A day trip to Pula
May 13th, 2008 | Category:Croatia travel and places to visit
Situated at the heart of Istria like a sparkling blue turquoise gem is the city of Pula. Pula is the perfect location for a one day trip from Krk Island as it offers an exquisite view of nature, a superb climate, and the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean. There are many cultural activities to engage in when visiting Pula, and you’ll find that the city is a hub of tourist activity.
Pula is a Croatian and Italian city. It was once part of Italy and the city is bilingual. It is the fifth largest city in Croatia and the residents are mostly Croatian with Italians, Serbs, Bosnians, Slovenians, and other minority groups comprising the remaining population.
Steeped in history, scholars believe that Pula was first inhabited in the 10th Century B.C. The Romans dominated it, and when visiting you’ll discover a number of ancient Roman ruins to explore. The world famous Roman Amphitheatre is located in Pula and is referred to by the locals as the Arena. It was built in the middle of the first century and could accomodate 25,000 spectators. Today, the Arena is still the setting for many activities including film festivals during the mild summer months. Other important Roman sites in Pula include the Triumphal Arch, the Temple of Rome and Augustus, and the Arch of the Sergii, otherwise referred to as the Golden Gate.
In addition to the Roman ruins, there are many other beautiful architectural structures to see on your trip. The Archaeological Museum of Istria is located in Pula and has a number of prehistoric items in addition to the many Roman artifacts. Two churches in particular are especially noteworthy. These are the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Franciscan Church and Monastery. The Cathedral of the Assumption was established on the ruins of a Roman temple and the Franciscan Church and Monastery is a prime example of Gothic architecture.
Tourists are attracted to the beauty and splendour of Pula and it is a popular beach holiday spot. The Adriatic Sea hosts many fishing expeditions, sailing outings, and cliff diving activities. Many people also find that underwater diving is a wonderfully enjoyable activity in Pula and there are many underwater Roman historical wreck sites that make an excellent adventure. Some of the most popular beaches in Pula are Verudela, Valkana, Banjole, Kolumbarica, and Debeljak.
When visiting Pula, you’ll find that the city boasts some of the most famous gourmet cuisine worldwide. Notabable restaurants to visit in Pula include the Milan and the Vela Nera. You will definitely want to visit these restaurants for a relaxing and delicious meal whilst on your one-day trip.
If you are planning on staying into the night, you’ll also enjoy the fantastic night clubs located in Pula. The most notable nightclub is the Aruba that features a disco and an outside bar. In addition to the Aruba, there is another outstanding nightclub, located by the water called Club Uljanik. lub Uljanik is a hotspot for featuring musical bands and entertainment.
You may also find that you would like to explore the Brijuni Islands, a national park directly off of the coast of Pula. This group of 14 islands has a rich flora and fauna and is also known on preserved dinosaurs’ footprints, zoo park and archeological and photo exhibition.
