The ground plan is elliptical, the longer axis measuring about 130 m and the shorter one about 100 m. Gladiator fights took place in the central flat area called the arena, while the spectators could sit on the stone tiers or stand in the gallery. It is believed that the Amphitheater could seat about 20,000 spectators. Local limestone was used for its construction. In the Middle Ages it was the site of knights tournaments and fairs.
Today it is the venue for summer performances - the Film Festival, Opera Season, Equestrian Festival, concerts, ... which can seat about 5,000 spectators. The underground passages, once used by the gladiators, nowadays host a regular exhibition of viticulture and olive growing in Istria in ancient times. The exhibits include reconstructions of machines once used for the production of olive oil and wine (mills, presses, vessels) and amphorae used for storing and transporting olive oil and wine.
The Amphitheater is situated outside the old city walls because of its size and geographical configuration. The road that leads to the center was constructed during Emperor Vespasian, after whom it was named - Via Flavia. Even today it represents one of the main city roads.
How to get there?
- By car:
- Pula Zagreb 290 km
- Pula-Dubrovnik 700 km
- Pula-Rijeka 100 km
- By plane: www.croatiaairlines.hr
What else to see?
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.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.
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.
