The people of Pula are proud of their glorious Roman history and preserved ancient buildings which amaze visitors from all over the world. But perhaps it is most attractive to visit Pula when scenes from its ancient history are played out on the streets which become the stage of a picturesque Roman theatre.
Pula Superiorum – Days of antiquity, is a manifestation which has been held for ten consecutive years, when the 3000 year old town and the Roman amphitheatre Arena ooze with a relaxed ancient atmosphere and staged scenes from everyday life of the Old Romans. The ancient hostelry and crafts such as jewellery making, stone masonry and mosaics can be experienced through history brought to life at the Forum.
During the Days of antiquity, which will this year be held from the 9th to the 11th June, the Arena will once again relive its glory days, when gladiator battles and ancient sports were held inside the stone walls. Beautiful girls wear ancient hairstyles and dresses, and on every corner spectacular sounds and lighting leave the guests breathless, while the Roman feasts and Istrian indigenous specialities, along with top quality wines, will not leave anyone indifferent.
The cultural heritage of the largest city on the Istrian peninsula is of priceless importance and value. The amphitheatre Arena is the most famous monument with which every tour of the city begins and ends. It was built in the 1st century at the time of the Emperor Vespazian, at the same time as the largest and most famous building of that time – the Collosseum – was built in Rome.
It is of an elliptic shape, with a battle ground in the centre, and stone stairs on which the spectators sat or stood in the gallery. The Arena could accommodate 20000 spectators. In the middle ages it was used for knightly tournaments and fairs. In the old city core of Pula, among the monuments of Roman architecture, the ones that stand out are: slavoluk Sergijevaca (the arch of the Sergijevac on Portarata Square) from the 1st century BC, Hercules and the Double gates, the Temple of Augustus and the Small Roman theatre in the city centre. The main town square offers a special experience, as it has served as a gathering place ever since the time of Emperor Augustus.
The Tourist Board of Istria County
www.istra.com
The Tourist Board of Pula
www.istria-pula.com
Pula Superiorum
www.pulasuperiorum.com