Making the Most of One Day in Pula, Croatia

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Beaches may be in the forefront of travellers’ minds when they think of Croatia, but the country’s historical side is equally as impressive. Nowhere is that more clear than in the ancient city of Pula on the Istrian peninsula. A relatively popular destination for those visiting Croatia, Pula is another Croatian city with a well-preserved Roman history that you can still see today. While you could happily spend longer there, one day in Pula is all you need to uncover this side of Croatia’s past.

What’s nice about sightseeing in Pula is that it perfectly compliments other destinations along Croatia’s coast. Getting between the city and nearby destinations like Rijeka, Rovinj and Opatija is nice and easy, whether as a day trip or an overnight stop. But you also won’t see anywhere else like it in this part of Croatia, making visiting Pula quite a special experience. So let’s dive into why you should make a trip to Pula, shall we?

Pula Arena

There’s really no way you can talk about things to do in Pula and not start with this star attraction. Dwarfing everything around it, the Pula Arena is truly the most iconic sight of the city. While it may look like a smaller cousin of Rome’s Colosseum, this amphitheatre was actually built at roughly the same time. Slightly removed from the Old Town, it’s hard to miss the arena as you come into Pula. Being several storeys high and 130 metres across will do that though.

Built under Emperor Vespasian, the arena could hold up to 20,000 spectators for its gladiatorial fights. Jump forward 1000 years and it was being used for jousting tournaments and fairs. The city actually stills uses it as a venue which really is a testament to Roman craftsmanship. It’s possible to visit inside to see the arena up close and the museum exhibits that are held down in its passages. But honestly, the view from outside is pretty remarkable and best of all free.

Arch of the Sergii

Coming from the downtown area of Pula into the Old Town it’s hard to miss the Arch of the Sergii. Sitting proudly at the end of the Old Town’s busiest pedestrian street, the arch make quite the impression. Also known as the “Golden Gate”, it once stood right by the city walls and Porta Aurea gate.

Even though Pula’s city walls were mostly removed, you can still see small hints of them by the arch. Dating back to 27 BC, it was built by and for the Sergii family somewhat boastfully if you ask me. The arch is a nice indicator that your not quite done with Roman remains here in Pula.

Old Town

Once you’re through the Arch of the Sergii you find yourself squarely in Pula Old Town. Here you find narrow pedestrian streets leading you through the circular city centre. Interestingly, the streets coming off the main street Sergijevaca, tend to involve climbing old stairways as you go up the city’s central hill. But it’s really not too much effort to full cover all of Old Town in your one day in Pula.

In the Old Town, the more modern buildings in this part remind me a little of houses along the Italian coast. The resemblance is clearer though when you get to all the Venetian architecture that is scattered about. The perfect example is the elegant Communal Palace, now seat of the local Mayor, but once home to a ruling Duke.

Sitting on the (uncharacteristic for Pula) open Forum Square the palace has the air of an obviously important landmark. You’ll want to look more around this main square as well as it really is one of the most striking spots in Pula.

Before I forget, there are some Pula attractions that you won’t find much on here in this article. The Roman Theater and the Archaeological Museum of Istria were both wrapped up in restoration work when I visited unfortunately. They were both seemingly off-limits so I did not properly see them but I’m sure things have changed since. There’s also the Church and Monastery of St. Francis up on the far side of the Old Town that I only really ducked my head into.

Temple of Augustus

Even though there’s quite a bit to see on the Forum Square, your eyes are bound to lock on to the Temple of Augustus. Unmistakably a Roman building, this temple has a story stretching back to 14 AD. Changing with the times it went from a temple to Emperor Augustus, to a church and lastly a museum. Sadly, it was annihilated during WWII, so what you see now is a faithful reconstruction. For 10kn you can head inside the temple and explore a small museum of ancient artifacts.

Roman Mosaics

The last of the Roman remains in Pula is also the city’s hardest to find. I’d noticed signs on Sergijevaca street to a Roman mosaic, but for the life of me couldn’t work out where they were. It was until I went to Googlemaps that it was behind a bunch of residential buildings. After walking down to the park and through the nearby parking it became obvious where these mosaics had been hidden.

Known as the “Punishment of Dirce” this ancient Roman mosaic floor dates back to around the 3rd century. That the mosaics were only uncovered after the houses above were bombed during WWII says a lot about how much Roman history Pula may have beneath its streets.

Pula Cathedral

One last Old Town attraction we need to cover is the city’s most noteworthy church, Pula Cathedral. An incredibly old landmark, it’s said to predate the Roman Empire adopting Christianity. Outside the church stands a rather obstructive belfry that is apparently partly made from stones taken from the Pula Arena.

Because of damage sustained over the many, many years no two parts of the Cathedral are from the same period. And yet somehow, the Pula Cathedral looks quite put together despite the patchwork restoration it has received.

Pula Castle

The city of Pula is settled around a modest hill in the middle, topped by an old Venetian Fortress. Known as Pula Castle, this star-shaped castle isn’t actually too obvious when you’re down in town. It’s only when you walk up to the top of the hill that its form suddenly hits you.

Doing a lap outside the walls you enjoy some nice views of both the castle fortifications but also the city below. Inside the walls lies the Historical Museum of Istria as well as a small tower that offers full panoramic views of the city and beyond.

Have More than One Day in Pula?

If Pula seems like your kind of place you may decide that you want to spend more than one day there. That won’t be a problem as there are plenty of ways for you to fill that time. You could decide to explore Pula really in-depth, taking your time with each of the city’s museums. One place I didn’t visit, although I hear they’re quite nice, was the Brijuni Islands off the coast. But for more concrete ideas, here are two I had the opportunity to do.

Vodnjan

One option for a nice day trip from Pula is to venture north to the town of Vodnjan. I took a bus out there on a whim and really liked it, even though I only spent a few hours there. It didn’t seem possible but Vodnjan was even quieter than Pula, so it felt like I had the place to myself.

Walking down the main street you’ll see plenty of traditional houses but the Main Square takes it to the next level. It’s here that among several other grand buildings sits the beautiful and bright red Town Hall. With its Venetian design and colourful flair you’d think it belonged somewhere much less hidden away. Beyond several churches, such as the Church of St. Blaze, and unexpected murals here and there, that’s about it for Vodnjan.

Verudela

The other way to go with extra time in Pula is to wander south to the peninsula of Verudela. If you’re after beaches or holidays resorts in Pula then this is the place. The very end of the peninsula is a collection of hotels, bars, restaurants and aquarium that are surely packed come summer. But it’s also home to several beaches along its wandering coastline.

While it was unclear to me whether this was free public access usually, I was allowed to explore the area without issue. I am more confident though that the beaches closer to Pula like Valsaline Beach and Ambrela Beach. For advice on Pula beaches, this seems like a good resource.

Visiting Pula

Hopefully you now have a better sense of what to do on a trip to Pula, regardless of how long you spend there. I will say that while it was nice to walk through Pula without crowds in March, it did strip the city of any atmosphere. Visiting Pula in summer would surely be a different story.

As one of Croatia’s largest holiday destinations, you really shouldn’t encounter problems with your visit. Pula is home to lots and lots of hotels, guesthouses and apartments. I personally found Top Center Rooms to be good value while I was there and it was nice to be right in the Old Town there. With getting about, you’re also spoiled for choice.

Buses connect Pula with Rijeka and other parts of Istria, but for more freedom you may want to consider renting a car in Croatia. But if you’re coming from even farther away, it’s useful to know that Pula has its own international airport. Flights from all over Europe come into Pula, so check Skyscanner to see which flights work best for you.

Would you be tempted to spend a day in Pula next time you’re in Croatia? What other sights in Pula do you recommend to people? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.