Pula
Temperature
5°
Time
7:23 PM
Pula
Jewel of the verdant peninsula of Istria, Pula is the province’s largest city and forms a dramatic gateway to the seductive, crystalline waters of the Adriatic. Situated at the southernmost tip of the area, which has come to be known as ’the new Tuscany’ for its bright medieval hilltop towns and ancient ruins, Pula boasts a rich and varied cultural heritage. The city is bordered by national parks remarkable for their astounding unspoilt natural beauty and is celebrated for its wonderfully preserved Roman amphitheatre and forum, which form a dramatic backdrop for leisurely strolls from the old town to the coast.Find your trip
The Arch of Sergius (also referred to as the Golden Gate of Pula) commemorates the Sergii, one of the most influential families in the early Roman colony. The arch stood behind the original naval gate of the city and was paid for by the wife of Lepidus, Salvia Postuma. Their names are carved in the stone along with Lucius Sergius and Gaius Sergius. In its original form, statues of the two elders flanked Lepidus on both sides on the top of the arch.
Pula’s ever-popular aquarium occupies the floor of the city’s 14th-century AustroHungarian fortress. Highlights of the aquarium include the large sea water tanks that contain representatives of North Adriatic flora and fauna and a massive open tank that contains dogfish, sea urchins, crabs and star fish. Visitors can also take a boat ride to get a closer look at the aquarium’s inhabitants.
Located in the forum, this temple is dedicated to the Roman Emperor Augustus, and was built between the 2 BC and 14 AD, during the reconstruction of the colony. Having served a variety of different functions in its long history, including storing grain and as a church, the statuesque building is now used to house a collection of wonderfully preserved ancient bronze and stone sculptures.
Perched on the hill between the Forum and the upper part of the city, you will find the 14th-century church and monastery of St Francis of Assisi. Now used to house a remarkable collection of stone monuments and copies of Istrian frescoes, the church also hosts classical music concerts in the summer months.
A short trip out of Pula takes you to the acclaimed Brijuni National Park. This archipelago of islands has long been noted for its outstanding natural beauty and are edged with turquoise waters rich in sea life. A favourite haunt of visiting heads of state and the summer residence of Marshal Tito, from 1949 until his death in 1980, the islands can be reached by boat from Fažana, a village 5km from Pula, which is easily accessible by bus.
This ancient religious edifice is formed of an eclectic mix of architectural styles, reflecting the many changes it has undergone in its lengthy history. You can still see some of the 4th century remains on the outside of the church, from a time when the area was used as a refuge by Christians in times of persecution.
The main entrance to the Archaeological Museum of Istria (Arheoloski Muzej Istre) is actually one of the original gates that served as an entry point into the old Roman town. The museum carries a fascinating range of archaeological artefacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages from the region. You will find architectural highlights on the ground floor, Neolithic and Roman era finds on the first floor, Roman antiquities and medieval period artefacts on the second floor. Due to reconstruction works, closed during 2018 and beginning 2019.
Built during the reign of Emperor Vespasian in the 1st century AD, for an audience of 22,000, Pula’s three-storey Roman amphitheatre is one of the best preserved in the world and the sixth largest in existence. Every year, the arena plays host to Pula’s annual summer festival which brings in famous names from across the globe.
The Arch of Sergius (also referred to as the Golden Gate of Pula) commemorates the Sergii, one of the most influential families in the early Roman colony. The arch stood behind the original naval gate of the city and was paid for by the wife of Lepidus, Salvia Postuma. Their names are carved in the stone along with Lucius Sergius and Gaius Sergius. In its original form, statues of the two elders flanked Lepidus on both sides on the top of the arch.
Pula’s ever-popular aquarium occupies the floor of the city’s 14th-century AustroHungarian fortress. Highlights of the aquarium include the large sea water tanks that contain representatives of North Adriatic flora and fauna and a massive open tank that contains dogfish, sea urchins, crabs and star fish. Visitors can also take a boat ride to get a closer look at the aquarium’s inhabitants.
Pula’s bustling central market is built in the heart of the city and is home to a wide range of modern and traditional shops. Under the glass arches of the 19th century iron framed covered market, you will find the area’s largest fish market, which is best visited early in the morning when the brackish catch of a truly vast range of seafood is at its freshest. Look out for Brancin (sea perch) and fresh Dagnje (mussels), which are specialities of the region.
Traditional handicrafts can be bought from a number of souvenir shops near the Arch of the Sergeii, and there is an annual handicrafts festival held in the Portarata square every summer.
Outside of town on the way to the airport, Konzum Mall is home to a wide range of affordable, ready to wear international brands and electronics stores.
If you want to walk around and browse small, cosy shops you can visit the Sergijevaca and Kandlerova streets. These are the perfect streets to find souvenirs and to just stroll around.
For well-known brands and clothes stores you can visit Flanaticka street. This area is full of shops, so do not be afraid to go off course.
Giardini is the main street in Pula and can be compared to Las Ramlas in Barcelona. Here you can find shops, people, cafes and good buys among the numerous markets stalls.
Pula’s bustling central market is built in the heart of the city and is home to a wide range of modern and traditional shops. Under the glass arches of the 19th century iron framed covered market, you will find the area’s largest fish market, which is best visited early in the morning when the brackish catch of a truly vast range of seafood is at its freshest. Look out for Brancin (sea perch) and fresh Dagnje (mussels), which are specialities of the region.
Traditional handicrafts can be bought from a number of souvenir shops near the Arch of the Sergeii, and there is an annual handicrafts festival held in the Portarata square every summer.
Pula Airport is located about just 5 kilometres outside the city. Buses, shuttles and taxis are available at the airport for transportation to Pula and other destinations in the area Car rental companies are represented at the airport.
Pulapromet operates within the city centre and the suburbs. The area is divided in zones controlling the fare. Tickets can be bought directly from the driver and are valid for one hour. If you plan to travel a lot by bus it is cheaper to buy a bus card that you load with money. There are two bus companies that connect Pula to other cities in Croatia and Italy, which operate from the central bus station.
It is always a good idea to check the price of your journey before engaging. One of the biggest taxi companies in Pula is Taxi Pula.
Stamps are available from supermarkets, kiosks and news agents. For overseas mail it is advisable to visit a post office. There are several post offices in Pula, the main post office is located on Danteov Trg 4.
There are a number of pharmacies to be found in and around Pula. The most central one is located at Giardini 14 and is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
Country code: +385 Area code: 052
200 V/ 220 AC/ 50 Hz
Pula Airport is located about just 5 kilometres outside the city. Buses, shuttles and taxis are available at the airport for transportation to Pula and other destinations in the area Car rental companies are represented at the airport.
Pulapromet operates within the city centre and the suburbs. The area is divided in zones controlling the fare. Tickets can be bought directly from the driver and are valid for one hour. If you plan to travel a lot by bus it is cheaper to buy a bus card that you load with money. There are two bus companies that connect Pula to other cities in Croatia and Italy, which operate from the central bus station.
