A Captivating City
The captivating city of Pula is the largest city in Istria, and was once a significant Roman port, surrounded by a wall and ten gates, four of which remain today. The imposing Roman amphitheatre, built between 27 BC and 68 AD, is now home to a museum and makes a thrilling venue for concerts, festivals and film screenings.
Other Roman sites include the grand Triumphal Arch of the Sergi dating from 29 BC, and the impressive Temple of Rome and Augustus, built in the 1st century, which houses a museum. You can also see the charming yet fragile Chapel of St Mary dating from the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. The quaint neighbouring towns of Vodnjan, Fazana and Medulin have their own historical buildings including attractive medieval churches.
Culture
Pula has a wealth of intriguing museums showcasing both art and history. The Museum of Contemporary Art of Istria is worth a visit for its great exhibition of art from 1950 to present day by local and international artists, set in a backdrop of an old printing house. The Archaeological Museum of Istria is also interesting, with ancient stone monuments, prehistoric remains, and late Roman and medieval exhibits.
