Pula Things to Do

One (good) idea to promote some monuments is their use in cultural or ludic events.

The magnificence of the ambiance enhances the quality of the show, if well integrated in it.

However, all events have their backdoor stage, and the mix of modern stuff with history, when seen out of the desired context, is sometimes unwelcome.

I wished I had attended the concert prepared in Pula. But I didn’t like its preparation.

The present Orthodox Church of St. Nicolas, formerly the church of the Native of the Virgin Mary, originated in 6th century on the remains of a Roman building (oribably a temple).
During Venetian rule the church was in 1538 given over to the Greek orthodox population that had moved to Pula from Cyprus and Nauplion.

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The three wings of the monastery and the church enclose a square cloister, which was built at the same time as the church, but it was altered in 15th century. The columns of the cloister are of early Renaissance characteristics. A Romanesque chapel of St. John is in the middle of the east wing. For a time it was a private chapel of the famous patrician Castropola family. A collection of medieval stones, property of the Archaeological Museum of Istria, is on exibition in the cloister.

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The monastery and church of St. Francis are located on the slope of the hill between the Forum and Kaštel. The Franciscan came to Pula as early as 13th century, and their large monastery church was completed in 1314. It is a monumental single-nave preaching church built of very finely dressed square stone. In the rear it has three square apse with Gothic triumphal arches. The front of the church is distingiushed with a Gothic rose and a monumantal portal richly decorated with twisted columns and relief tendrils that climb from styled amphorae at the foot.

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The Pula Arena is the name of the amphitheatre located in Pula, Croatia. The Arena is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers and with all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved. It was constructed in 27 BC - 68 AD and is among the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the World. A rare example among the 200 Roman surviving amphitheatres of unique technological solutions. It is also the best preserved ancient monument in Croatia.

The exterior wall is constructed in limestone. The part facing the sea consists of three stories, while the other part has only two stories since the amphitheatre was built on a slope. The maximum height of the exterior wall is 29.40 m (96.5 ft). The first two floors have each 72 arches, while the top floor consists of 64 rectangular openings.
The axes of the elliptical amphitheatre are 132.45 and 105.10 m (434.5 and 344.8 ft) long, and the walls stand 32.45 m (106.5 ft) high. It could accommodate 23,000 spectators in the cavea, which had forty steps divided into two meniani. The seats rest directly on the sloping ground; The field for the games, the proper arena, measured 67.95 by 41.65 m (222.9 by 136.6 ft). The field was separated from the public by iron gates.
The arena had a total of 15 gates. A series of underground passageways were built underneath the arena along the main axis from which animals, ludi scenes and fighters could be released; stores and shops were located under the raked seating. The amphitheatre was part of the circuit of the gladiators.
Each of the four towers had two cisterns filled with perfumed water that fed a fountain or could be sprinkled on the spectators. The amphitheatre could be covered with velarii (large sails), protecting the spectators from sun or rain (as attested by rare construction elements).
This amphitheatre, through its remarkable conservation, has served as an excellent example for the study of ancient building techniques.

In a park near amphitheater and by the sea, there's sculpture that calls for attention of passer-by: on its top, a partisan stands with raised fist, on the ground level, there are men facing death in thier last seconds of life, their bodies broken and naked, their faces scream in agony. This sculpture was built in Yugoslavija times to commemorate the antifascist victims and partisan struggle in WWII.

Indeed, a bold gesture and while some find it disputing, the artwork is admirable.

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At historic edge of Pula, by the triumphal arch of Sergi and next to ruins of a city wall there's impressive leafy area of Giardini, whose trees grows into monumental heights and cast thick shade. Relaxing under their canopies will be true treat for your senses especially on a hot summer day or evening.
It makes for an atmospheric place - with tables lined on the pavement under canopies, people indulging in vivid talks, busy side streets with fast food outlets, banks, bus stop, small shops and agencies outlets... many services used by local and foreign men within area that connects Ancient to (post)Modern periods of time.
The size of trees suggest long life of a park - and it was in 19th century that first plants were grown here. Laters it become platform for public events and gatherings, therefore living its life fullest. It remains till today one of the most appreciated sections of the city - and it's a pleasure to have an early morning coffee there.

There's also small antique market in a side street near main open doors 'tržnica': more like flea market where some barganing comes useful if you're buying something. It's only kept before noon on Saturdays and light stroll will reveal plenty of stuff considered 'antique'. Well, some things are just old, others are kind of recent. Bank notes, records, coins, second hand souvenirs, old postcards, posters, dolls, books, dishes and lamps, handicarfts, some knifes and arms, military jackets and helmets... hectic collection of stuff from who knows where.
Sold by some unique faces of Pula, an image of some certainly draws attention to their corner and helps them sell their stuff... well, among all that competition it's important to be noticed, one or the other way.