Pula is a city with a rich history that goes back to the ancient Greek epic. It was here that the search for the Golden Fleece led the Argonauts, it is here that the connection with ancient Greek culture and the great heritage of the Roman Empire is so clearly traced. The Triumphal Arch of Sergius or "Golden Gate" was erected back in 27 BC, but has survived to this day. The eastern side has been hidden and not worked by stonecutters, while the western side, covered with elements of gold, welcomes everyone with rich decoration. Built in the Corinthian style with strong Hellenic motifs in decoration, the Arc de Triomphe is a symbol of the city, reminiscent of its great past. It is from these gates that the famous Sergievskaya Street begins, along which you can climb the highest point of the city - the Chatel Fortress.
Amphitheater in Pula
Not everyone has heard of the existence of the Croatian amphitheater located in the town of Pula. An amazing fact is that the Croats were able to see its historical significance and preserve the monument of non-native architecture, in contrast to the inhabitants of Rome, who did not keep the representative of their cultural heritage intact.
The Croatian Colosseum was built in the 1st century AD, and could accommodate about 23 thousand spectators. Now the number of seats reaches a little more than 5 thousand, most likely due to modern redevelopment with a stage and a parterre in front of it. In ancient times, spectator seats were located in a circle. The dimensions of the Arena are quite impressive: 133x105 meters.
Very demonstrative battles took place here - wild animals, slaves and prisoners fought among themselves. After Christianity replaced paganism and fighting was banned, the Colosseum was empty for some time, and then it began to be used as a trading area for fairs. Today, in the daytime it works as a museum, and in the evening it hosts various opera and film festivals, concerts and celebrations.
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Pula airport
Pula Airport is located 6 kilometers from the center of Pula, at an altitude of 84 meters above sea level. Due to good technical and climatic conditions, this airport is a reserve airport for some cities in eastern Italy and Slovenia.
Pula Airport became a civilian airport in 1967, before that it was used by the Yugoslav People's Army for military purposes.
The length of the airport's runway is 2,950 meters.
Pula Airport can accommodate large planes such as Il-86 and Boeing 747, as well as private and leased planes.
As of 2011, the airport's passenger traffic was 355,920 people.
The ancient Roman amphitheater is a symbol of Croatia, one of the largest surviving amphitheaters of Ancient Rome, only in this amphitheater all four towers of the arena complex have been preserved.
Previously, the amphitheater could accommodate up to 23 thousand spectators, today about five thousand. Fights are no longer going on here, giving way to film festivals, fairs, theatrical performances and knightly tournaments.
The amphitheater began to fade in the 5th century AD when Honorius forbade fighting. From then until the 13th century, the locals used parts of this building for their own needs. In the Middle Ages, the amphitheater received cattle for dinners. Now, in addition to fairs, you can wander through the underground premises of the amphitheater, where a museum is open with archaeological finds presented in it, made during excavations.
Hercules Gate
The Hercules Gate is an old city gate built from roughly hewn stone blocks, presumably in the Middle Ages.
Now the gates have ceased to fulfill their functions and have fallen into disrepair, therefore it is extremely difficult to see the stone head of Hercules in the central upper block of the arch. Actually, it was this bas-relief that gave the name to the gate.
It is not easy to recognize the inscription, which has the most important historical significance. The inscription on the arch mentions two Roman officials, Lachius Cassius Longinas and Lachius Calpernius, who made a substantial donation for the construction of the city.
Outwardly, the gate is of no interest. Indisputably. But it is still worth touching them, because, feeling and understanding history, we draw the right conclusions in the present.
Brijuny National Park
Brijuny National Park is a fourteen island and reef located near the town of Pula. The largest of them - Big Brium - covers an area of 5.7 square kilometers. All islands are covered with subtropical vegetation.
Throughout its history, the Brijuns have changed many owners. The first people inhabited these places as early as 3000 BC. The greatest mark on the islands was left by the Romans, Byzantines and Celts - after them palaces, temples and churches have survived. The biggest changes awaited Brijuny in 1893, when Paul Kupelwieser bought the islands. The tycoon created a summer resort-sanatorium on the islands, which for a long time has invariably attracted wealthy clients. After the Second World War, the personal residence of Josip Broz Tito was located on the islands. Since October 1983, the Brijuni Islands have been a national park.
Opatija Langomare Promenade
Opatija Langomare is a walking path that stretches along the coast of the sea. The total length of the promenade is twelve kilometers. The path itself is lined with concrete slabs, it starts in the Volosko harbor, passes through the entire city park and the Slatina beach to Lovran. It is noteworthy that at any time of the walk you can go down the comfortable ladders and swim in the sea. It is not surprising that in the 19th century, Opatija Langomare was very popular among the aristocrats who vacationed here.
The appearance of a person is a reflection of his life, the appearance of a city is a reflection of his history. The Croatian city of Pula is eclectic to the point of insanity, and there is more than a reasonable explanation for this.
The fact is that during its centuries-old history, Pula - the main city of the Croatian region of Istria - has belonged to everybody. First, the ancient Greeks settled here on the Adriatic coast, then the ancient Romans replaced them, then the Venetians settled in Pula, after the end of the wars with Napoleon, the city went to Austria, and in 1920 the city (like the whole of Istria) became part of Italy.
By and large, the Croatian city of Pula was proclaimed only after the collapse of Yugoslavia, in 1991. Of course, traces of such a colorful biography are found in the city at every step.
Nevertheless, all the main attractions of Pula can be easily seen in one day, following our route.
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Let's start with the Roman heritage. From him Pula got a huge Arena amphitheater (point A), which historians date back to the first century AD.
In ancient times, it could accommodate more than 23 thousand spectators, and was considered one of the six largest colosseums of the Roman Empire.
Today, the Pula Arena is increasingly used for concerts, and if you do not take into account the part of the colosseum, which was obviously restored quite recently, and therefore the stones in it are several tones lighter than the "average for the amphitheater", the gigantic structure survived to our days in a completely unchanged form.
Pula Arena is more interesting to observe from the outside than from the inside. When you stand in the immediate vicinity of such a large-scale structure, you experience a sense of sincere amazement at the knowledge that the ancient Romans possessed.
After visiting the Colosseum, go down to the embankment, along which numerous yachts, fishing boats and bulk carriers ( point B). The harbor in the center of the city is not intended for swimming, but taking a walk and breathing in the fresh air is also a pleasant pastime.
From the embankment, turn onto Kandlerova street ( point C) and stroll through the narrow streets in the lower part of the city. The buildings erected here are mainly of the Venetian heritage. The small colorful houses are home to numerous restaurants with outdoor verandas.
By the way, it is here that there are restaurants that deserve attention, that is, the menu, regarding the set of dishes and the quality of food, in Pula is approximately the same everywhere, but the prices are higher the closer to the central square, on which the ancient Roman temple of Augustus is located, so if If you are hungry, this street is not a bad place for lunch.
Photo: restaurant on Kandlerova street, Pula
On the way to the center, stop number one - ( point D on the map), erected in the 5th century AD and is the first Catholic church built in Pula.
In the photo: Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the bell tower
Although the current building of the cathedral is the result of the work of the builders of the 15th century, there are still remains of the original mosaic. Initially, this site was the temple of Jupiter, and the bell tower was erected next to the cathedral only in the sixteenth century.
Photo: mosaic on the wall of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
On the way to the main square, girls should look into Galerija Makina (address: Kapitolinski trg 1, point E), here, in addition to paintings, conceptual jewelry by Croatian designers, made of organic glass and plastic, is sold.
Photo: bracelets at Galerija Makina
The cost of the ring is 150 kuna (795 rubles), the cost of earrings is 300 kuna (1590 rubles).
The main square bearing the name Forum (point F), - the concentration of the eclectic spirit of Pula.
In the photo: the arches of the City Hall, Forum Square, Pula
On the one hand, perfectly preserved temple of Augustus, "Behind" which are towering harbor cranes, on the other - the city hall in the Venetian style with recognizable arches.
Along the edges of the square there are restaurants where only visitors dine, and waiters with trays loaded to the brim ply between houses and tables.
If you are not lazy and turn right from the main square, then in the courtyard right next to the dentist's office you will find a preserved antique mosaic covered with glass (on the map item H).
It is located on Benediktinske opatije Street, right between the shabby garage buildings and the entrance to the local dental office.
In the photo: the street leading to the Kastel castle
Thin cobblestone streets lead to the upper half of the city. Climbing one of them to the Kastel fortress, located on the top of the mountain, appreciate the landscape opening below: old houses mixed with modern buildings, and the symbolic role of the "thread of times" is played by ropes stretched between buildings with clothes drying on them.
On the way to the top - a church and monastery of St. Francis (point I), built in the fourteenth century AD on the site of a pagan temple. The monastic walls, built of stone blocks, most accurately reflect the ideas of the Franciscans, who preached asceticism and renunciation of earthly blessings in any form.
In the photo: Monastery of St. Francis, Pula
We go higher to fortress Kastel (item J), erected by the Venetians, but later in active use by the Austrians.
The fortress is surrounded on all sides by such a dilapidated fence, consisting of uncouth wooden pegs, that it is not very clear why this fence is needed at all.
In the photo: a fence of stakes surrounding the fortress and a view of the rooftops of Pula
But this is a great place to capture Pula from a bird's eye view: the view of the red roofs of the city and the giant cranes on the embankment deserves to maneuver on the edge of the cliff, armed with a camera and a tripod.
Photo: view of Pula from the height of Kastel Castle
In the fortress itself, the Historical Museum is open today, the exposition of which mainly tells about the military past of Pula, more precisely about the history of the Austro-Hungarian navy. The special pride of the museum: a collection of old nautical charts and weapons of the past centuries.
Well, a little lower from the fortress on the slope - another legacy of the Roman past of Pula - small roman theater (point K), which has not been preserved in such a magnificent form as the Arena, but gives an idea of the scale of this structure in antiquity.
Photo: Small Roman Theater, Pula
In general, in ancient times there were two theaters in Pula, but today nothing remains of the second, located south of the city's fortress wall. You can crawl along the ruins of the theater overgrown with moss, they don't take money for the entrance, in a word, it's a sin not to rest on the stone steps where the Roman patricians used to sit.
Photo: steps of the small Roman theater, Pula
In the immediate vicinity of the ruins of the Roman theater is the second famous gate of Pula - Gate of Hercules (item L).
They were built in the forties BC. The head of Hercules was carved in a niche at the top of the gate, however, now it is very difficult to identify it, it has suffered so much from time to time.
Having examined the city from above, we go down to Sergijevaca street ( item M) is the main shopping artery of the city, where all the more or less interesting clothing and footwear stores are located.
Following the street to the Golden Gate, which is also called the Arc de Triomphe of the Sergians, pay attention to cafe "Ulysses" (point O). The Irish writer James Joyce liked to spend his evenings here, as evidenced not only by a gold plaque on the wall of the establishment, but also by a stone sculpture depicting the writer sitting at one of the tables on the summer veranda.
Photo: Cafe Ulysses and the statue of James Joyce
By the way, at this table (if, of course, it will be free), it is simply necessary to sit down! Not every day you get a chance to have a glass or two side by side with the author of "Ulysses".
Straight ahead - Golden Gate, Arc de Triomphe of Sergiev (point O), erected between 29 and 27 BC in honor of the victory in a naval battle, which was won by three brothers from the Sergius clan.
In the photo: the triumphal arch of the Sergius, Pula
Flanatička street begins immediately behind it (it is easy to recognize, because in the center, in the style of Parisian boulevards and Italian vialles, flowering trees rise). There are many charming bars just set up for an enjoyable evening aperitif.
After a relaxing glass of wine (Malvasia is favored at local bars), head down Portarata Street towards Laginjina. Once on Flanatička Street, pay attention to Double gates (point P) - it was through them that in ancient times and the Middle Ages newcomers entered Pula, and the city itself, of course, was surrounded by a powerful fortress wall.
Well, and finally, a few words about what you need to taste in the restaurants of Pula. As elsewhere in Croatia, sardines are popular here - small fish are grilled, salted and baked, in a word, they are cooked in any form.
If you prefer meat dishes to fish dishes, then by all means try cevapchichi.
Chevapchichi is a cross between cutlets and sausages; ground pork or beef is fried over a fire and served with onions and French fries. Delicious so that you lick your fingers!
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Yulia Malkova- Julia Malkova - founder of the site project. In the past, the chief editor of the internet project elle.ru and the chief editor of the website cosmo.ru. I'm talking about travel for my own pleasure and the pleasure of my readers. If you are a representative of hotels, tourism office, but we are not familiar, you can contact me by email: [email protected]
Pula (Croatia) is a city located on the western coast of the country - the Istrian peninsula. A seaside resort, a large port, a place where ancient people lived and the historical center of Croatia, Pula is also one of the top 100 cities for cultural holidays. More than 55 thousand people live in it, most of whom work in the service and tourism sectors. Locals are engaged in winemaking, fishing and diving, so these are the most popular entertainments among travelers.
What to do in Pula, which beach is considered the best and where are the most interesting sights? Answers in this article.
History
Pula is an ancient Greek colony. It was founded in the 4th century BC and became a strategically important city after coming under the control of the Roman Empire. Since 478, Pula belonged to Venice, after which it was ruled by the Franks, Slavs and Ostrogoths, alternately capturing this territory. At the end of World War II, the country passed from the possession of Austria to Italy, after which, a few years later, it became part of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Since 1991 Pula has been a part of independent Croatia.
It was this eventful history that made the city what it is now - interesting, variegated and unusual. The mix of Roman, Greek, German and other cultures affected not only the multinational population of the region, but also the architecture and the main attractions.
Pula beaches
This clean and picturesque beach on the Adriatic coast is 3 km south of Pula. Surrounded by dense groves with a calm and clear sea, it is very popular among active tourists. The beach is covered with large pebbles and stones, equipped with two convenient entrances into the water and a camping of the same name, where you can play volleyball, golf or basketball for a small fee. Fans of extreme entertainment can dive from small stones or dive under the water with scuba diving.
Accommodation: hotel v / s apartments
Hostel Ljiljana The city of Pula is one of the most expensive in the whole of Croatia. For a night in a hostel, you will have to pay from 14 euros per person, a night in a mid-range hotel will cost at least 40 € for a couple, and prices in 4- and 5-star hotels in Pula by the sea start from 80 € for a double room.
Apartments in Pula (Croatia) are slightly more expensive than hotels - the minimum cost of living here is 25 euros per day of rest in a small studio. For more budget-conscious tourists, there is another option - renting rooms from local residents, which will save up to 15 € per day.
Find out the PRICES or book any accommodation using this form
Food: where, what and how much?
National cuisine is a real attraction of Croatia. Since Pula is located on the sunny Adriatic coast, delicious seafood dishes are served almost everywhere. The best restaurants in the city, according to tourists, are:
Konoba Batelina - Konoba Batelina. It serves fine wandering and pickled mussels. For a full dinner for two with a bottle of wine, you need to pay from 75 €;
- Oasi. The responsive staff and skillful hands of the chef attract hundreds of visitors to this restaurant every day. Here they cook excellently meat and fish, and also surprise with delicious desserts and their unusual serving. The average bill is 90 € for two.
Advice! Before ordering a double serving of Croatian delicacies, pay attention to the weight of the dish indicated on the menu. Most likely, it will be difficult to get pleasure from a kilogram of seafood, despite their great taste.
Cafe Vodnjanka Those who want to try pashtizada or prosciutto without harming their wallet should visit inexpensive Pula cafes with a high level of service, for example, Tavern Medeja or Vodnjanka. It serves delicious European and Mediterranean cuisine at reasonable prices; a full dinner for two costs about 40 euros.
Attractions in Pula
Amphitheater
It was in Pula, one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire, that a huge amphitheater was built in the first century AD, which has survived to this day. Its walls have seen a lot: bloody fights of gladiators, tired citizens who turned the battle arena into a grazing area, rich fairs and world wars.
The amphitheater was restored in the 19th century, so to this day it has completely preserved the outer ring. It still rests on 4 towers, but now on an elliptical arena measuring 68 * 41 meters, only artificial blood is shed and only during staged gladiatorial battles (organized every summer Sunday). The upper spectator rows offer a great view of the city, from where you can take many beautiful photos of Pula.
- Address: Flavijevska street.
- Opening hours: from 8 am to midnight (July-August), until 21 (from early May to late September) and until 19 (from October to April).
- Entrance cost- 50 HRK, for children - 25 HRK.
Aquarium
Travelers with children and just nature lovers should definitely visit this attraction in Pula. Founded in 2002 by a team of oceanographers, today this aquarium is home to more than four hundred inhabitants, including anemones, catfish, moray eels, molluscs, sharks, octopuses and other marine animals.
- The exposition is kept on two floors of Fort Verudella, located on the boulevard of the same name,
- Open daily from 9 am to 10 pm in summer, 10 am to 6 pm from October to May, from 10 am to 4 pm during the rest of the year.
- Adult ticket price- 60 kn, school and children's- 50 HRK and 30 HRK respectively. Children under the age of three have the right to free admission to all attractions in Pula and Croatia in general.
Another imprint of Roman culture two thousand years ago and the most photographed attraction in Pula. Despite the small size of the arch (8 * 4.5 m) compared to other similar buildings, it is of great historical and cultural value. Passing the small square, be sure to go to the Arc de Triomphe to see the figures of the goddess of Victory, cupids and other heroes carved in stone by the skillful hands of ancient Roman architects.
The architectural complex, built at the beginning of the 14th century, is one of the few landmarks of Pula in the Gothic style. The church and monastery are not decorated with tons of gold or rare icons of saints, on the contrary, their main value is in modesty and even austerity, which is reflected in their appearance. Around the complex and in the buildings themselves, there are many artifacts of antiquity - tombstones, decorations, paintings, etc.
- Address: Uspon Svetog Franje Asiškog 9.
- Opening hours: from 8 am to 11 pm. Services are not held in the church, photography is allowed.
- entrance- 10 kuna, the price includes a gift card.
The temple, built in honor of Emperor Augustus, is located in the central square of Pula and reaches 18 meters in height. Near him are the remains of his "twin", erected in honor of the goddess Diana. The temple itself was almost completely destroyed during the Second World War, but in 1948 it was completely reconstructed. Today it houses a historical museum.
Advice from tourists visiting Pula! The Temple of Augustus is one of those sights that are best viewed only from the outside, since the museum has less than ten exhibits, and the interior of such structures is of no particular value.
Entrance cost to the museum - 5 kn.
The building was built in 1295 on the remains of the temple of Diana. Then it was partially destroyed and an Italian palace with baroque elements was erected in its place. At the end of the 20th century, they tried to restore the building, but in the end they only reinforced with metal ties, not wanting to deprive the city palace of its uniqueness.
Despite such a complex structure and venerable age, the Town Hall is still a functioning administrative building, so the entrance to it is prohibited. It is located in the central square next to the previous attraction - the Temple of Augustus.
You will be interested in: - where to go on the excursion.
Fortress Kastel
The majestic fort, located on a hill in the center of the old town, can be seen from anywhere in Pula. The defense complex was built in the 16th century and for more than 300 years protected the inhabitants from bloody international wars. The fortress is in the shape of a star with 4 corner bastions, but the fort had to endure so many battles that today only powerful stone walls and fortified towers remain.
Since 1960, the best historical and maritime museum of Istria has been operating in Kastela. Among the 65 thousand exhibits you will find ancient weapons, ship remnants, military awards and much more. Inside there are several exhibitions with photographs and postcards, and scientific films about the history of navigation are broadcast. The towers of Kastel offer panoramic views of the sea and the city.
- Address: Gradinski uspon 10.
- The museum is open seven days a week from 9 am to 6 pm.
- Full ticket price- 20 HRK, for kids up to 14 years old - 5 HRK.
Pula climate: a visit to the sun
Like the entire Adriatic coast, Pula has a Mediterranean climate. In summer, the air heats up to + 27 ° С, the sea temperature is + 24 ° С, and there is practically no rain. Mild winters and autumn are accompanied by strong winds and downpours, especially in November and early December.
The capital of Croatia, you need 3.5 hours and 20 to 35 euros per person to get to Pula by direct bus. You can buy tickets and find out the exact timetable on the carrier's website crnja-tours.hr.
This is the cheapest way to get to Pula from Ukraine, Russia and other CIS countries. Arriving in, you will need to walk 15 minutes to the main bus station and take the Brioni Pula bus there. For the exact departure time of all 7 minibuses and ticket prices, see www.brioni.hr... The final stop is Pula.
From Split
If you have already arrived in one of the cultural centers of Croatia and want to visit Pula, you will have to be patient. The cheapest and fastest option:
- The first destination is the Ostarije train station, where you can take train 520 from Split train station. It departs at 8:27 and arrives at 13:20. The ticket price is 160 kn. You can buy on the website prodaja.hzpp.hr.
- The next intermediate station is called Vrbovsko, to which you will be taken by train # 4058 (departure at 17:44) or 702 (leaves at 18:32). Travel time is 29 minutes. The trip will cost 23-30 kn for one.
- From the Vrbovsko railway station, you need to go to the bus station of the same name and take a bus with a fare of 130 HRK. The journey takes 2 hours and 40 minutes.
If you are able to withstand 11 hours of bus travel and are ready to leave at 5 am, a direct bus between Split and Pula for 350 kuna is suitable for you. Tickets are available at shop.flixbus.ru.
Pula (Croatia) is a unique city worthy of your attention. Have a nice trip!
Learn more about the city of Pula from the video.
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I ask: what is there to see - in Pula? - The ancient Roman arena, - they answer - is huge, the sixth largest in the world.
Well, I saw arenas, thank God, the same Colosseum in Rome.
In general, I decided not to go to Pula, but to spend the day at sea, in ours. Because before that, people went to Plitvice Lakes for the whole day. Then - to Rovinj and Porec. And when to swim?
However, curiosity overcame, and in the morning I ran to the sightseeing bus: "Will you take it?" - and went to watch Pula.
And I was very glad. Because the Arena, of course, is grandiose, but even without it, there is something to see in Pula. By the way, this is the oldest city in Croatia (it was founded by the ancient Greeks 3 thousand years ago - they say, the Argonauts). Now Pula is the main and largest city of the Istrian peninsula, with its own airport. And, perhaps, the main attraction of Istria.
- Lim fjord
So Pula. Imagine two huge claws protruding into the sea. And in the depths of this bay is a hilly ledge with a flat top. Well, how can one not arrange a city in such a strategic place!
Many other ancient coastal cities are located in the same way - usually on a hill or cliff jutting out into the sea, from where the terrain can be controlled. The same Rovinj, Turkish and Side, Italian, and so on.
However, each of these cities has its own peculiarity. Let's say neighboring Rovinj. In it, everyone, without saying a word, immediately rushes up to the top of the mountain. In Pula, the main movement is around the hill. Rovinj is like a joyous flower. Pula is an adventure book, where every step has its own intrigue. Solving them is a pleasure!
Pula map with attractions
Arena
We arrive in Pula. On the right is a harbor filled with ships.
On the left, behind the cypresses and Lebanese cedars, rises the Arena.
It stands slightly away from the hill, outside the fortress walls that surrounded the ancient city. A huge building made of light Istrian stone. Indeed, impressive. Built in the 1st century BC, under Vespasian. It was built simultaneously with the Roman Colosseum. It accommodated up to 20 tons of spectators.
In the Middle Ages, knightly tournaments were held in the Arena. Nowadays, it is used for all kinds of festivals and sports events.
A museum dedicated to the production of wine and olive oil in ancient times is located in the basement under the Arena (where the gladiators used to prepare for battle).
We go around in a circle.
And we head to the hill on which the old city was located.
Once the city was surrounded by fortress walls and had 10 gates. Now a small fragment of the fortress wall and three gates have survived: Double, Herculean and Golden (or the Arch of Sergia).
We will go around the hill counterclockwise.
First, on the right hand, there is an archaeological area surrounded by modern houses. It was opened recently, research work is underway here, so while it is closed to the public.
Soon the modern houses recede and we enter the old city.
And here are the houses that appeared before us:
Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Having walked a little along Kandierova Street, we found ourselves in front of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary with a detached bell tower.
In 3-4 centuries, even during the persecution of Christians, people professing Christianity gathered at this place. As soon as in 313 the emperor Constantine in Milan declared freedom of religion and Christianity began to spread rapidly in the Roman Empire, a cathedral was built in Pula on the site of the former meetings of Christians - in the 4th century.
A century later, the Church of St. Thomas was built next to it, which stood until the 17th century and was dismantled in 1657. Now on the site of the church there is a small square.
The square in front of the cathedral is named after this already defunct church - St. Thomas.
The church was destroyed, but around the same time, in the 17th century, a bell tower was erected. For its construction, stone blocks from the Arena were used.
Inside, the cathedral is very modest. Fragments of mosaics from the 5th-6th centuries have survived near the altar, but we got there during the service and did not see them.
On this day, some kind of religious event was taking place in Pula. It was empty in the morning hours. When I got to this square a couple of hours later, I found a crowd of men in black suits in front of the cathedral. Men in suits flocked to the cathedral from all sides, met in front of the cathedral and discussed something lively.
Forum. Temple of Augustus and Town Hall
Venetian windows:
And here we have the Forum: an elongated rectangular square with the Temple of Augustus and the Town Hall.
Initially, on the site of the Town Hall there was a temple of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. To the right of the main temple was the Temple of Diana, to the left - the Temple of Augustus.
Only the temple of Augustus has survived to this day. The back façade of Diana's temple is built into the back of the Town Hall and is clearly visible.
The Temple of Augustus was erected by the Romans in 14 year, during the life of Christ. In the Middle Ages it was a Christian church. In the 19th century, grain was stored in it.
Now inside the temple there is a small exposition of ancient Roman sculpture - very modest. Entrance - 10 kn.
The town hall was built from the 10th to the 14th century and absorbed all the architectural trends of these centuries (and also included the wall of the ancient temple of Diana).
Roman mosaics "Punishment of Dirca" and the house of Agrippina
From the Forum, we continue to move in a circle.
We turn right into one of the lanes, go through the summer cafe and go into the courtyard. Roman mosaics were discovered in this courtyard during World War II. A bomb fell near this place, and when the rubble was cleared, the floors of the antique villa were opened.
The plot of the main mosaic is "Dirka's Punishment". Queen Dirk tortured Antiope for many years, who was given to her as a slave. Antiope fled and hid in the shepherd's hut, with the shepherd's sons Zeta and Amphion. Dirka, who overtook her, told the brothers to tie Antiope to the horns of a bull. The shepherd who arrived in time revealed to the brothers the secret that Antiope was their mother, and Zeus was their father. The brothers untied their mother, tied the cruel Dirka to the horns and let the angry bull gallop through the bushes and ravines.
Almost opposite the mosaics, just towards the hill, there is a sign to the House of Agrippina.
We go up the steps and behind the first house, in the courtyard, we see the excavated foundations of an antique house of the 1st century BC, built before the Forum. The house was named "House of Agrippina" because of the marble portrait of Agrippina Minor found here.
The balconies of a residential building hang over the archaeological zone, and the neighborhood of deep antiquity and modernity looks commonplace. And that is to say, in this place, wherever you dig, you will stumble upon traces of other cultures: ancient Greek, Roman, Venetian.
Arch of Sergia and the Golden Gate
We leave to the Arch of Sergia - built not in honor of the emperor's triumph, but by means of the wealthy Sergia family and named in her honor.
The arch was built into the Golden Gate - the most solemn and richly decorated of the 10 gates of the fortress wall. It was the main entrance to ancient Pula.
In the 19th century, most of the fortress wall was demolished. The Arch of Sergia now stands on its own, nevertheless it looks very representative and, indeed, marks the main entrance to the historic center.
In front of the Arch of Sergia there is a wide square, festive and elegant, where various city festivities are held. The square is called Trg Portarat, “the market in front of the gates”.
Immediately behind the arch, at a table in a summer cafe, sits the Irish writer James Joyce - in the form of a copper monument.
In Pula, the writer spent six months (from October 1904 to March 1905), taught English to naval officers in a building next to the Arch of Sergia.
He didn’t like Pula, he even called it “naval Siberia” (oh, he hadn’t been to Siberia), wrote that Istria was inhabited by “ignorant Slavs”. Unable to withstand such a backwater, he at the first opportunity moved to Trieste, and then to Zurich.
And in Poole, in the building where the writer once taught, the Ulysses cafe arose, on the open veranda of which Joyce was seated forever.
Fortress wall. Herculean and Double Gates
From Trg Portorat begins the shady boulevard Jardini, which stretches along the fortress wall. In this place, a fortress wall made of gray stone has been preserved.
On the right side, the bank building rises - a striking example of architecture from the time of Mussolini.
On the left - one more preserved gate of the old Pula - Hercules. They are slightly pushed inward and turned towards the ancient road that approached the gate.
Above, on the arch, you can still see the half-erased image of Hercules.
The inscription with the names of Roman officials who arrived in Pula in the 1st century BC is also almost erased. with the appointment to establish a Roman colony here.
Along the fortress wall we reach the third surviving gate - the Double.
Double gates:
Behind the gate is the entrance to the Pula Archaeological Museum.
The circle is complete.
We walked around the old town in a circle along the foot of the hill. It's time to go upstairs.
From the lower circular road to the top of the hill, numerous staircases rise up.
For example, this one:
Or this one:
We will climb St. Francis Street to see another attraction of Pula - the monastery and the Church of St. Francis on the way.
Church of St. Francis
Behind a very simple and austere façade, there is an equally austere church of gray stone, the only bright spot in which is the gilded iconostasis.
In the monastery courtyard, frail palms grow. A bell tower with a lone bell is also visible from there.
Franciscans appeared in Pula in the 13th century. In 1314 they built this church.
Fortress Kastel
And we climb even higher and soon find ourselves in front of the entrance to the fortress, or Kastel.
The entrance to the fortress is paid - 20 kn.
It is small, almost square, with 4 bastions at the corners. There are ravelins in front of the walls.
The fortress was built by the Venetians. Now it houses the Historical Museum of Istria.
In the courtyard of the fortress, spectator rows are installed, concerts and performances are held here.
Some artifacts are piled up in the corner, which apparently did not have a place in the museum's exposition: a boat, a weapon, an aircraft propeller.
I did not go to the museum, I immediately climbed the fortress wall and walked around the fortress around the perimeter.
Climbing the wall:
The view from the fortress wall is wonderful. The Arena, the harbor, houses and churches of Pula are visible.
Ravelins:
For a better view, I climbed the lighthouse.
At noon sharp bells rang out, and there was some movement in the harbor. The plane effectively boarded the water.
A little further (in the photo - on the left) cranes were lined up in a row. In the summer, every night in Pula, a light and musical show "Glowing Giants" is held. Certain parts of the mechanisms are illuminated to the music, the image is doubled due to the reflection in the water. They say it looks very impressive, and the music is well chosen. The performance lasts a quarter of an hour and runs from 8 pm to midnight at the beginning of every hour.
On the other side of the harbor (and from the entrance to the fortress), I noticed a small amphitheater, which was located inside the city walls - in contrast to the large Arena. Small amphitheater practically adjacent to the fortress - on the opposite side of the entrance.
Walking around the top of the fortress, I went down and around the wall.
When I reached the amphitheater, I went down the auditoriums to the stage.
A narrow street led me to Boulevard Jardini.
The square in front of the Arch of Sergia looked much more lively than in the morning hours, and the weather "tightened up".
Joyce seemed to be looking at the crowd rushing past him with greater benevolence.
I went to look for the chapel of St. Mary Formosa, a modest 6th century chapel left over from a large Benedictine abbey. The value of this chapel is that it has survived to this day without alterations, safe and sound. Only the mosaics were removed from the floors and sent to the Archaeological Museum.
But on the scheme I followed, this chapel was not marked quite correctly. I went out to Dante Square with a large round fountain,
in the corner she saw the Church of Mary the Merciful,
Spun around, I did not find Formosa. And it was necessary to cross the square, turn right and reach the intersection with Maksimilianovaya street. This chapel is there.
I went to Maksimilianova Street a little higher, and there the young man drew my attention to a small two-story house. “The oldest house,” he declared authoritatively. And, it is true, there was a sign “Kulturno dobro” on it. This house here.
Underground passages Zerostrasse
So, I walked around the hill, went upstairs. It remains only to climb inside the hill.
Well, there is such a possibility. If you see such a sign, look for the entrance to the dungeon nearby.
Underground passages under the hill were dug by the Austrians. Since the middle of the 19th century, Pula has been one of the main Austrian naval bases on the Adriatic. Exhibitions are now housed in the tunnel. The cost of an underground walk is 15 kn.
The passages are connected in the center of the hill in a large hall.
I entered the tunnel near the Double Gate and emerged opposite the Cathedral.
A solemn service was being held in the Cathedral. The morning men in black suits now stood in white robes and sang together.
On this high note, my acquaintance with Pula ended. After Pula, there was a trip to the Lim fjord, and we had to hurry.
And I liked Pula very much. A fascinating city, and without it, the idea of Istria would not be at all the same.
Bicycle, scooter, ATV and motorcycle rental -
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By plane
Pula has its own international airport with daily flights to. Some flights to Pula are organized according to the schedule, some according to the season (summer only). You can familiarize yourself with flight options to Pula, for example, in the TravekAsk section.
There is also a bus that runs on schedule and travels from the station to the airport. The buses are owned by Brioni and are suitable for most major routes. One way ticket costs 25 HRK. A taxi from the station to the city costs about 85 HRK during the low season, when there are few tourists, and much more in the summer.
You can also get to Pula from Rijeka airport on the island of Krk and Trieste airport in neighboring Italy - they are nearby and offer flights to different destinations.
By bus
A large, modern bus station sits on the edge of the old town and is the hub of local, domestic, and international bus routes.
There is also a train station next to the waterfront. Ticket prices, timetables and other information can be found on the Croatian Railways website.
Hitchhiking from Zagreb is popular and works very well. You need to start driving in Zagreb from a petrol station located after the "Billa" supermarket, which is located on the southern side of the Sava River. In Rijeka, you should ask people to drop you off at a small SOS stop after a rather sharp right bend in the road around Rijeka.
By ferry
Hydrofoil ferries start from the pier and run parallel to the Croatian coastline with a stop at Venice. They provide fast travel and great views, but the cost is high.
The Venezia Lines ferry connects Pula with Venice. He walks five times a week, the duration of the voyage is approximately 3 hours. It is only available during the summer months.
Prompt:
Pula - the time is now
Difference in hours:
Moscow 1
Kazan 1
Samara 2
Ekaterinburg 3
Novosibirsk 5
Vladivostok 8
When is the season. When is the best time to go
Pula - monthly weather
Prompt:
Pula - monthly weather
Prompt:
The cost of food, accommodation, transport and other
Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub Croatian kuna, kn
Major attractions. What to see
Arena
The 6th largest surviving Roman amphitheater. Towering over nearby buildings, this huge structure has been on the verge of collapse several times during its existence. The Venetians wanted to disassemble it and take it with them to Venice - to demonstrate the strength of the Venetian empire. Also, a lot of stones from it were taken in order to build buildings and various structures around Pula. Fortunately, all these actions were not completed, and now, having paid 20 kuna for the entrance, you can wander in the inner part of the Colosseum and visit the caves that are under it. It is also possible to order an audio tour and this is definitely worth doing.
Forum
The main square in the city center, located on the site of the ancient Roman Forum. On the square there is the city hall, which was built in the 10th century (parts of the old temple were used for the construction of the building and you can see this by looking at the back of the hall) and the Temple of Augustus, built in the 1st century.
Golden Gate (Arc de Triomphe, 1st century BC)
Double gates (2-3 century)
Gates of Hercules (1st century BC).
Church and monastery of St. Francis (14th century).
Orthodox Church (6th century).
Kastel, Castle
Since the 17th century it has been a museum of the history of Istria.
Small Roman Theater (located behind the Museum of Archeology)
The Naval Cemetery, the Sailors' Cemetery (in 1886 about 150,000 Austro-Hungarians were buried here) and the Sailors Church.
Carlo Roitz
Former military schools and later barracks, built by the Austro-Hungarians (1870) They have been used since 1998 as a cultural and social center. Many non-governmental organizations open their offices here, there are also music studios and centers and art colonies. The building is worth a look because its walls are decorated with frescoes and art installations.
Parks
Bridguni National Park - The beautiful islands of Bridguni (Italian: isole Brioni) located off the southwestern coast of the Istrian peninsula. The national park offers many interesting attractions - dinosaur footprints, archaeological finds, a small zoo, extremely rich flora and fauna, beautiful beaches, a former royal resort.
Farabuto restaurant. Excellent light and delicious food.
Galeb Restaurant. You won't find it in any directory, but everyone in town knows this place: they serve the best "chevapchichi" (minced meat, 2 "long, 1/2 wide) in town.
Gina restaurant. Excellent food in a unique setting that combines elegance with history.
Asterix Restaurant. Best pizza in town. You should try Asterix Pizza - a 3-piece pizza with a different set of toppings each.
Pizzeria Bambino. Good quality pizza and grill.
Pizzeria Jupiter. Near the Arena, Roman amphitheater - very good pizza.
Restaurant El Pulari. Mexican restaurant.
Amfiteatar Restaurant, Amfiteatarska 6 (80 m from the Roman Arena), 00385 52 2375600.7:00 - 23:00. Food made from good local ingredients in a lovely setting close to the Arena. The menu is able to satisfy all tastes, and the prices are quite affordable. The approximate cost is € 5-25.
Pikabu, Flavijevska 12 (70 m from the Amphitheater), 052/381 981. Open from 10 am to 10 pm Indoor playground, pizzeria and hairdresser for children with lots of food and entertainment for children and adults.
Beverages
Local beer is a favorite among other Istrian drinks. Go with karlovacko or ozujsko, you won't go wrong.
Things to do
Visit Brijuni, a group of islands renowned for its scenic beauty. They are a holiday destination and a Croatian national park. They were also a settlement in Roman times and part of the Venetian Republic. The islands are the seat of Tito, the leader of the former Yugoslavia. Boats leave from the town of Fazana, located near Pula.
Go for a fish picnic. You can take a walk through the local harbor and check the timetables and prices. Prices are usually around 30 € per person.
Walk along Sergi Street, where there are many small shops selling souvenirs and sweets.
Spend a full day at the Kamenjak beaches near Premantura (8 km from Pula). This peninsula is the southern tip of Istria and has stunning landscapes and beautiful nature. Outside the summer season, it is very popular with locals and visitors as a hiking and mountain biking destination.
Discover abandoned Austro-Hungarian fortresses built before World War I, when Pula was the most fortified city in Europe. Some of these fortresses are hidden in the forests, and some are used by the inhabitants of Pula for a wide variety of purposes. An example would be Punta Cristo - used for the festival.
Shopping and shops
What to buy?
Truffels. Istria is famous for its truffles.
Malvasia and Teran. Local wines.
Medica. Honey brandy
Bishka. Brandy with white mistletoe.
How to get around the city
Since Pula is a small city, in general, there is no problem with movement. All tourist points are located in the historical center and do not require any other means of transport except walking. If you need to get out somewhere other than the center, then there are 4 ways to get around Pula: on foot, by car, bus or taxi.
Taxi. What features exist
Taxis in Pula are mostly reliable. The price is 15 kuna per landing and 7 kuna per kilometer, 20% more on Sundays and nights.
Only get on those taxis that bear the Pula Taxi label with the city coat of arms. In addition, try to negotiate a price with the driver in advance, especially if you are going to go to the neighboring towns of Medulin, Shtilan, etc.
Buses
There are 3 main bus routes in Pula that connect the city center with tourist spots (Verudella and Stoja). They work on a 20-minute basis from early morning until evening, and towards midnight they start walking at 30-45 minute intervals. Please be aware that buses are usually overcrowded and arrive late. Therefore, you may not get into the cabin if it turns out that there are much more passengers at the stop than it can accommodate.
Buses are famous for their high cost (11 kn per person per trip), however, if you plan to actively use the city bus company (Pulapromet), you can make yourself a BusCard. BusCard is an electromagnetic ticket that you can top up with money and then use for cheaper bus rides. Buscards cost 30 kuna, but they are sold for 70 kuna, as they already have 40 kuna, which can be used to pay for travel.
BusCard really reduces the price of the trip, which in the end is 7 kuna per hour on city lines (lines 1 - 9). In addition, up to 5 people can use the same BusCard at the same time for the same bus. In addition, the BusCard loan lasts forever, which means that you can keep the card until the next time you come to Pula again without fear of losing money. You can buy a BusCard at the main bus station at the Pulapromet stand, at newsstands that carry the BusCard label, or on the bus from the driver.
In terms of intercity buses, Pula is well connected to other cities in Istria as well as several international destinations. Tickets and information can be found at the bus station. The Brioni stand serves as the main information desk and sells tickets to all companies other than Autotrans, which must be purchased at another stand. Please note that all buses have room for luggage. The service of its transportation is paid additionally and usually costs 7 kuna. If you have a backpack or a small suitcase, then it shouldn't be a problem if you can tuck it in the top compartment (it's pretty small!) Or near your feet (under the seat).
If necessary, a pre-purchased ticket can be returned to the ticket office, but the money will not be returned in full.
Cars
Arriving in Pula in the summer by car may not be the best idea, especially if it is raining. Since Pula is an old town, there are a lot of narrow streets and very few parking spaces. Use the car only when you really need to, and in other cases, it is better to take the bus. You can find out the prices for car rental in Pula.
