Location and Historical Background
Pula sits at the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia, overlooking the calm, sheltered waters of the Adriatic Sea. Surrounded by pine forests, rocky coves, and clear turquoise bays, the city enjoys a strategic maritime position that has attracted settlers for thousands of years. Sunsets here arrive slowly, dramatically, and with an almost theatrical sense of timing.
The city’s roots stretch back over 3,000 years, but Pula’s defining chapter began under Roman rule. According to legend, Pula was founded by followers of Jason and the Argonauts, who allegedly fled here with the Golden Fleece and decided to stay. Whether myth or marketing, the story fits a city that never quite left antiquity behind.
The First Great Blow – The Fall of the Roman Empire (5th Century)
As Roman authority collapsed in the 5th century, Pula suffered economic decline and repeated invasions. Once a prosperous Roman colony, the city lost population and influence. Magnificent structures survived, but the urban fabric weakened as power shifted elsewhere.
The Second Great Blow – Venetian-Austrian Struggles (14th–18th Century)
For centuries, Pula was passed between Venice, the Habsburgs, and other regional powers. Neglect, plague outbreaks, and depopulation followed. By the 17th century, the city was nearly abandoned, its Roman monuments standing over a shrinking and impoverished population.
The Third Great Blow – World War II and Post-War Exodus (1943–1947)
During World War II, Pula was heavily bombed due to its strategic naval importance. After the war, when the city became part of Yugoslavia, a large portion of its Italian-speaking population left in the Istrian exodus. This demographic shift permanently reshaped the city’s identity.
The Golden Age of Pula
Pula’s golden age came during the Roman era, particularly between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. As a major colonial center, the city flourished economically and architecturally. The construction of its amphitheater, temples, and forums reflected both wealth and imperial favor.
Why Pula Is Worth Visiting Today
Today, Pula feels authentic, unfiltered, and refreshingly real. Roman monuments stand not behind fences, but beside cafés, apartment blocks, and markets. The city offers excellent access to beaches, national parks, and diving sites with shipwrecks just offshore.
Pula is also known for its relaxed pace, vibrant summer festivals, and strong food culture rooted in Istrian traditions—truffles, olive oil, seafood, and wine. It attracts travelers who enjoy history without crowds and culture without pretense.
In summary, Pula is a city where the past is not curated—it is simply present. And that makes it unforgettable.
Tourist Information and Must-See Sights
- Average lunch: €12–16
- Average accommodation (mid-range hotel): €90–140 per night
- Beer (0.5 l): €5–6
- Coffee: €2.50–3.50
Most interesting areas: Old Town, Arena district, Verudela Peninsula, Stoja.
Pula Arena
One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world. Unlike many others, it stands fully intact and dominates the city skyline, hosting concerts and events to this day.
Temple of Augustus
Located on the former Roman forum, this elegant temple dates back to the 1st century AD and remains one of the finest Roman monuments outside Italy.
Brijuni National Park
A nearby archipelago once favored by Roman elites and later Yugoslav presidents. Today it offers nature, archaeology, and a peaceful escape just a short boat ride away.
Final Summary
Pula is what happens when a city refuses to clean up its past—and becomes better for it. It wears its Roman bones proudly, lets history breathe, and invites visitors to sit down beside it for a coffee. Not flashy, not loud—just confidently ancient.