Pula is a coastal city in Istria, on the northern Adriatic shore of Croatia. Its best-known landmark is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world, which rises above the town and still shapes its daily life.
A city built in layers
Pula's history runs for more than 2,000 years without a clear break. The Roman remains are everywhere: temples, arches and mosaics sit among the modern streets, so that walking through the centre often feels like moving through an open-air archaeological museum. Visitors who enjoy seeing how a place has changed over many centuries will find plenty to look at.
The amphitheatre today
The arena is the heart of the visit. It is not only a monument to look at from outside. Concerts and film festivals are still held there, so a trip can be planned around an event, or simply around a walk through the stone seating and the arena floor.
- Explore the Roman monuments scattered across the old town at your own pace.
- Look for mosaics and archaeological remains, which are part of the everyday townscape.
- Check what is staged in the arena during your stay if you want to see it in use.
Food, sea and surroundings
Modern Pula is a relaxed place to eat. Its seafood restaurants are a good reason to linger over a long lunch or dinner by the water. The city also works well as a base for the wider region, with Istrian beaches within easy reach, so a stay can mix ancient streets in the morning with a swim in the afternoon.