The amphitheater
by cohdane
There is one and only one reason to make a special trip to Pula, and that is the magnificent Roman amphitheater. It is in such a great state of repair that it is still used for concerts during the summer. Our 5-year-old son had a blast being a gladiator in the arena. The basement under the arena, where the animals were kept, is now a somewhat underwhelming little museum of olive oil presses (I'm not kidding); however it is pretty impressive traversing that long tunnel and imagining what it would have been like back in the day.
There are numerous other historical sites in Pula, the most impressive including the temple of Augustus
Hercules's gate
by JLBG
Herkulova vrata (Hercules's gate) was built in the first century AD. It bears the name of Hercules's gate following the carved head it has on top (not seen clearly on the picture) and that is considered to represent Hercules.
Porta Gemina
by codrutz
The Double Gate is the only double arched gate from twelve gates that use to provide entrance to the old roman city.
It was built in the 3rd century in place of an older gate. It provided entrance to the theatre.
One should stay and admire this gate for longer time, not just pass under it. It's a real beauty and I liked it very much. Think about the times when the city walls and the city itself were intact.
The Forum
by Ekaterinburg
The Forum is really special and I liked it so much I even sat down at one of the strictly-for-tourists restaurants and had lunch. This must be the first time I've ever eaten in a major square but the urge to sit and feast my eyes on this stunning architecture was just too strong. The square is surrounded by arcades and has an air of gracious elegance about it. If you sit at one of the restaurants at the Via Sergia end , then you are gazing right at the small but perfect Temple of Augustus and the Communal Palace which must be the Town Hall as it had all the flags flying outside.
This building (Town Hall )that you see in the photo is the most fascinating architectural mish-mash I've come across in a while. When you go round the back you discover that one wall is actually part of a second temple that stood on that spot. From the 10th to the 16th centuries bits were added on and now there are Romanesque arches, Gothic and Renaissance columns plus Baroque windows. I don't like the final result and I think it looks a little odd next to the temple but that did not spoil my pleasure in the overall impact of the Forum.
The main tourist office is on this square and supplied maps and an invaluable little booklet on what to see and do in Istria. A sign of how much I liked this square is that I didn't photograph my food and have forgotten the name of the restaurant. So no restaurant tip unfortunately. What I can say is that the service was indifferent but the half-price Pizza offer and a couple of beers was definitely the cheapest meal we had in Istria. This was a pleasant surprise because I was fully expecting ot pay dearly for my view.
The cloister of the Franciscan church
by JLBG
If I do not mistake, this is the cloister of the latter, the Franciscan church. It is amazing to see the contrast between this very peaceful cloister and the road, busy with tourists trying to park and going to visit the arena.
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Twin Gate.
Street of the Beram village
Palzzo Bettica
Autohighway toward the tunnel
