Welcome to Istria

Dear Visitor, welcome to Istria where the adventure started three thousand years ago …

Istra

Istria is a peninsula located in southeastern Europe, renowned for its rich history, stunning nature, and Mediterranean culture. Istria is famous for its picturesque towns such as Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč, where numerous ancient and medieval monuments are preserved. It is also known for its beautiful beaches, clear sea, and rich gastronomy, especially for olive oil, wine, and truffles. The Istrian landscape is characterized by green hills, olive groves, vineyards, and charming villages, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful retreat amidst the Mediterranean way of life.

Pula

Pula is a city located on the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula in Croatia. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, especially its impressive Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world. In addition to the amphitheater, Pula offers beautiful beaches, picturesque streets, and numerous other historical landmarks such as the Temple of Augustus and the Twin Gates. The city is also renowned for its vibrant gastronomy, featuring a rich variety of seafood and traditional Istrian dishes. Pula is a popular tourist destination throughout the year, attracting visitors with its combination of historical heritage, natural beauty, and Mediterranean charm.

You are warmly welcome to be treasured by the exciting culture, fascinating people, superb cuisine, discreet service, sumptuous landscapes, and much more that Istria has to offer..With love, from Istria!

What to See & Do in Pula: www.visitpula.hr

Sights

Arena Pula

Pula Arena is the most famous and most important monument in Pula. It is considered to be a city simbol as well as the starting and ending point of every sightseeing tour. It was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time as the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. It was used as a gathering place for the crowds and the place where gladiator fights took place. Nowdays it hosts exhibitions, concerts, famous Pula Film Festival and a manifestation Spectacvla Antiqva.

Lighting Giants

Lighting giants are Pula’s latest attraction, a stunning lighting display at the city’s Uljanik shipyard, one of the world’s oldest working shipyards. Renowned lighting designer Dean Skira has lit up the shipyard’s iconic cranes in 16,000 different colour schemes, which come alive four times every evening on the hour.

National Park Brijuni

The Brijuni island group lies off the southwest coast of Istria in the vicinity of Pula. As the only National Park in Istria, Brijuni with its 14 islands covering an area of 736 square hectares presents a unique play of nature that brings together remarkable animal species and rare and rich flora all at one place. It ranks as one of the loveliest archipelagos in the Mediterranean. Brijuni are established as a National Park since 1983.

Cape Kamenjak

For seclusion, head out to the wild Rt Kamenjak on the Premantura Peninsula, 10km south of Pula. Istria’s southernmost point, this gorgeous, entirely uninhabited cape has lovely rolling hills, wild flowers (including 30 species of orchid), low Mediterranean shrubs, fruit trees and medicinal herbs, and around 30km of virgin beaches and coves.

Triumphal Arch of the Sergi – Golden Gate

The Arch of the Sergii in Pula captivates with its beauty and grandeur. Built around 30 BCE, this arch stands as a symbol of the power and grandeur of ancient Pula. Its rich architecture and intricately crafted reliefs mesmerize every visitor, reminding us of the glorious past of this place. Today, the Arch of the Sergii is not only a cultural treasure but also an essential destination for history and beauty enthusiasts alike.

Castle

The Castle in Pula is a medieval fortress located in the heart of the city of Pula, near the harbor. It was built in the 17th century as a defensive complex against maritime attacks. Throughout history, it served as a military facility, a prison, and even residential space. Today, the Castle in Pula is a popular tourist attraction offering visitors insights into the rich history of the area, as well as stunning views of the sea and the city surroundings.

The Forum

The Forum in Pula was the central square and the political, administrative, and cultural hub of the ancient city. Located in the heart of the city, it served as a gathering place for citizens, trade activities, political discussions, and religious ceremonies. Around the Forum, there were important public buildings such as temples, basilicas, markets, and city halls. Today, the remains of the Forum in Pula provide valuable insights into the rich history and culture of the area and are a popular tourist attraction.

Aquarium Pula

Aquarium Pula, is an attraction located near the coast in Pula. Inside, visitors can find a wealth of marine species inhabiting the Adriatic Sea, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other marine organisms. The Pula Aquarium offers informative exhibitions and educational programs, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the local marine world and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems. Visiting the Pula Aquarium is a great way to explore the underwater world of the Adriatic Sea, especially for families with children and nature enthusiasts.

Events

Pula Film Festival

Pula Film Festival is the oldest festival of this kind in Croatia. It is an international festival that displays domestic and international movies in several locations in the old city center. Two most interesting are the Pula Arena and the Kastel.

Croatia Bike Week

This meeting of international character gathers visitors from all over Europe and further. It is intended for motorcycle fans, but also for everyone else who enjoy good, quality entertainment. Camping and entrance is free of charge for each person who comes on a motorcycle.

Spectacvla Antiqva – gladiator fights in the Arena

Over the past years, the unique gladiator fights spectacle has attracted thousands of visitors to the Arena of Pula. From June to September, the event known as Spectacvla Antiqva, which takes place in the Roman amphitheatre, recreates gladiator fights. These gladiator fights are just as attractive and interesting as in Roman times, but luckily, they do not end in death as the ancient ones.
TZ Pula

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