Pula Favorites

Favorite thing: The fight were characterized by immense cruelty and generally in the death of the defeted. Many animals, especially African lions, ended here in a most cruel way.
Gladiator fights continued in the Western Roman Empire until the beginning of 5th century when emperor Honorius forbade them in 404.

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Favorite thing: Under the arena itself were underground halls housing the machinery for lifting gladiators, space for the beasts and many other devices that were used for the specific events that took place there. A part of the halls is well preserved housing today a little museum.

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Favorite thing: The most imposing and the largest preserved Roman building in Pula is the amphiteatre, colloquially referred to as Arena. With its architecture dominating the area of the gulf of Pula it has been for centuries the emblem of the city. In the whole territory of the Roman Empire the amphiteatre of Pula is a rare example that a hill slope was made use of in building.
According to the state of preservation, and according to size and architectural importance, it stands side by side with the Colloseum in Rome and the amphiteatres in Verona, Pompei, Nimes and Arles.
Its larges axis is almost 133 meters, while the shorter one is 105 meters.

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Favorite thing: The building achieved its final form and appearance somewhat before the year 80, in the time of emperor Titus Flavius Vespasianus. The amphitheatre of Pula was completed at the same time as the famous Colloseum in Rome.
The monumental stone mantle of the amphiteatre and the basic substructures, which anebled levelling of the terrain on the west side, have been preserved, while the substructures of the western part of the auditorium are preserved at the level of archaeological presentation.

Favorite thing: The outside bells of the Franciscan church are viewed here from ulica Castropola. On the left, the quietness of the church. On the right, busy cranes are working in the harbor. This is the kind of contrast that you will often encounter in Pula.

Favorite thing: 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.

Favorite thing: Another unidentified church, close to the arena.

Thanks to Boris that identified it for me as The Franciscan church. The church and the large monastery were completed in 1314. The belfry is situated on the top of the presbytery.

Favorite thing: Once home, I was again unable to identify this picture and again, I have to thank Boris that identified it for me and gave me the following comment.
The belfry, right next to the Kastel, belongs to the Franciscan church. It is the highest in town.