What to visit
The Arena in Pula - We're pulling the ace out of our sleeve right at the beginning, the arena in Pula. The arena is the trademark of Pula, often seen on postcards, and must see stop for all of Pula's visitors. The arena was built in the first century and used as a location for holding gladiator battles. In the medieval times the arena was used for holding knights games and fairs, where today it is used for cultural manifestations. In the areas beneath the arena there is a permanent exhibit of „Olive oil and wine manufacturing in ancient Istria“.
The Golden Gate - While walking through Pula, be sure not to miss the Golden Gate, made in honour of the famous Sergijevac family. This arch leans on the Porta Aurea entrance, and was erected in honour of three members of the Sergijevac family, who all had high ranking duties. An interesting fact about the arch is that the east side is practically blank, although it can't be seen, while the west side is richly decorated.
Augustus' temple - The temple is located in the Forum, and was consecrated in honour of the goddess of Rome and Augustus Cesar; it was built between the second and 14th year before Christ, when Augustus Cesar died. Through time, the temple changed many functions, and in 1944 the temple suffered bombardment, and was almost completely destroyed, but later reconstructed. Augustus's temple has a twin, the temple of Dijana, built around the same time, and in the same style, however; only the back wall was preserved to today.
Bale - Is a small town just outside of Pula, and is said to have stopped in time by its visitors. It has architecture of the olden days, the sounds of the locals speaking in their dialect, the quiet in the stone streets... all add to the specific Istrian charm of Bala. The initiative of the people in keeping the town of Bale in its archaic state, gives visitors a real sense of life in Bale in times past.
About Pula
When one thinks of Pula, the first thing they think of is surely the Arena. The Arena in Pula is the best kept amphitheatre of the Roman ages today; it was built in the first century, and was used for holding gladiator battles.
Visit Augustus' temple, in the Forum – the main city square, the arch of Sergijevac – known as the „Golden gate“ and museums with exhibits such as, tools for making oil and wine in the areas underneath the Arena. Have fun at fisherman's festivals, and restaurants in the town and surrounding areas, fish entres are the specialty of Istria.
The famous Irish writer James Joyce stayed in Pula for a time. Today there is a bronze statue of Joyce „sitting“ in front of the pub „Uliks“ where he regularly enjoyed drinking coffee or perhaps a glass of wine. Most visitors of Pula usually take a picture with the statue as a fun memento.
Today, concerts are regularly held in the arena, manifestations such as „Under the starry sky, between the stone columns“ and artists such as: Alanis Morissette, Cesaria Evora, Anastacia, Vanessa Mae, Sting, Joe Cocker, Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo, Simply Red, Jamiroquai, have held concerts there, just to mention a few.
Pula is a top holiday destination for its sights, events and excellent night life.