Pula

Best things to do in Pula

Grad Pula's Unmissable Treasures

Pula’s urban landscape is defined by its Roman heritage, centered around the 1st-century Arena and the Temple of Augustus on the Forum. Beyond its ancient roots, the city showcases a complex military history through its 17th-century Venetian fortress and a network of Austro-Hungarian coastal batteries like Fort Marie Louise. This collection spans from the 3rd-century "Punishment of Dirce" mosaic to the 18th-century bell tower of the Cathedral, offering a dense concentration of archaeological sites and maritime museums within this historic Istrian port.

Grad Pula's Unmissable Treasures — Map

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

A

Arena Pula

One of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, built between 27 BC and 68 AD. It originally hosted gladiatorial contests and now serves as a major venue for the Pula Film Festival and international concerts.

Unknown / Public domain

B

Roman Twin gates

The Dvojna vrata is a Roman city gate located in Pula, Croatia. It was built during the late 2nd century.

Grifter72 / Public domain

C

Arch of the Sergi

Arch of the Sergii is an Ancient Roman triumphal arch located in Pula, Croatia.

Thomas Pusch / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Temple of Augustus

The Temple of Augustus is a well-preserved Roman temple in the city of Pula, Croatia.

Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Mletačka utvrda

A 17th-century star-shaped fortress built by the Venetians to defend the port. It stands on the city's highest hill and currently houses the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria.

Wojgniew / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Roman mosaic, around 3. century A.D

A well-preserved 3rd-century floor mosaic depicting the "Punishment of Dirce." It was uncovered in the remains of a Roman house following 1944 bombings near the Chapel of St. Maria Formosa.

rene boulay / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Archaeological Museum of Istria

Founded in 1902, this museum displays artifacts ranging from prehistoric stone tools to Roman sculptures and medieval church furnishings gathered from across the Istrian peninsula.

H

Brioni

A pebble beach located in the Verudela area, known for its clear waters and views towards the Brijuni National Park islands.

I

Batterie Zonchi

Ruins of an Austro-Hungarian coastal artillery battery. It formed part of the extensive 19th-century fortification system designed to protect the primary naval port of the monarchy.

J

Utrdba Marija Luisa - Muzil / Utvrda Marie Louise

A large Austro-Hungarian circular fort located on the Muzil peninsula. Completed in the mid-19th century, it served as a key defensive point for Pula's military harbor.

Orlovic / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Gate of Hercules

Pula's oldest Roman monument, dating to the mid-1st century BC. The simple arch features a weathered relief of Hercules' head and his club on the keystone.

Viktor Sáhó / CC BY-SA 4.0

L

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Pula Cathedral or fully the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a co-cathedral in Pula, Croatia.

M

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Bell Tower

A free-standing Baroque tower completed in 1707. It was constructed using stone blocks salvaged from the nearby Roman amphitheater.

Hannibal / CC-BY-SA

N

Tito's Park

A landscaped waterfront park featuring a scale bronze model of Pula’s historic center and several monuments dedicated to the city's anti-fascist history.

Orlovic / CC-BY-SA-3.0

O

Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria

Located inside the Venetian Kaštel, this museum explores Istria’s maritime traditions, naval history, and military architecture through a collection of over 40,000 artifacts.

Other Lists

Roman Ruins and History Historic Fortifications Coastal Gems: Beaches, Cliffs & Marinas