When talking about traveling and enjoying a vacation in Europe, many travelers would have England, France or Italy as their countries to visit. Of course, you should indeed visit them. But did you know that there is a nation in Eastern Europe that also promises a wonderful holiday? This place is Croatia, and one of its must-visit cities is Pula, a seafront location that is known for its remarkable natural landscape and Roman ruins. The city was invaded numerous times because of its strategic location, which explains the area’s rich history and historical buildings. There are tons of attractions to be enjoyed here. Read on to learn more about the top things to do in Pula, Croatia.
1. Treat your eyes to the stunning view from Venetian Fortress
Sitting elegantly above a hill, Venetian Fortress is one of the oldest and most beautiful fortresses that can be found in Pula, which is why you need to make your way here. Built by the Venetians—thus the name Venetian Fortress—back in the 1630s, it served as a defensive spot to protect the city, and you can marvel at the French style throughout as it was built by a French military engineer. Pay attention to the stone, which is the same one used to build Roman theaters, and the rectangular shape as well as the four pentagonal towers that were built to enhance the security of the city back then.
Venetian Fortress
Address: Gradinski uspon 10, 52100, Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 8am - 9pm (daily)
Price: 20 HRK (3 USD)
2. Discover the wonders of Temple of Augustus
Pula is also known for its temples, and one of the most popular ones is Temple of Augustus, a Roman temple that was built as a dedication to Emperor Augustus and to honor Roma. Situated in the main city square, the well-preserved structure was used to store grain and as a home to a Christian church. During World War II, the site was attacked and left in ruins before it was reconstructed to the version that we can see today. Admire the classical Corinthian style and the four pillars that stand strong just above the porch.
Temple of Augustus
Address: Forum b.b., 52100, Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 10 HRK (2 USD)
3. Soothe your soul at the serene Church and Monastery of St. Francis
While exploring the best places in Pula and getting lost in all those top-notch attractions, you may want to escape from the vibrant atmosphere of the city and soothe your soul. The good news is there is a place for you to relax and breathe in the tranquility that you need before you go on with your journey to the next destination. Stop by the serene Church and Monastery of St. Francis to pray and enjoy a pleasant stroll while admiring its late Romanesque and Gothic styles. The most prominent features of the church include the rose window, the wooden polyptych at the altar and the double pulpit. Be sure to look for these details.
Church and Monastery of St. Francis
Address: Uspon Svetog Franje Asiškog 9, 52100, Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 9 HRK (2 USD)
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4. Visit the historic Forum Square
Almost every city has its own public squares, including Pula. Here the most popular is Forum Square that is located in the heart of downtown. The historic spot has been used as the main meeting point throughout different time periods. It is also the most favorite place for the local people to organize gatherings, festivals, religious practices and other important events.
Forum Square
Address: Forum 3, 52100, Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Discover the ruins of Small Roman Theater
Go back in time as you walk through Small Roman Theater to discover the ruins of the past. Situated within the walls of Pula, Small Roman Theater dates back as far as the first century AD. Back then it was used as a place to enjoy the orchestra and other performances. Today, it still serves the same purpose. Many of the local people come to this amphitheater to be entertained by recreations, festivals and other events.
Small Roman Theater
Address: Hercuov pro. 1, 52100, Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 50 HRK (8 USD)
6. Step back in time at Gate of Hercules
You do not have to go to Rome to understand the Roman history and get a glimpse of what Roman buildings look like. Just make a stop at Gate of Hercules that will bring you to the period when Calpurnius and Cassius lived and were dispatched to Pula to build a colony. Situated between two medieval towers, Gate of Hercules was built using stone blocks as a dedication to the mythical hero. If you look closely at the arch, you can see a carving of the head of Hercules along with his club.
Gate of Hercules
Address: Giardini 5, 52100, Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
7. Reignite your love for history at Austrohungarian Fortress Punta Christo
Aside from the Romans, the Austro-Hungarian monarchy also used to rule Pula for some time and built Austrohungarian Fortress Punta Christo as part of their efforts to defend the city. The fortress was built above a peninsula, and from there, you can marvel at the spectacular views of Bay of Pula.
Austrohungarian Fortress Punta Christo
Address: 52100, Pula, Croatia
8. Take a tour of Benazic Winery
After a day of adventure in the city, you may want to relax a bit, and a good companion that can help you loosen up is wine. Make your way to Benazic Winery, a place with massive vineyards that produce white pinot, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, among others. Tour the vineyards first before you get to the stylish tasting room, where you can sample the winery’s excellent creations along with accompanying food. In addition, you can also sample olive oil and brandies. Just in case you didn’t know, Croatia is renowned for its wines. Throughout the country, you will be able to see numerous wineries and wine producers.
Benazic Winery
Address: Valdebečki put 36, 52100, Pula, Croatia
Website: Benazic Winery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 8pm (closed on Sat - Sun)
Price: Free
9. Spend some family-bonding time at Aquarium Pula
You may want to escape the ruins and all the historical buildings for some time and meet some friendly creatures that reside in the water. Spend some family-bonding time by making a visit to Aquarium Pula, whose inhabitants come from Croatian lakes and freshwater, among other places.
Aquarium Pula
Address: Verudela bb, Verudela, 52105, Pula, Croatia
Website: Aquarium Pula
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5pm
Price: 100 HRK (15 USD)
10. Offer prayers at Pula Cathedral
Pula Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is situated on the southern side of Bay of Pula and makes a great place for you to soothe your soul and offer prayers. Once inside the church, you can also admire the floor that consists of mosaics from the fifth and sixth centuries and a beautiful altar from the third century.
Pula Cathedral
Address: Trg Svetog Tome 2, 52100, Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
11. Travel back in time at Memo Museum Pula
Reminisce about the good times of the past by visiting Memo Museum Pula that will allow you to travel back in time to between the 1950s and 1980s. Through the exhibitions, you will understand more about the culture and lives of the people of Pula back then. Even more interesting, you are allowed to touch the old drawers, play old computer games and use the telephone, among other activities.
Memo Museum Pula
Address: Scalierova ul. 4, 52100, Pula, Croatia
Website: Memo Museum Pula
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)
12. Honor the dead at Naval Cemetery
During World War I, a lot of people became the victims of the terrifying event, including the people of Pula. Because there were too many victims, they were all buried together. But later, the government deemed the practice not hygienic and decided to buy a piece of land to build a cemetery to honor the dead, especially those who died on the Baron Gautsch steamship. You can pay your respects to these brave people by visiting Naval Cemetery.
Naval Cemetery
Address: Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
13. Walk through Twin Gate
Finally, do not forget to walk through Twin Gate, which is also known as Porta Gemina. Twin Gate was part of the path that led to the ancient theater and also served as an entrance to the city. But now, if you walk through the historic structure, you will end up in a beautiful park that features a lush landscape and tall cedars.
Twin Gate
Address: Carrarina ul. 8, 52100, Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
14. Gaze at the unique architecture of Pula Communal Palace
Pula is full of buildings with unique architecture, and among them is Pula Communal Palace, the city’s town hall. The landmark was built on the remains of a Roman temple, and it serves as the seat of the mayor today. Walk around the communal palace to admire the combination of Gothic and Romanesque features throughout as well as the Renaissance columns and some sculptures.
Pula Communal Palace
Address: Forum Square, Pula, Croatia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
15. Enjoy an electric bike tour (from USD 146.39)
As previously mentioned, Pula is a city with a rich history, and there is no better way to enjoy sightseeing and stopping by highlighted landmarks than riding a high-quality electric bike. You will get to each attraction faster, and you will not feel tired. Arch of the Sergii and Chapel of Santa Maria Formosa are among the top-visited places during the tour that will awaken the history buff in you.
Pula: Electric Bike Sightseeing Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
16. Learn about the history of olive oil and indulge in a guided tasting (from USD 32.53)
You have seen that Pula has many historic buildings, such as churches, temples and fortresses. Now you will know that the city also has a place in which you can gain insights into the making of olive oil, an essential ingredient that plays an important role in many aspects of our lives. You will have the opportunity to visit House of Istrian Olive and learn the history of olive oil and how it goes into production. You will also learn how to differentiate between ordinary olive oil and premium extra virgin olive oil. Your journey here will be completed with a guided tasting of five extra virgin olive oils, with a delectable dessert as accompaniment. If you are interested, you can also purchase some products that have olive oil as one of the components, such as truffles, brandies and cosmetics.
Pula: House of Istrian Olive Oil Museum and Guided Tasting
Duration: 1.0 hour
17. Learn paddleboarding on the sea of Pula during sunset (from USD 54.21)
The sea and the sunset, when the two are combined together, they create the most spectacular view to be witnessed. Now, you have the opportunity not only to marvel at the fascinating sunset at one of the beaches in Pula but also to learn how to paddleboard—one of the many ways to enjoy the beauty of the water. Get some basic paddleboarding skills and challenge yourself to see if you can master the technique of standing up above your board. You will be safe throughout the activity as there will be an expert instructor with you at all times.
Pula: SUP Sunset Tour around Verudela Islands
Duration: 1.5 hour
It is time to create beautiful memories in Pula
After reading through all the attractions that Pula can offer, what do you think about having a vacation in this seafront city? You definitely would not want to miss the opportunity to enjoy a vacation here. Just make sure that many—or all!—of the things listed above are included in your itinerary. Book a flight right away because Pula awaits your embrace!
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