Pula, home of Pula Arena, the fourth most famous Roman Amphitheatre in the world today, is the largest town in Istria and eighth largest in Croatia. Croatian Istria is that knob of land jutting out into the Adriatic just below that charming Slovenian port of Piran.
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The old centre of this friendly, walkable and interesting town is only minutes away from Pula Arena.
The town square is on the site of the old Roman Forum.
The Temple of Augustus is the only one of the forum buildings remaining today. Built between 2 BC and AD 14, it started life as a Pagan Temple, then moving with the times became a Church, Granary and now a small museum which wasn’t open during our visit.
Strolling through Pula’s streets.
You’re never far from the water in Pula. I was standing in the town square as I took this shot of a ship in port.
The Roman Gate of Sergi in Portarata (the old city centre) of Pula.
If you see a distinguished bronze gentleman sitting outside the Ulysses Cafe in Portarata, gazing at the Gate, that will be James Joyce, the Irish novelist considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th Century. He taught english in the building for 6 months, but wasn’t complimentary about the town, which he considered a backwater. You won’t find many places in Pula claiming an association, but we couldn’t resist having a drink with him.
The original carving of the head of Hercules is still visible on the arch of the Gate of Hercules.
I liked the look of the stone chimney of a random old bakery.
Stone was taken from Pula Arena to build the belfry of Pula Cathedral (shown below). The practice of using the Arena as a source of building materials ceased after the Belfry’s construction. Pula Info suggests 1707 as the date.
Tito’s Park. Named after the Communist Dictator born in Croatia.
Busts of National Heroes, Tito’s Park.
Moving On.
Click here if you are moving on to Venice or just wanting a day trip.
If you arrived in Pula by Bus or Train (Zagreb/Ljubljana) you might consider continuing your trip down the Croatian Coastline by boat.
Read about the Pula to Zadar ferry here.
Thanks for reading and commenting – we really appreciate it. If you have a blog we would love you to add your travel post to the link below for Nancie’s Travel Photo Thursday which we co-host with Ruth from Tanama Tales and Rachel from Rachel’s Ruminations.
Pula a small Croatian town with a big Roman Amphitheatre
You keep sparking my travel bug as we’ve often talked about how much fun it would be to ‘do’ Croatia by ferry!
I think that is a wonderful idea Jackie. I’d do it next time!
This is such a charming town. Interesting fact about James Joyce. You never know what secrets are hidden in a town. Very fascinating.
I am glad you wrote more about Pula because I was wanting to see more of it after the article you published last week. Nice to see more Roman ruins and colorful buildings. I saw the Istrian Peninsula on the best places to visit in 2017 (New York Times). That says a lot about the greatness of the area. #TPThursday
Interesting that the NY Times listed as a best place to visit. The coast scene is big around Pula as well Ruth although their beaches are pebble and there is no sand to speak of. We didn’t go there so I couldn’t share photos.
Pula is a fascinating town and you captured it well, especially loved the photo of the Roman Gate.
What a beautiful place to walk and explore. The streets look nice and cool, and the breezes from the water must make it even better on a hot summer day. 🙂
I love how the boats and water are so close to the old town of Pula and the Arena. We’ve been having lovely breezes here in Coolum Beach. 🙂
What are all those signboards in the square and in the street? I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that there are more ancient buildings in Pula than just the amphiteatre. Looks like a terrific place to explore on foot.
It was an art display Michele. I have a close up of one of the boards, I’ll add it for you. It is quite interesting.
Hi, Jan. I would fall in love with Pula. I love the architecture and the colors. The photo exhibit in the town square looks interesting. I would have a drink with James Joyce, too. Thanks for co-hosting this week (and sorry I am late getting around!) #TPThursday
Thanks for hosting Nancie. You do a great job! I loved Pula too. I really would liked to have stayed there a few days and got to know it better.