Holidays to Pula

And then there is the legacy of the Romans. As a mark of just how important the city was to the Romans (who called it Pola), they built their sixth largest amphitheatre here with a capacity of 22,000 way beyond the city’s population at that time. Someone showing off perhaps? It was constructed between 27BC and AD68 under the reign of a number of different emperors.

The Arch of the Sergians or Golden Gate was built in 30BC, a massive pale gold arch which looks in incredibly good condition. The inner façade shows reliefs of winged victories. Just inside the arch is a statue of James Joyce, the Irish writer who taught English here in 1904-1905. Once inside, the pedestrianised street leads to the heart of Pula, the Forum and the Temple of Augustus. Enjoy coffee on one of the café terraces on Forum Square, look down and consider that many archaeologists have stated that there are certainly millions of Roman artifacts under this very ground, if only it could all be dug up.

We feature the boutique style Hotel Amfiteatar just a few steps away from the amphitheatre and with just 18 rooms, early booking is essential. Our other hotels Park Plaza Histria and Park Plaza Arena are situated on the green Verudela peninsula just 15 mins away by bus.

Pula is a great choice for a few days or longer and a boat trip from nearby Fazana to Brijuni islands, one of Croatia’s National Parks – is a must do.

Did you know?

• There are many events held in the wondrous amphitheatre each year. Past concerts have featured Elton John, Luciano Pavarotti, Leonard Cohen, Tom Jones (who, in 2012 said he loved the venue and that he would be back – he was a few years later), Joe Cocker and more
• A great way to get your bearings in Pula is to take the open-air bus tour. Double decker open top like a London bus and it’s hop-on, hop-off. Starts from near the amphitheatre
• For lovers of twin centre holidays, a regular catamaran service connects Pula with the Dalmatian town of Zadar stopping at Mali Losinj Island in the Kvarner region on the way.
• Pula with Venice? There is a catamaran service several times a week from April to October
• For a step back in time experience, take the train from Pula directly north through the middle of the Istria region. Stations are more or less peoples’s back gardens sometimes and this is the line that was built to bring workers from the countryside into Pula to work in the Uljanik shipyard. We suggest going as far north as possible (Lupoglav), have a walk and lunch then return the other way. Train journey approximately 1 hour 30 (one way fare under £5)
• Pula’s market was built in 1903 as a covered market and such a structure built in iron and glass was revolutionary at the time. Fish and meat still inside while fruit and vegetables are outside in the shade of a magnificent row of chestnut trees – locals swear they keep away flies.
• Olive oil from the Vodnjan area, 7 miles and under 15 minutes away from Pula wins top awards worldwide as “the best”. There are tours and proper authentic tastings. We like Chiavalon, owned by two brothers who started picking olives as teenagers in the family’s olive groves – now among the best in the world. (Bookable at hotels Park Plaza Histria and Park Plaza Arena)