Pula

Pula

Pula is the eight largest city in Croatia and the largest one in Istria. Pula is a city with an incredible history dating as far as 1 million years ago through the evidence found in the cave of Šandalja near the city itself. As the largest port in Istria and one of the most important in the Adriatic, Pula has been very important all through its history.

That can be shown by its most recognizable monument, the Pula arena, which is the only Roman amphitheater that has all four of its side towers entirely preserved and one of the six largest surviving Roman arenas. Today, it serves as a venue for many events, such as film festivals, concerts, sport competitions and many more! Its capacity is 5000 spectators and you can visit it if in Pula and look around!

Pula is place to go, especially during summer season. Famous Amphitheatre is a stage for world known Pula Film festival, as well as Opera season and Equestrian festival. It also hosted some of the world known names such as Leonard Cohen, Joe Cocker, Elton John, Norah Jones, Paco de Lucia, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Jamiroquai, Foo figters and many more. Once a week the Pula’s Amphitheatre hosts a magnificent historical event - Spectacvla Antiqva - Roman gladiator fights. In the premises below the arena, you can enjoy a permanent exhibition “Viticulture and Olive Oil Production in Istria During the Roman Period “.

Of course, there are many more shows of Pulas incredible history all over the city! Alongside the Pula Arena, Temple of Augustus, and the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi also known as the Golden Gate, represent the remains of the Roman rule over Pula. It is worth checking out the Forum, the main square of medieval Pula that was the nucleus of city life. Archeological Museum of Istria and Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria are both in situated in Pula!

History and Maritime Museum of Istria, founded in 1955, located on Pula’s most the beautiful hill, will guide you through centuries of history and finish with a spectacular view of the coast. The Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits art from the second half of the 20th century along with the work of modern artists. On your cultural tour make sure to visit Museum of the Croatian Society of Fine Arts, The House of Istrian Olive Oil, Rock Gallery and Memo museum - a museum of everyday life and good memories.

The city is proud of its rich cultural offer and you will most certainly feel it wondering through many museums and galleries spread around the area. When you want to escape the city bustle head for one of the nearby beaches. Zlatne stijene, Verudela, Lungo Mare, Stoja, Sveti Ivan - just some of the wonderful beaches of the area. Klančac Brseč bay is known as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic. Grotte Von Pula is a secluded beach in the Mužilj bay.

Ambrela is a popular beach for families with children.

Sailing clubs in Pula are very active and organize sailing schools and regattas; Pula Sailing week, an international, sports and entertainment program takes place in May.

Another selling point for Pula, as well for most of Istria is the incredible cuisine. The best known product is the Istrian prosciutto that is famous for the unique way behind its preparation, storage and aromatic herbs that cover it. In Croatia, truffles have been an ingredient in local cuisine way before they became internationally recognized for their specific taste. They unfold their special flavor when made with Fuzi, Pula’s famous pasta, making it a must try when visiting this city!

Pula is a great port to start your sailing trip around Istria and the rest of the North Adriatic!