Ruling Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, Pula is definitely the biggest “city” to grace the north as it glistens beside the Adriatic Sea. The city was developed during Augustan times, and a breathtaking amphitheater (the most complete Roman Colosseum in the world), temples, and a collection of different arches have survived for more than 2,000 years.
It is home to some of the best preserved Roman ruins outside of Italy, as it was once an important provincial center during the later period of the Roman empire. As such, the cuisine in Istria (Northern Croatia) is inspired by Italy. Aside from the obvious Croatian spices, there is a lot of pizza, pasta and everything in between. Even the languages cross in this part of Croatia! Despite the Italian influence, there is A LOT of seafood. What would Croatia be without it? Istria is also known for its white truffles – it’s on everything, so get used to it.
Coming from Opatija, I arrived in Pula using local transit. The bus ride was 2 hours and 5 min, and I left at 7:50 am. As always, I like to get a head start to the day while travelling — Carpe Diem, alllll the way!!! I stayed one night, as I had already visited Pula in 2013. I stayed at the Homestay Goga which was a lovely villa. It was owned by a woman who had many cats. It was a really nice place, but pretty difficult to get to from the bus station (apart from the bus station it was only a 10 minute walk to the Pula Arena). I paid $49 CAD/night.
Seeing as I had already been to Pula 5 years ago, I already knew what to expect. Seeing everything the first time was a lot more fascinating as I had never seen it before, and the Colosseum was so grand. The second time wasn’t as special, but Pula was nonetheless just as lively as ever. Similar to the other cities along the coast, Pula offers an abundance of restaurants/cafes/bars, enabling you to people watch from all over – my favourite! Apparently the scuba and snorkeling here is also amazing, but sadly I didn’t get to check it out!
During my 1 night stay in Pula, I visited the following sites:
The Pula Arena: It is the sixth largest Roman amphitheater and one of the best preserved (4 side towers, with all three orders entirely preserved). You are able to walk arund the interior but also tour the subterranean hall below where the gladiators and animals were held.
Triumphal Arch of Sergius: Marks the edge of the original Roman town.
Temple of Augustus/Forum: Dedicated to the first emperor of Rome. The original was hit in WWII and rebuilt.
Floor Mosaic: The punishment of Dirce: Dates back to the third century and was discovered during the cleanup process after WWII.
Gate of Hercules: Hercules was said to be the guardian of ancient Pula. Located between two medieval towers, there is an inscription that indicates that it could have belong to two Roman officials (Julius Caesar’s father-in-law, as being one). Today, it is used as the entrance to the Italian community in Pula.
Food:
TiVoli, Vodnjanka-Trattoria, Restaurant Oasi, Farabuto, Pompei (for lunch)
