomare Pula

Fort Saint Michael Pula

Valli Cinema Pula

Saint Theodore Pula

St. Paul’s Church Pula

Montezaro Park Pula

Naval Observatory Pula

Arena Pula Amphitheatre

Roman Mausoleum Pula

Agrippina’s House Pula

Miniature City Model of Pula

Peekaboo children’s playroom Pula

Church of Our Lady of the Sea Pula

St. Anthony’s Church Pula

Church of St. Maria Formosa Pula

Church of St. Mary Pula

Flea Market Pula

City Farmer’s market Pula

Twister children’s playroom

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Military cemetery Pula

Fort Valmaggiore Pula

Church and monastery of St. Francis Pula

Temple of Augustus Pula

Fortress Kaštel Pula

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Pula

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City Hall Building Pula

Church of Verudela Pula

Verudela Canyon Pula

Monte Grosso Fortress Pula

Tito’s Park Pula

Naval Park Pula

City of Graz (Twin City) Park Pula

Newlyweds Park Pula

Deep Water Boulder Cave Pula

MEMO Museum of good Memories Pula

Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria Pula

Fort Casoni Vecchi Pula

Hidrobaza Beach Pula

Fort Bourguignon – Fort Monsival Pula

Verudela Art Park Pula

Museum of Contemporary Art of Istria Pula

Ambrela Beach Pula

Fort Ovine Pula

Marine library Pula

Gortanova beach Pula

Lungomare Pula

Cape Kamenjak

Small Roman Theatre Pula

National Park Brijuni Pula

Wooden bridge near Fort Punta Christo Pula

Lighting Giants Pula

Twin Gate Pula

The Punta Christo Fortress Pula

Piazza Foro – Forum Square Pula

Zerostrasse underground tunnels Pula

Fratarski Island Pula

Fort Monte Ghiro – San Giorgio

Arch of the Sergii Pula

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Tourism Office Pula - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.02 km) OLD TOWN PULA STUDIO APARTMENTS - Studio 5
• (0.03 km) Apartment 1729/17945 (Istria - Pula), 3000m from the beach
• (0.05 km) Apartments Forum
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• (0.06 km) Cosy old town apartment
• (0.02 km) Kunstkafe Cvajner
• (0.03 km) Caffe Diana
• (0.03 km) Cvajner
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• (0.04 km) Bistro Forum

Travel To Pula

• September 1, 2019
• 19 minutes read

Pula, the largest city of the Istrian Peninsula, is located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, less than 125 kilometers (75 miles) from the resort town of Trieste, Italy. It’s mild climate and unspoiled nature makes this city by the sea a favorite vacation spot for Mediterranean travellers. An active sea port and the site of many fishing and ship building concerns, Pula is the administrative center for the Istrian section of Croatia. The local growing conditions are similar to that of other Mediterranean wine regions. Pula takes full advantage of this and is the home to many working wineries.

Pula or in Italian pronounced as Pola, is considered as one of the most attractive towns in the coast of Croatia. This town located at the south of Rjeka used to be a city for some Italians until it was occupied by Yugoslavia in the year 1945. Two years after it was formally annexed. During 1945-1947, Italians who chose not to leave Pula were exiled. As of now, there are still Italians in Pula and more Pula locals can speak and understand Italian as well.

Located in a natural gulf and surrounded inland by a series of seven hills, Pula’s ports and beaches are quiet and protected.

Of course, a city can never be a part of Croatia if it does not have a beach or marina to boast. Like any other parts of Croatia, Pula has countless beaches with excellent water quality and families would really enjoy the sand, water and activities that Pula beaches cater. To fully enjoy the crystal clear and crisp water, there are recreations that you can do such as diving and windsurfing.

Pula is not unknown in classical and popular culture. Dante used the city to help describe the limits of Italian influence in his ‘Divine Comedy’. This city was also home to George Ritter Von Trapp, most well known as the patriarch of the Von Trapp Family Singers who were immortalized in the musical ‘The Sound of Music.’

Tourism Office Pula – Tourism Office Pula – Official web site

Historical structures, impressive tourist spots and other priceless man-made work of arts can be seen in Pula. The famous Pula Ampitheatre or the Arena of Pula, was built by Emperor Vespasian.. It was not built as a large Roman Ampitheatre the way it is right now. Only in the 1st Century that it was expanded, almost the same time when the Colosseum in Rome is being constructed. Currently, this 6th largest elegant Roman ampitheatre, is where gatherings, concerts and other rendezvous are held.

Pula’s history dates back to at least 1,000 BC, when the area was occupied by a tribe known as the Illiryans. This remained unchanged for hundreds of years until Roman expansion in the first century AD reached the area with a permanent settlement, which lasted for about seven hundred years, until the fall of Rome.

After that, Pula rotated through the various warring groups of the era including the Ostrogoths, the Francs, and the Venetians. It officially became part of the Venetian republic in the twelfth century.

Like much of the rest of Croatia, Pula was at one time part of the Austrio-Hungarian empire, as well as a victim of the map changing World Wars of the twentieth century.

Finding itself a part of Yugoslavia at the collapse of the Soviet Union, Pula finally became a part of the Republic of Croatia in the 1990s.

Religion is also a big part in the history of Pula. It has over fourteen churches including places of worship for Islams and Adventists. The oldest Christian site of all is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary or simply called as the Pula Katedrala. It was built on the former site of a Roman temple and the original structure was seen in the 5th and 6th centuries. The cathedral has undergone numerous revonavations. In the 10th century, the expansion of the cathedral was made in order to accommodate the growing number of congregation participants. The spectacular insides and outer construction of the said Christian site is how the refurbish of the 17th century look liked.

Places to Visit Pula

The most obvious and unmistakable site is the sea itself. The gentle blue waters of the Adriatic and the warm but not sultry temperatures make Pula a popular summer vacation spot.

Various Roman ruins are found in the Pula and surrounding areas. Chief among these is ‘The Arena’, the local name for a first Century Roman Amphitheater located in the city. The Arena is one of the best preserved examples of this kind of structure and is among the largest still in existence.

For more eclectic architectural buffs, the City Arcade has been remodeled and renovated over the years and now contains examples of many centuries of architectural tradition, including Romanesque, Renaissance, and Baroque.

The Arena – a three storey high Roman amphitheatre. In terms of architectural conception, size and preservation, this is the most outstanding monument remaining from ancient Pula. It is the sixth largest remaining amphitheatre in the world. The four-storied Coliseum in Rome and the amphitheatres in Capua Verona, ArIes and Catania are larger. Since the amphitheatre in Pula is in better condition than the one in Verona, and higher than those in Capua, Arles and Catania, it could be said that, after the Coliseum in Rome, it is the most magnificent structure of its kind in the world.

The Arena (the word comes from the Latin “arena” meaning sand) is circular, 132.45 m x 105 m and 32.45 m in height. It is built of Istrian stone. The central part of the Arena measures 67.90 x 41.60m. The outer wall consists of foundation stones, then two storeys of arcades of 72 arches. The upper storey has 67 square windows and on top there is a cornice made of blocks of stone. At its peak it held 23,000 spectators. It was not only the scene of staged fights for the entertainment of the masses, but also a place for business, social life and entertainment. It is thought that the foundations of the first, smaller amphitheatre were laid by Emperor Augustus at the beginning of this reign. They were extended by Emperor Claudius, and the final version dates from the reign of Flavius (AD 69-81). Old legends have it that the Arena was finished and decorated by Emperor Vespasian to fulfil the wishes of his lover in Pula, Antonia Cenida. Croatian folk legends tell how the Arena was built by fairies (hence the old name “Divic-grad”, the town of the fairies) during the night, and when they heard the cock crow they left it unfinished, which is why the Arena has no roof. Some special features of the Arena are the four stone towers, and on the northwest side, a reservoir with water to supply the fountains. In AD 404 gladiator fights were banned and the arena became a cattle market. In the Middle Ages it was a source of building materials for medieval Pula and the surrounding villages. In 1583 the Great Venetian Senate decided to demolish the amphitheatre, take the stones to Venice and reconstruct it there. The demolition was prevented by the Venetian Senator Gabriele Emo, to whom a plaque was placed on the north western tower as a sign of gratitude.

The Triumphal Arch of the Sergii

It was built between 29 and 27 BC in honour of the three Sergii: Sergius Lepidus, Gaius Lucius Sergius and Gneius Sergius who held high military and civil offices in the Empire. The arch was placed at the entrance to the main street, alongside the city gates, and it has three covered archways.

When the city gates were demolished in 1826 and 1829 the arch remained standing alone. It is decorated only on the city side. Beside the pilasters there are slender columns with Corinthian capitals; the archways the arch are decorated with winged Victories (the goddess of victory), adorned with wreaths. The frieze is decorated with putti bigae and Roman and barbarian weapons. The arch was built at the expense of Salvia Postum in memory of her close family. On the corners and in the centre there used to be statues of the three Sergii. This triumphal arch is a unique honorary and memorial structure from ancient Istria and as such has always attracted a great deal of attention from scholars and artists: sculptors, architects and painters. Sketches of the monument have been found amongst the works of Michelangelo, Sangallo and Piranesi, Cassas Adma and many others painted it.

The Temple of Augustus

It stands on what is n the Republic Square. It is a well-balanced rectangular building, standing above a wide staircase. A huge entrance hall opens onto the square, with four columns across the front and one on each side. The walls are b of large, regularly shaped stone blocks. Over the capitals in the entrance hall there is an architrave, and above it a particularly beautiful frieze. The words of the inscription on the frieze were cast in bronze. Judging by the inscription, or rather the dedication to Emperor Augustus Patriae (Pater Patriae, the father of the fatherland), the temple was built between the year 2 BC and the death of Augustus in AD 14. Beside the Temple of Augustus, there was also a temple to Diana, but all that remains of it is the front wall, which was built into a Romanesque and Gothic palace in 1296, and was damaged in a fire in 1379. It was repaired in 1697. The palace has a wide pillared loggia and Baroque windows.

The Chastisement of Dirca Mosaic

On the courtyard side; a large floor mosaic was discovered in 1959, dating from the 2nd century AD. It is divided into 40 decorated areas. In the central area of the eastern side of the mosaics, a figural composition of the mythological cycle “the Chastisement of Dirca” is dominant. The remaining areas are decorated with rosettes, fish, dolphins and birds.

The Maria Formosa Basilica

Only the southern burial chapel remains of this magnificent 6th century basilica, along with the northern wall and part of the northern rotunda. The burial chapel is in the shape of a Grecian cross and has a highly decorated polygonal exterior, with blind archways on the outer walls. Three original stone window bars still exist, the most beautiful of which is on the eastern side of the square-shaped base. The shell of the apse was decorated with a mosaic, part of which has been preserved (some fragments are in the Archaeological museum). Beneath the stucco cornice in the side chapels there are the remains of 14th century frescoes. The entire church was demolished and the pillars and mosaics were taken to Venice.

The Hercules Gate

It is the oldest remaining Roman monument in Pula. It dates from the first century BC.

The Twin Gates

Date from the 2nd century AD. Their solid pilasters are decorated with smooth columns, above which an architrave joins together the two archways which make up the gate. The Archaeological Museum is reached through this gate. Beyond the museum, on the slopes of the hill where the Kastel (castle) is situated, there is a theatre, dating from the 2nd century AD. Its foundations are intact, as are its semi-circular orchestra and the semi-circular auditorium. The building, which was 62 m long, was entered through three huge gateways. The podium could be reached from various angles and the orchestra was reached from two sides. The auditorium was divided into two levels by an aisle.

In the Cathedral in its present form there are elements preserved of all the significant phases of its construction: the rear wall dates from the 4th century; the sanctuary with its pillars and capitals, the floor mosaic, the arched apse and the raised wall with seats for the priests date from the 5th century; the gable of the central southern entrance is 9th century; the sacristy is 13th century; the internal layout, with its huge columns is 15th century; the facade was begun in the 16th century, and the bell tower at the end of the 17th. The Renaissance portal dates from 1457 and was part of the original church of St. Michael (Sveti Mihovil) on the hill, which used to be a Benedictine Abbey.

The Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas (Sveti Nikola)

The Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas is on the northern side of the Kastel. It is a single-naved building with a polygonal apse, built around the year 600. The surface of the outer walls is broken up by lesenes (projecting vertical strips); the arch of the apse is similar to the triumphal archway in a cathedral. The columns bearing this arch have crosses carved on the capitals. The church was given over to the Orthodox immigrants from Cyprus and Naples in 1583. The wooden iconostasis is from the beginning of the 18th century and is the work of the Greek master Tomios Batas.

The Franciscan church and monastery

The church is triple-apsed and was built on the western slope of the Kastel in 1314. The architect paid a great deal of attention to making the interior magnificent in a simple way, but did decorate the surfaces of the outer walls. The church has a blind arcade on the cornice beneath the roof, a chevron motif on the bell tower, a magnificent Romanesque portal and a beautiful rose window on the facade. In the central apse there is a wooden polyptych from the 15th century which is one of the best examples of medieval Istrian carving. By the northern wall there is a wooden Gothic statue of the Madonna. The monastery was built in the 14th and restored in the 15th century. The Romanesque Chapel of St. John (Sveti Ivan) in the centre of the west wing of the monastery, with its Gothic portal, also contains a mosaic from the beginning of the 14th century which is in its original location.

Dante and Pula

Dante Alighieri mentioned Pula when he described the entrance into the sixth circle of Hell, Dis, where heretics burn in stone graves resembling sarcophagi. In Pula the graveyard, with ancient and early-Christian sarcophagi stretched from the city right to the Arena, and then on towards the agricultural area. These sarcophagi were later taken to Venice. Dante wrote: “For as at Arles, where soft the slow Rhone slides,/ Or as at Pola, near Quarnaro’s bay,/ That fences Italy with its washing tides,/ The ground is all uneven with the array,/ On every hand, of countless sepulchres,” (Hell IX, lines 112-116; trans. Dorothy L. Sayers).

James Joyce in Pula

Joyce came to Pula frrom Trieste on 28th or 29th October 1904 as a twenty-two year old. He came with his common-law wife, Nora Joseph Barnacle, and found work as a teacher of English in the Berlitz school in Pula, a branch of the one in Trieste. His first flat was in what is today Laginjina Street (no. 2/II), and he moved to his second home (7 Medulinska street) in December, because the first flat had no heating. At that time Nora gave birth to their child. In letters sent from Pula he wrote that he was working hard: teaching English, learning German, translating and writing. He felt that Pula was “a God-forsaken place” and called it the “sailors’Siberia”. Five months later he was forced to leave Pula, following a spy scandal uncovered by Austrian counter-espionage agents. His sxmajor crime was associating with Italians. In his novel “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” there is a notable sentence; “a day of multi-coloured clouds, born from the sea”, which critics have attributed to Pula.

Museums and Collections

The istrian archaeological museum.

It was founded in 1901/2 as the City Museum and in 1925 became the Istrian Regional Museum. In 1930 it became the Istrian Archaeological Museum. On the ground floor, in the corridors, there is a display of stone monuments from ancient times (i.e. from the 1st to the 4th centuries), then from the Roman era to the early Middle Ages (4th-9th centuries). On the first floor there is a prehistoric collection including finds from the Romuald grotto and the Sandalj caves and stone monuments from Nezakcij. On the second floor is an ancient (Roman) collection, where abundant finds from Istria, and especially from Pula, are arranged chronologically. There are decorative carvings, Roman building materials, ceramic lamps, bronze and iron objects, items connected with arts and crafts, pharmaceutical and cosmetic utensils, and a particularly beautiful collection of glass objects. The later Roman and early medieval exhibition on the second floor is dedicated to the later classical period and the time of the migration of the nations (the 5th and 6th centuries). These are mostly new finds. There is an important collection of items from graves from the 7th to the 12th centuries from sites near Motovun, Buzet and Zminj (these were graves of Slavs).

Ancient sculpture (The Temple of Augustus, Forum).

This collection of stone monuments from the Pula area was founded in 1802. In 1815 when the temple was restored, the collection was extended. The present exhibition dates from 1968 and includes the most beautiful examples of Roman sculpture, especially portraits. Apart from stone sculptures, there are also examples of bronze work. Especially impressive are: a large stone torso which was part of a statue of the Emperor and was discovered on the site of the great Roman theatre; a statue of the Emperor with a kneeling slave; the head of Atis from Pula, etc.

Wine and Olive Production in Istria in Ancient Times (the Arena, in the underground gallery)

This collection was founded in 1880 and was expanded up to 1925 as a collection of stone monuments, but from 1969 it has been an exhibition of wine and olive production in the Roman era. There is a display of the development of wine and olive production in Istria using tables and maps, and also a typological overview of seals and amphorae, copies of old maps, a reconstructed wine-press and an original olive mill.

The Medieval Collection of Stone Monuments and the Exhibition of Copies of Frescoes in Istria (the Franciscan Monastery, 5, Uspon Balda Lupetine street).

This exhibition hall was arranged. for stone monuments in 1963. In the atrium and in the eastern wing of the monastery there are some stone fragments from the Middle Ages which are also chronologically related. The Chapel of St. John (Sveti Ivan) is particularly worth seeing, especially because of its mosaics in situ. The exhibition of copies of Istrian frescoes shows frescoes from the 9th to the 17th century, and includes the following sections: the Romanesque era, Gothic frescoes, and the Renaissance.

The Historical Museum of Istria (Povijesni muzej Istre, Uspon Muzeja 14).

This museum is in a Venetian fortress which was built between 1629 and 1638 using plans drawn up by A. Devill, in the shape of a star with four bastions and two entrances. The museum shows the development of the labour movement in the 19th century, the Italian occupation of Istria and the Fascist dictatorship, and the resistance of the Istrian people. Most exhibits relate to the People’s War of Liberation in Istria (the Second World War); some show the riots that occurred during the Anglo-American occupation of Pula and the diplomatic struggle to unite Istria and Pula with Croatia.

Places to Eat Pula

Foods are necessities, is abundant in restaurants that serves different dishes that would suit the preference of your taste buds. From spicy to exotic, raw or grilled foods, it has a wide variety of delicacies to choose from. In Pula alone, there are already five five-star restaurants that you can go to.

Colorful local restaurants are located throughout the Pula area. As in many of the Adriatic cities, the range of cuisine includes Italian, Greek, and French in addition to traditional Croatian and Hungarian fare.

Chinese food is also popular in many of the Adriatic resort towns. Most Pula eateries will feature the many local wines grown and bottled in the surrounding areas.

Getting There & Away Pula

Being quite separated from the rest of Croatia, Pula accommodates aerial flights from neighbouring places such as Zagreb (with daily flights) and European cities like Dublin, London, Manchester, Oslo, Zurich, Edinburgh and Amsterdam. However, if you want to go to Pula coming from Italy, you can take a bus ride coming from Venice. There are only two bus schedules, 11 A.M. and 1:45 P.M. It would have a short stop first at Istria, and then the final unloading of passengers is at Pula. Tickets can be bought at the A.T.V.O. bus office located at the bus station in Venice.

Pula has it’s own airport, providing service to all of the Istrian peninsula. Flights from England, Italy, and other European cities are available. Airlines servicing the facility include Ryanair, the largest budget airline in Europe, which has recently announced service to Pula from Dublin.

For those preferring to land in larger airports, Zagreb, the capital of Croatia, and Trieste, located up the Adriatic coast in Italy, are common choices.

Unique to Pula

As one of the oldest established cities in the region, history is everywhere. Roman ruins, historic churches, and samples classic Croatian, Hungarian and Austrian architecture are here in abundance.

The interested visitor can go even further back into history than the Roman times. Further back into natural history, to be exact, by following several sets of dinosaur tracks fossilized and preserved near this ancient sea shore.

Facts & Figures about Pula

Phone Prefix   – 052 Postcode – 52100 Population – 58,594 Previous Name – Pola – Italian Pula weather at the moment is: 4 ºC

Tourist Office Pula

Address : Forum 3 Phone : +385 52 212 987 E-mail : [email protected]

The tourist office has maps of Pula and surrounding areas available.

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The Coastal Area Of Šibenik

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Pula is one of Istria 's most authentic and complex cities known for its impressive Roman ruins and a verdant coastline . Unlike other Istrian destinations however, Pula has a flourishing life apart from the tourist business. It's an important shipbuilding centre , an industry that dates back to the days when it was an important naval port under the Austro-Hungarian empire. Even the Romans liked Pula's position and made it their administrative headquarters.

[ Istrian history from Romans to Yugoslavia ]

As Pula is well-connected by road with everywhere in Istria, there are a wealth of interesting day trips . Visitors may want to make Pula their headquarters for their Istrian holiday.

[ What to See in Istria ]

[ Best of Istria nine-day independent itinerary ]

[ Discover Istrian archaeology seven-day independent itinerary ]

Insider tip

Pula's historical centre of town is mainly devoted to business, government and commerce which take place in and about the city's celebrated Roman ruins. When the locals want to dine or party however, they head to Verudela peninsula (only a few kilometres away). During the day they play on the beach and at night, they head to one of the restaurants or nightspots that are scattered across the peninsula. There's not a lot going on in the town centre unless there's an event at the amphitheatre .

Most of the hotels in Pula are also on Verudela peninsula. Even though the bus system is excellent, the oddly bifurcated nature of life in Pula makes it helpful to have a car. Fortunately most agencies have offices in downtown Pula or in Pula Airport .

Things to See in Pula

Amphitheatre The town centre is dotted with Roman ruins , the most impressive of which is the spectacular Roman amphitheatre. This massive structure (called the Arena by the locals)is the sixth largest amphitheatre in the world with space for 22,000 spectators. For visitors it's more than just an empty space. Climb up to the top to get a sense of the vastness of the structure; explore the subterranean caverns which were used to keep wild animals and the Christians they were about to tear apart. The amphitheatre is also an outdoor concert hall with a full program of music, theatre and entertainment during the summer . (stay near the Amphitheatre)

Triumphal Arch of Sergius This majestic arch forms an impressive gate to Pula's historical center. Artists and architects from Michelangelo to Robert Adam studied and sketched this exceptionally well-preserved monument. Sometimes called the "Golden Gate", it was erected in 27 BC by a distraught mother. Salvia Postuma Sergi used her own money to build this arch in honour of the three male members of her family who had fought and died at the battle of Actium. (stay near the Arch of the Sergi)

Temple of Augustus In the centre of town is the Roman Forum whose highlight is the Temple of Augustus. Dedicated to Augustus, the first Roman emperor, this temple is exquisitely harmonious. With the spread of Christianity, the temple became a church and then a granary! Now it hosts a collection of Roman sculpture. Notice the 2nd-century torso of a Roman emperor. (stay near the Temple of Augustus)

Hercules Gate Dating from the mid first century, it's the town's oldest gate. Named after Hercules, the town patron, it's decorated with a relief showing Hercules' head and club. (stay near Hercules' Gate)

Light Show Head to Pula's harbour after sundown and check out Pula's newest attraction: “Lighting Giants” by Dean Skira, the world-famous lighting designer. He has lit up the Uljanik shipyard’s iconic cranes with 16 thousand different color combinations. The 15-minute show is every evening on the hour (at 9 pm, 10 pm, 11 pm and Midnight).There will be a different lighting scheme, specially programmed for special occasions, holidays and events.

Other Sights. . .

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Erected on the foundations of a Roman temple, its oldest remains date from the 4th century. It began as a small single-nave church. In the 5th century it was divided into a three-nave basilica which was reconstructed several times.

Franciscan Church and Monastery Dating from the latter half of the 13th century this is a Gothic masterpiece.  It's shaped as a simple single-nave basilica with a three-apse space.

Things to Do in Pula

Virtual Reality Walking Tour

This new and innovative walking tour allows you to see Pula's Roman ruins as though you were a Roman. A pair of cardboard Samsung VR glasses are provided along with a smartphone app. Presto! Pula's history comes alive as never before. Book now !

The waters of Istria have a lot to interest scuba divers. Pula based Orca Diving offers a wealth of diving possibilities including wreck diving and boat diving. They are based at the Park Plaza Histria Hotel in Verudela. Or, book a complete PADI scuba certification course .

Never taken the plunge? Try a special scuba introductory course . It's perfect for families!

Prefer to keep your head above water while watching the fish? Book a boat trip with snorkeling or a kayak trip with snorkeling .

The flat coastline and rolling interior offer wonderfully relaxing opportunities for cyclists of all levels.

Take a cycling tour and wine tasting through Kamenjak nature park, a protected habitat that stretches along the coast.

Or cycle Cape Kamenjak from Premantura exploring secluded bays and sandy beaches.

For more of a challenge, try the full day Parenzana cycling tour that takes in the hilltop villages of Motovun , Groznjan and Buje.

Beaches in Pula

If beach fever grabs you, head out to Verudela peninsula 2km south of the town centre where you'll find many rocky beaches. Pula beaches go in and out of fashion but Valkana Beach, Hawaii Beach, Kolumbarica Beach and sandy Debeljak Beach are usually the most popular with the locals.

The Brijuni Islands National Park , off the coast of Pula makes a lovely day trip that combines Roman ruins with reminders of ex-Yugslavia within a stunning natural landscape.

[Book a Brijuni Islands tour online]

Accommodation in Pula

In Pula you have a choice between a resort experience on the Verudela peninsula or an urban experience in the town center. To truly soak up the Roman era, stay in the town center. For sun and pampering, stay in Verudela. To get a taste of both, transport and beach access make it more convenient to stay in Verudela and visit the town center than vice versa.

[ Where you should stay in Pula ]

Pula Travel Planner

Where to stay, what to see & do, eating & drinking, get prepared check out the weather in pula; see a map of pula, tourist information in pula.

The Pula tourist office (tel 052-219 197) is at Forum 1 in the town centre and distributes many helpful brochures.

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Tourism Office Pula

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Tourism Office Pula - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• (0.02 km) OLD TOWN PULA STUDIO APARTMENTS - Studio 5
• (0.03 km) Apartment 1729/17945 (Istria - Pula), 3000m from the beach
• (0.05 km) Apartments Forum
• (0.05 km) Apartment Temple Pula
• (0.06 km) Cosy old town apartment
• (0.02 km) Kunstkafe Cvajner
• (0.03 km) Caffe Diana
• (0.03 km) Cvajner
• (0.03 km) Enoteca Istriana
• (0.04 km) Bistro Forum

Plan your trip

Archaeological Museum of Istria

Closed for renovations.    

By collecting stone monuments in the Temple of Augustus in 1802, marshal Marmont began the founding of the museum collection in Pula. However, the discovery of stone, ceramic and metal objects in Nesactium was the basis for founding the Museo Civico (City Museum) in Pula in 1902. After the seat of the “Società istriana di archeologia e storia patria” had been moved and with the transfer of the archaeological inventory from Poreč to Pula, the Museo Civico was integrated with the National collection (stone monuments) and the Poreč Regional Museum (Museo Provinciale) into one regional institution. Therefore, in 1925 the Museum of Istria (Il Regio Museo dell’Istria) was founded in the present-day museum building. In 1930 the museum opened its doors to visitors, and a guidebook in Italian was published. This exhibition, along with minor changes, was open for the public until the end of World War II, when many objects were transferred to Italy during the Anglo-American administration.

After some modifications in the collection of stone monuments and having displayed the remaining exhibits, in 1949 the museum reopened as the specialized Archaeological Museum of Istria. By systematic work and with great efforts, after having restituted part of the archaeological objects from Italy in 1961, the museum building was gradually renovated and the museum exhibits displayed in a representative didactical-visual concept. The reconstructed collection of stone monuments on the ground floor and museum halls reopened in 1968. In 1973 the prehistoric room on the 1st and the classical, late Roman and medieval exhibits on the 2nd floor of the museum opened.

The museum halls of the Archaeological Museum of Istria are constantly being extended; supplemented with new finds from archaeological sites in Istria (prehistoric caves, hill forts and necropolises, Roman economic complexes, buildings and cemeteries, as well as sacral edifices from the early Christian and Byzantine period, the barbaric invasion and the settlement of the Slavs in Istria).

Carrarina ulica 3, 52100 Pula Telefon: 052/ 351-300, 351-303 Fax: 052/ 351-333 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.ami-pula.hr/

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'Binakol na Alimango'- the Capiz way

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Currently viewed by: Marcus Rosit

• by Alex Lumaque
• Apr. 18, 2024 4:49 pm in Features

When a seafood craving hits, a creamy and tasty crab recipe makes up a special bite on a regular day or special occasion.

Known as “Binakol na Alimango," it is one of the crab-based menus that are traditionally prepared in the municipality of Pontevedra, Capiz as documented by the Capiz Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office in 2021.

The town is among the province’s main producers of crabs, prawns, shrimps, and milkfish because of its vast fishpond and mangrove areas for aquaculture production.

Using a clay pot, the crabs are mixed in a sauté of garlic, onion, and tomato until their shells become reddish.

“Pag pula na ang alimango, ibutang ang tanglad, isabaw ang tubod, isunod ang kinayod nga lubi kag takpan ang kolon kag pabukalon,” said part of a video demonstration of the Digital Documentation of Capisnon Native Foods.

(When the crabs become reddish, add the lemon grass, coconut juice, and young coconut meat then close the pot until it boils.)

The preparation is wrapped up by adding salt according to taste after the pepper leaves and sliced long pepper fruit variety are added to the pot.

The continuing video documentation showcasing the culinary traditions of the province has initially featured 17 dishes or delicacies or one for each of the 17 local government units.

It is part of the province’s record-keeping on the intangible cultural heritage to secure and protect ownership and raise public awareness, and encourage mutual respect for the Capiceños' way of life in line with the Filipino Food Month Celebration.

The PTCAO has also tapped Capiz State University, Colegio dela Purisima Concepcion, Filamer Chrisitian University and Hercor College which are offering Hospitality and Management, Tourism, and Food Technology courses, for a food showcase and demonstration from April 18 to 21 at SM City along Arnaldo Boulevard in this city.

Each of the participating schools will showcase and demonstrate preparations for the three main courses, drinks, and desserts during their respective schedules.

Ready your eyes and taste for yourself the Capiceños way of the mouth-watering Binakol na Alimango to satisfy your gastronomic cravings from the Seafood Capital of the Philippines! (AGP/AAL/PIA Capiz)

• Lutong Capiznon
• Filipino Food Month

About the Author

Alex Lumaque

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