Pula [Istria Coastline]

Pula has inherited great art works that have left their trace its history, and nature has given it mild Mediterranean climate and one of the cleanest seawater in the Mediterranean.

Pula doesn't need to write an invitation card; its appeal speaks for itself. Its residents are trying to preserve its beauty even today, so that after your first visit you would want to come again. The Istrian tourist center has something special for everyone. First and foremost it is a town of culture, which is proud to present its Roman Arena from the 3rd century BC. The Arena has been a place for numerous festivals and concerts, most famous of which is the Pula Film Festival. The citizens of Pula are doing their best to preserve the cultural monuments of their town, and make Pula a place you would want to visit again.

General information

Number of residents: 58 594
Surface area: 41,5 km2
Geographical position: Istria, 44.88°N 13.84°E
Climate: mild Mediterranean
Average summer temperature: 26° C
Average winter temperature: 13-15° C
Time zone: Middle European time (GMT+1)

History

Pula's history starts in the 5th century BC. It was founded by Histri, an Iliric tribe which were the oldest inhabitants that resided in Istria. In the first century AD Pula starts to develop and most valuable cultural monuments in Croatia are created, such as the famous Arena. This amphitheater was inteded for fighting of people and gladiators, and today it serves a unique place for concert and other cultural events. In the 5th century Pula fell under the rule of Goths. As a part of Eastern Roman Empire it further develops and gains military function in conflicts with Byzantium and Gothic tribes. In the 12th century Pula is governed by Venice and is committed to Venetian political goals which lasted until the 16th century. Afterwards it falls under Genova, Croatian-Hungarian army and the Habsburgs. In the 19th century Austro-Hungarian Empire increased the importance of Pula's port and in that century starts the building of port and shipyard. In the year 1943 Pula becomes a part of Croatia, or in those days a part of Yugoslavia. During those years dissatisfied Italians move out of Istria, which ends with the independence of the Croatian Republic.

Gastronomy

It is no secret you can eat well in Pula. Considering Pula is used to being a good host to its guests, it offers you good restaurants where you can try Istrian cuisine. Istrian cuisine is based on pasta that is prepared less and less at home, but is best when it is homemade. Gnocchi and fuži are mostly served with various types of meat sauce. This of course is not all, you will have to discover a lot for yourselves.

For those who do not have refined requests for food, but do not wish to live of sandwiches, there are a lot of good pizzerias and small restaurants with mainly Italian specialties. You can eat pizza, spaghetti, gnocchi or lasagna together with a glass of good wine.

Finally, many taverns offer Istrian wines like malvazija and teran. The atmosphere in taverns is relaxed and cheerful just like it should be when on holiday.

Sport

We would recommend diving, since the acquatorium of Pula is rich in locations that guarantee unforgettable experience. Many underwater tunnels, walls and caves with lush flora and fauna are a challenge for every diver. Those who still don't know how to dive can learn this skill in one of diving schools and centers. We would definitely like to emphasize an underwater attraction, a sunken ship Baron Gautsch that is considered to be one of the 50 most beautiful world diving locations.

Let's stay on the sea a while longer, but on its surface. Windsurfing is a good choice and a common reason for guests who are tired of lying on the beach to come. If you don't know how to surf you can learn it in Premantura near Pula in a windsurfing school.

All bicycling lovers will be happy to come to Istria and Pula. Pula is a center where you can gather most information on where and how to drive, which tracks are the most attractive, what to see on the way and many other information which are necessary and valuable to cyclists.

If you whish to see Pula from a bird's perspective take one of organized panoramic flights. Besides, you can play basketball, tennis, go to fitness and anything else that comes to mind.

Fun and night life

As already mentioned Arena hosts many concerts of world known performers, from rock stars to opera singers. Also, there are festivals in the Arena, one of the most famous is Pula Film Festival. There is little chance that you will come to Pula and not have anything to do. There are always some concerts, exhibitions and various interesting things you can occupy yourself with.

The night life is pretty good so that everybody finds something for themselves, techno music lovers as well as rockers and others. In various bars and cafés you can enjoy good company until late in the night, and if Pula is too small for you, and you have visited all the places, you can visit nearby towns in search for a good time.

How to get there?

By car:
- Pula Zagreb 290 km
- Pula-Dubrovnik 700 km
- Pula-Rijeka 100 km
By plane: www.croatiaairlines.hr
By bus: www.akz.hr
By train: www.hznet.hr (do Rijeke)
Local and international ferry: www.jadrolinija.hr

Beaches

In and around Pula the beaches are mostly pebbled and rocky. On Verudela beaches are mostly pebbled while on Stoja they are mostly rocky. Verudela and Stoja are two most beloved choices of people looking for beautiful beaches. If you visit the island of Porer that has a lighthouse, you will be able to swim on the rocks of the island and the lighthouse keeper will gladly advise you where to swim at different parts of day, since the sea currents are rather strong.

What to see?

The Arena in Pula

It is one of the symbols of Pula, a common theme on post cards and an unavoidable stop of every visit to Pula. The arena was built in the 1st century and it served for gladiator fights, a spectacle for those days. In the Middle Ages Arena served as a place for knight tournaments and fairs and today it is used for cultural events. In the space below the arena there is an exhibition "Olive and wine growing in antique Istria".

The Golden Door

During your walk through Pula do not forget to visit the Golden doors, a Sergij family arch. This arch that used to lean against town door Porta Aurea, was erected in honor of three members of this family which held high positions. It is interesting that one side of this arch, the non-visible Eastern side, is almost completely untreated, while the Western side is richly ornamented.

Augustus Temple

Augustus temple, temple on the Forum, is dedicated to Roman goddess and emperor August, and it was built between 2nd year BC and 14th year AD when Augustus died. During long periods of history, the temple changed its function, and in 1944 it suffered a severe bombing attack and was almost completely ruined, but later reconstructed. The August temple has a twin sister, Diana's temple, which was built probably at the same time and in the same style, but only its back wall is preserved today.