Pula is city in Istria with population of approximately 60,000 inhabitants. It is situated in the southwestern area of the Istria peninsula, developed at the foot of seven hills, in a well protected bay.

Based economic development of Pula town began in shipbuilding but today tourism is most important activity and indirectly or directly dependent of a large part of other activities. Benefits for the development of tourism are primarily in the geographical position of the city, the mild Mediterranean climate, preserved natural environment, clean sea, good traffic connections and a rich cultural and monumental heritage.

The tourist offer is diverse and offers many opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.
In the area of Pula, mostly along the coast and in the city center, is situated a large number of hotels and tourist settlements, camps, resorts and a few marinas.  At a few kilometers away from the Pula town is one of the most famous national parks in Croatia, The Brijuni Islands, and in the vicinity of the city, numerous villages and small picturesque towns.

The beginning of Pula is as ancient foundation of the Roman colony and during the 3rd century was one of the largest settlements in the area. Officially name of the town was Colonia Iulia Pola Pietas, and had all the functions and structures typical of the Roman settlement.
During the 7th century the town and area was populate by Croats. In the 14th century town came under the rule of Venetians which did not shown interest in the economic development of the town, but only as a transit point on their way from Venice along the eastern coast. However, since the period of the Renaissance in the Europe, Pula became known because of ancient monuments in town, and many artists and architects of that period stayed in Pula drawing and describing the Roman buildings which were model of architecture from the Renaissance to Classicism.
After the fall of Venice town came under the Austrian crown and with the years became the main base of Austrian Navy and began the modern development of town. From 1876 Pula was connected with the railway with Vienna which opens tourism in the area. All members of the imperial family were visiting Pula.

During the 20th century Pula changed few governments, and finally after the Second World War was attach to Croatia and developed into the largest Istria town.

What to see in Pula

Amphitheater
It is one of the best preserved amphitheatres from antiquity, sixth largest in the world and locally known as the Arena. Amphitheater was built in the 1st century, by using of local limestone, and was built at the same time as the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. Once it was the site of gladiator fights and the other plays, which were the most important social events in antique time. Amphitheater could accommodate up to 25,000 spectators.
Today, Amphitheater it is the venue for summer performances: operas, concerts and festivals which can seat about 5,000 spectators. The underground passages of Arena, once used by the gladiators, today host regular exhibitions.
Due to specific construction, on the Pula amphitheater can be learned the traditional ways and methods of construction in ancient times, which makes Pula amphitheater unique and essentially different from the other in the world.

Arch of the Sergii
It is an Ancient Roman triumphal arch also called Golden Gate. The arch was built between the years 29 and 27 BC in honor of three members of the Sergii family a powerful family in Pula during the Roman time.

Forum
The main square or the Forum was built in the 1st century. During the Roman period it was the center of city life, as its religious, administrative, and commercial center. On the Forum stood two twin temples and a central one dedicated to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. Today only the Temple of Augustus has been fully preserved while of the second temple is visible only the back wall, built into the Communal Palace during the 13th century. Today the Forum is still the administrative center of the town were during the summer time it is the place for numerous cultural events.

Temple of Augustus
It is situated on the Forum, and is dedicated to goddess Roma and Emperor Augustus. The Temple was constructed between the year 2 BC and AD 14 when the Emperor died.

Communal Palace
It is situated on the Forum square and is a seat of town major. The Communal Palace was built during the 13th century, constructed in Gothic style with the material of the old Roman temples and other building on the site. Today, the whole northern part of the Temple is clearly visible at the back side of the Communal Palace. Since the construction, the Communal Palace has seen numerous reconstructions. At the end of 15th century the building was reconstructed in Renaissance style and during 17th century, the building was again reconstructed, in Baroque style.

The Twin Gates
During the ancient and medieval times the whole town was surrounded by walls and was entered through about ten gates. Later walls were unnecessary and were pulled down at the beginning of the 19th century.  The gates are probably built during the 2nd century replacing an earlier gate; nearby are a few remains of the old city wall.

Gate of Hercules
Build during the first century, with the head of Hercules on the top of the damaged arch where is also inscription, which contains the names of two Roman officials who had the duty to found a Roman colony, today Pula. By that inscription is conclusion that the between 47 and 44 BC Pula was founded as a settlement with urban features.

Chapel of St. Mary Formosa
The Byzantine chapel built in the 6th century. The floors and the walls are decorated with 6th-century mosaics some of which are now in the Archaeological Museum of Istria. The Chapel was part of a large Benedictine abbey demolished in the 16th century.

The church of St. Francis
It was built by the end of the 13th century in late Romanesque style with Gothic additions. The monastery dates from the 14th century and the cloisters display some antique Roman artifacts.

Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Cathedral of Pula was built in the 6th century and enlarged in the 10th century but due to a fire in 1242 it was reconstructed on several occasions. The Cathedral still retains several Romanesque and Byzantine characters, such as some parts of the walls, dating from the 4th century. Inside on the some parts are fragments of 5th century floor mosaics.

Roman Theater
It was probably built in 1st century on the eastern slope of the hill below the old Castrum. Theater was much bigger than today visible because archaeological researches are not completed. Theater is situated on the east slopes, which has good conditions to maintain performance. Using the slopes of the hill for the audience was not characteristic of the Roman but of Greek theater. Roman Theater could accommodate up to 5000 spectators.

Venetian fortress
The fortification was designed and constructed for the Venetian republic, by the French military engineer Antoine De Ville from 1631 - 1633. The star-shaped fortress with four bastions is situated on top of the central hill of the old city. It was built, over the remains of the Roman military settlement. Since 1961 it houses the Historical Museum of Istria.

Historical Museum of Istria
Museum is situated in Venetian fortress and keeps part of the national and international heritage from the Middle Ages until the recent history. Most important is the collection of old maps, postcards, and the collection of arms, uniforms, military and maritime equipment.

Archaeological Museum of Istria
Museum was opened in 1949; it displays treasures from Pula and surroundings from prehistory until the Middle Ages.

The church of St. Anton
The monastery and church of St. Anton is situated in the center of town; it was built in 1931. The bell tower of the church with height of 45 m is the highest building in Pula.

Pula Fortifications
It presented a series of twenty fortresses around the town, built for the needs of the Austrian army in the 19th century, when the Pula was the main naval port of the Habsburg monarchy. This is a unique system of defense build from the first half of 19th century, and developed through the next hundred years. Each fortress was situated on excellent position with splendid view.
Just to mention a few well preserved and most important fortifications in the area: Fort San Giorgio, Fort Monvidal, Fort San Michele, Fort Casoni Vecchi, Fort Verudella and Fort Bourguignon.