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Amphitheatre of Pula

  • Pula, Istria County, Croatia

Last updated: 14 May, 2025

The Roman Amphitheatre of Pula, also known as the Pula Arena, is one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world – and the only one with all four side towers still intact. Built in the 1st century AD, likely under Emperor Vespasian, it was designed to host gladiatorial combat and public spectacles for up to 20,000 spectators. Constructed from local limestone, it symbolised imperial power and civic pride.

Unlike many ancient arenas, Pula’s was never destroyed – it gradually fell out of use, with stones repurposed over the centuries before preservation efforts began. Today, it stands beautifully restored, its grand elliptical form rising dramatically above the Adriatic.

You can walk through the underground chambers once used by gladiators, explore the towers, and even attend open-air concerts or film screenings under the stars.

A visit offers not just a glimpse into antiquity, but a living connection to its enduring cultural legacy.

Don't miss

Don’t miss the subterranean chambers where gladiators once prepared, now housing a small archaeological exhibition. Walk the perimeter for panoramic views through towering arches. Time your visit with a modern concert or festival – Roman drama meets contemporary flair. It’s not just an ancient monument; it’s a space that still breathes performance.

Logistics

Price from: £12
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The amphitheatre is located in the heart of Pula, easily accessible by foot from anywhere in the city. If arriving by car or bus from nearby Istrian towns like Rovinj or Poreč, public parking is available nearby. Pula’s airport also offers direct access. Once there, the site is self-guided, but hiring a local guide or joining a walking tour from the tourist office enriches the experience.

The arena is open year-round and includes a small museum beneath the arena floor. Bring sun protection, water, and your camera. Evening events are common, so check the cultural calendar for something special.

When to do it

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal times to visit the amphitheatre – mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful Adriatic light make the experience more enjoyable. The arena is especially atmospheric in the early morning, when golden light filters through the arches and silence envelops the space. It’s a moment to imagine the roar of a crowd or the tension before a gladiator’s entrance.

Evening visits are equally memorable, particularly if there’s a concert, film screening, or summer performance taking place. Avoid peak midday hours in high summer, when the stone radiates heat and crowds can overwhelm the drama of the space.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Day-trippers you are going to love this one. This is Pula's greatest history asset, and it will blow your mind. The grandiose Amphitheater, one of the largest in the world, was built during the 1st AD under the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at around the same time as the Colosseum in Rome. The ground plan is elliptical, the longer axis measuring about 130 m and the shorter one about 100 m. This huge and magnificent structure is assembled solely from local limestone and is known as the Pula Arena. Although it underwent a great deal of restoration work, the site can still seat 5,000 people and is used in summer as a venue for festivals and performances. But that's not all. Get to the underground passages, once used by gladiators, and visit a permanent exhibition of amphorae and equipment used in the production of olive oil in ancient time.

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