Pula: What to See 

Roman Ruins

Amphitheatre

This massive structure (called the Arena by the locals) was started during the reign of Emperor Augustus (31BC-14AD), enlarged under Emperor Claudius 541-56AD) and finally completed under the Flavius rule (69-96AD). It's the sixth largest amphitheatre in the world with space for 22,000 spectators. For visitors it's more than just an empty space. Climb up to the top to get a sense of the vastness of the structure; explore the subterranean caverns which were used to keep wild animals and the Christians they were about to tear apart. The amphitheatre is also an outdoor concert hall with a full program of music, theatre and entertainment during the summer.

Temple of Augustus

Dedicated to Augustus, the first Roman emperor, this temple is exquisitely harmonious. With the spread of Christianity, the temple became a church and then a granary! Now it hosts a collection of Roman sculpture. Notice the 2nd-century torso of a Roman emperor.

Triumphal Arch of the Sergi

Sometimes called the "Golden Gate", it was erected in the last two decades of the 1st-century BC by a distraught mother. Salvia Postuma Sergi used her own money to build this arch in honour of the three male members of her family who had fought and died at the battle of Actium.

Hercules' Gate

Dating from the mid first century, it's the town's oldest gate. Named after Hercules, the town patron, it's decorated with a relief showing Hercules' head and club.

Churches

Cathedral of the Assumption

Erected on the foundations of a Roman temple, its oldest remains date from the 4th century. It began as a small single-nave church. In the 5th century it was divided into a three-nave basilica which was reconstructed several times.

Franciscan Church and Monastery

Dating from the latter half of the 13th century this is a Gothic masterpiece.  It's shaped as a simple single-nave basilica with a three-apse space.

Museums

Archaeological Museum of Istria

This is a haphazardly displayed collection of prehistoric objects, Roman monuments and objects collected through the Middle Ages.

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