"P U L A" a Pula Travel Page by canaglic

Pula is the largest town in Istria. It developed on the location of an ancient Illyrian settlement and a Roman colony. One can sail up the town through the picturesque Pula bay, which was known as a safe shelter for ships since ancient days, and dock in a marina in the very town centre. The huge amphitheatre from the 1st/2nd century, which seated 20,000 people, is still well-preserved today. Also well-preserved are the Sergius Family Triumphal Arch and the Temple of Augustus from the 1st century. A walk through the centre of Pula is a walk through history. Near Pula, off the coast of the small town called Fazana, is Brijuni National Park. Already in classical antiquity the picturesque Brijuni Islands attracted people seeking natural beauty and tranquility, and the ruins of Roman villas speak of that attraction. In the vicinity of Pula one should mention Medulin, with its beautiful beaches.

AMPHITHEATRE or Arena, as commonly called by the people of Pula. It is situated near the center of the town but outside the Roman walls. Today amphitheatar is being visited by numerous tourists from all over the world. It is the place where opera, concerts and pop-concerts of the world's most famous pop-singers, as well as the traditional film festival are held during the summer time.

One of the most beautiful National Parks renowned for natural beauties. BRIJUNI, a group of islands and a national park (since 1983) in front of the western coast of Istria; separated from the mainland by the Fazana Strait; located 6 km from Pula; area 36 sq km. Brijuni Islands comprise the following islands: Veli Brijun (Big Brijun, 5.6 sq km), Mali Brijun (Small Brijun, 1.1 sq km) and Vanga (0.18 sq km), as well as several islets (Sveti Marko, Gaz, Obiljak, Supin, Galija, Gruni, Pusti, Vrsar, Jerolim, Kotez) and reefs Kabula, Crnika and Stine. The coasts of the islands are well indented; the total length of the indented coast is 37.8 km. The surface of the islands is fairly levelled (an extension of the South Istrian plateau), covered with a thick layer of red soil which holds water. Due to its favourable geographical location and low terrain, Brijuni Islands are known for their mild climate; winters are mild with an average temperature of 5.8 °C, summers being relatively warm with an average temperature of 22.8 °C. The average temperature in spring is - 12.5 °C, in autumn 14.8 °C. Relative humidity is fairly high. The vegetation of the islands is extremely rich - Mediterranean: holm oak, laurel, pine, olive, rosemary and underbrush. Brijuni Islands are of great maritime importance.