Anyone who has ever spent time in Croatia will know that it’s a country steeped in culture and filled with amazing ancient architecture. Around the country you will find many examples of Roman buildings however, if you head to Pula, then you’ll find one of the most spectacular.
Pula is located in the county of Istria and is home to one of the most complete Roman amphitheaters – which just goes to show you don’t have to travel to Rome to see some amazing Roman architecture! The amphitheater is definitely one of the highlights of the city and even features on the Croatian 10 kuna banknote. The great thing about the structure is that it is still used even to this day. Pula is known for holding concerts, plays and other performances within its ancient walls, and it’s certainly an atmospheric setting.
I would recommend visiting the amphitheater both during the day and at night. During the day you can sit on the steps and simply take in the immense size of the structure. You can also visit an exhibition about the history of the amphitheater. However, during the evening you’ll get a completely different impression. Set against the black backdrop with the arches lit up in different colored lights, it’s a truly striking sight.
Although the amphitheater is one of the main draws for Pula there are a whole host of other things to see and do in the city. Zerostrasse is a network of underground tunnels which were originally used to protect naval port by Austro-Hungarian Empire. Heading down into the darkness is quite an eerie experience but a worthwhile one nonetheless. Inside you’ll find old photos of Pula and its people.
If you don’t mind taking a day trip away from the city, then a visit to Brijuni Islands is definitely a must. Brijuni Islands were the home of President Tito between 1945 and 1980 and were once home to a varied and sizeable collection of wild animals. These included tigers, giraffes and monkeys which were all given to him by foreign visitors. Most of the animals have long since gone however you’ll still find a few zebras and an elephant! Boat trips to the islands have to be booked through the official booking office as only designated boats are allowed to land there. The tour includes an exhibition about President Tito’s life as well as his collection of stuffed animals, a train ride around the island and a walking tour.
There’s so much to see in the centre of Pula that you can easily spend a few days just exploring the city. Its costal position means it’s great for seafood and boat trips however there are also art galleries and plentiful examples of Roman architecture to discover.
Bio: Emma is a 23 year old travel blogger who loves to write and take photographs. She hopes to inspire people to get away and see the world and she shares her own experiences and travel tips on her website Inspiring Travel. You can also follow her on Twitter @Emma_090391.
