Pula Shore Excursion Reviews

  • Popular Things to Do in Pula

  • Don't Miss in Pula

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Popular Things to Do in Pula

Don't Miss in Pula

Pula Arena: The Pula Arena is the main reason cruise ships stop in Pula. The massive structure -- at the height of its use it held some 23,000 people -- is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. (It's actually better preserved than the Coliseum in Rome.) Built between 27 B.C. and 68 A.D., it was erected outside the city walls and, as such, is partially hidden from view by a ring of trees that has since grown around it. You can catch glimpses as you climb the hill toward it, but it's not until you get closer that its full size is apparent. Still used today for concerts (it now holds 5,000 people), there's even a modern gladiator school for local men to learn Roman fighting techniques, which they show off during weekly demonstrations in the arena (summertime only). Pula Arena is truly a phenomenal relic of the ancient world.

Roman Gates: Of the city's original 10 gates, two of the remaining ones are worth seeking out. The Gate of Hercules is the oldest structure in the city, and is quite modest in appearance when compared to other sites. It's named for the Greek hero who is believed to have been involved in the creation of the city -- the city's official Latin name is Colonia Iulia Pollentia Herculanea. You can still see Hercules' head and his club roughly sculpted into the gate at the top. The second gate is the triumphal Arch of the Sergius. Dating to the 1st century B.C., it was built to honor Lepidus, one of the triumvirate who fought in the Roman civil war. It's intricately carved; be sure to look up as you pass beneath to see the eagle of Rome clutching the snake of its enemies.

Cafe Uliks: Located immediately in front of the Arch of Sergius, this small cafe isn't much to look at. But sitting at a table in front (in statue form) is James Joyce, who lived and taught in Pula in 1904. Though he never thought much of the city, he did write several of the stories that ended up in "Dubliners" here.

Archaeological Museum of Istria: If you can't get enough of the city's history, this is the museum for you. Inside it's chockablock with stone monuments, marble statues, pottery from prehistory through to the Romans and the medieval era.

Pula Cathedral: No Croatian city is complete without a cathedral, and Pula is no exception. The cathedral here features a blend of Roman and Venetian architectural designs. The Roman core dates back to the 5th century A.D., while the baroque facade and bell tower are Venetian in style. (The bell tower's foundation is actually made of stone taken from the amphitheater in the 18th century.) It's sparsely decorated inside, but free to enter.


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