• located 2 kilometres from Smrikve
• founded by Caesar’s father in law, it was one of the richest towns in the Roman Empire and began to develop as an urban town during the reign of Emperor Augustus
• it is the home town of one of the most magnificent Roman buildings in the World – the Arena of Pula
• it was also the most important naval port of the Austro-Hungarian Empire
• the most beautiful architectural buildings were laid during the Roman period, the Austro-Hungarian period - Art Nouveau style
• its beauty also impressed famous artists like: Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo Buonarroti (or Sangallo) and Andrea Palladio
• not to be missed: the Arena, Twin gates, Hercules’ gate, Triumphal Arch of the Sergi, the Roman house floor mosaic “The Punishment of Dirce”, the Temple of Augustus, the Town Hall, the Chapel of St. Maria Formosa, the Franciscan Church and Monastery, the Cathedral of St. Thomas, Art Nouveau market, Marine Casino, Archaeological Museum, Hotel Riviera and the Naval Church
• events not to be missed: summer Histria Festival, Pula’s Film Festival and International Accordion Festival
• Istria from Smrikve aims to promote Istrian cultural heritage... Slow Travel, Slow Food and Sustainable Living... and in this section dedicated to Pula-Pola’s heritage you may note the permament virtual “Slow Travel Exhibition” of selected families and events worth visiting... you will find recommended accommodations, restaurants, wine and olive oil to taste, event to attend... :)

During its long history Pula had two major periods of glory: the Roman period and the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy period. If you come to Smrikve you should take time, at least couple of hours, to visit the places that recall these two periods of Pula’s Renaissance.

Pula is the largest town centre of the Istrian peninsula and is located in a well indented, protected and deep bay, which has given Pula the important role of being a good port providing secure anchorage. Pula’s harbour was considered one of the most secure natural ports in the World.

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PULA – VIRTUAL TOUR

The visit of Pula should start from its most representative monument, the Roman Arena, that is also the symbol of Pula. The Arena is located at the very entrance of the town and you can park the car right below the Arena in the parking area named “Karolina”.

The Arena’s construction began in the period of Emperor Augustus (from 2 BC until 14 AD). It was expanded by Emperor Claudious during the mid of the 1st century (from 41 till 56 AD) and was completed in the eighties of the 1st century AD (from 79 till 81 AD) by Emperor Vespasianus.