With a wealth of historical sites dating back to the Romans, Pula has some lovely sights for visitors to enjoy. If you are planning a trip to this city, this post is useful for you with a list of the attractive destinations in Pula.
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Attractive Destinations in Pula
1. Pula Arena
Pula’s emblematic Roman Amphitheatre is one of the most complete in the world.
It’s not just that the three-storey-high arched walls and four towers around the perimeter are still standing; Pula’s Arena displays the incredible inner workings of a Roman amphitheater in vivid detail.
You can see the underground passages used by Gladiators, and the cisterns that channeled perfumed water to the 20,000 spectators.
This wonderful monument dates to the first century and one of the reasons it has survived is because medieval knights were still using it for tournaments 1,000 years after it was built.
2. The Temple Of Augustus
The Temple of Augustus was built in the 2nd century BC and dedicated to Emperor Augustus and the goddess Roma. It’s been used for many different purposes throughout its long history and used to be part of a three-building complex. The main central temple is long gone, but the back wall of one of the other structures, The Temple of Diana, survived and incorporated into the Communal Palace.
During WWII, it was hit by a bomb that almost destroyed it. It has been mostly restored to what it was like 2,000 years ago and houses Roman sculptural artifacts. You can take a quick tour of the interior for a small fee. The Temple of Augustus remains the only surviving part of the original temple triad, a major highlight and one of the best things to do in Pula.
3. Pula Forum
This is one of the attractive destinations in Pula that you must visit. The city’s main square plays host and celebrates every big occurrence for hundreds of years. During the summer seasons, you may get to enjoy the concerts and cultural events. Also, you may enjoy football matches with huge crowds whenever the Croatian team is playing in any important leagues. It will be the most magnificent setting you will enjoy football in.
4. Archaeology Museum
Though Pula already has the Temple of Augustus, it is nowhere near sufficient to house the massive cultural heritage. They had outgrown the temple’s walls way before it was initiated as a museum. The museum houses the mark of all the empires the city has seen. Exhibits start from finds of the Stone Age and even today showcases have to be updated to encompass the historical richness of the Istrian Peninsula.
5. Triumphal Arch of Sergius
Also built in the 1st century AD, the Triumphal Arch of Sergius is a monument erected to honor the Sergii family members. They fought and died in a battle between Octavian’s Roman army and Mark Antony’s Egyptian-Roman army, a battle in which Octavian and the Sergiis were triumphant.
One of the top attractions in Pula, the Arch leads into the old town center and has an ornate decoration with fluted columns and chariots engraved along the top.
6. Pula Kastel
Set atop the rise in the middle of Pula, Kastel is a Venetian fortress from the 1600s.
You’ll notice that the powerful-looking walls are in a star configuration, which was a state-of-the-art design to repel artillery after the arrival of gunpowder.
Kastel was created to be the Venetians’ main stronghold, defending Pula’s harbor as well as the entire upper Adriatic.
If you’re into military history you should definitely climb the angular walls to see the cannons and watchtower.
Along with the Arena, Kastel is one of the iconic venues for the Pula International Film Festival.
7. Church And Monastery Of St. Francis
You can reach this place by continuing on the uphill path starting at the Forum. One of the popular places to visit in Pula, the Church and Monastery of St. Francis was built in the 14th Century and later was surrounded by a monastery complex. The architecture style is typically and classically Roman. The most striking feature within is its serene gardens, with tall palm trees and ancient statues. One can even find small turtles sunbathing in this garden during summers.
In conclusion, we have given you some attractive destinations in Pula to visit while traveling.
