The main attraction in Pula is of course the Roman amphitheater, As you can see right from the parking lot, this is one of the most in-tact Roman amphitheaters in the world.
Roman amphitheaters were built with four towers around them that would contain perfumed water that was used to provide flowing water to the fountains throughout the amphitheater. The arena in Pula is the only amphitheater in the world that still has all 4 tours in-tact.
This is the 6th largest amphitheater in the world. It is also surprising quiet.
So quiet that even finding parking is no hassle at all.
This amphitheater was originally built from wood but was replaced with the stone structure you see today around 81AD.
The amphitheater was used to hold events where convicts would fight each other or animals. In the year 681 the emperor banded these events and the amphitheater was no longer used and fell into disrepair.
In fact, stones where removed from the amphitheater and used to build other buildings in the city of Pula.
The exterior wall is limestone with 72 of these arches.
At its peak, it would hold up to 25,000 spectators.
More recently, the amphitheater is home to concerts and in 2012 even a hockey game (I assume Canada won).
This must have been the VIP seating.
Some of the more famous people to play concerts at this amphitheater include: Alanis Morissette, Sinead O’Connor, Elton John, Sting, Michael Bolton, Seal, Tom Jones and Leonard Cohen.
Under the amphitheatre are a number of tunnels that would be used to travel throughout the area. I’m told that since our visit these tunnels have been restored and you can now explore many of them.
Of course there is more to Pula than just the amphitheater.
There are a number of old churches. The earliest mention of the town of Pula dates back to 1000BC. Pula is even mentioned in Greek mythology.
There is also a small Roman theater in Pula. It was also built sometime around 1000AD and it is estimated that it would hold about 5,000 spectators, which is also the estimated population of Pula when it was built.
These gates were the original entrance to the small theater.
Church and Monastery of St. Francis Pula Croatia.
Even the drive to and from Pula is pretty spectacular. B-ri takes a moment to contemplate, where to next?
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