Pula Travel Guide
Pula is a lively and densely populated city that faces the amiable Adriatic Sea from the tip of a large peninsula in the south-west of Istria. The truly magnetic surroundings of this part of Croatia are formed by the forested shores of the natural bay that is trimmed with a string of magnificent beaches.
The fastest Pula travel can be made by plane as the region's largest international airport is 6 km away. The train station located north of the city operates a line for passengers from Zagreb, Pazin and Rijeka. Bus and ferry routes are numerous and include ports in Italy and Slovenia. The well-developed highways make it easily accessible by car from Rijeka (102 km), Zagreb (288 km), etc.
The most visited Istrian city is especially remarkable for its cultural splendour. The streets abounding with outstanding specimens of Roman architecture make it a most attractive historic destination.
Pula is a paradise for nature lovers, too. It has a variety of public parks, with some dating from the mid-19th century. The most famous ones are Valeria's Park and the beautifully arranged floral garden next to the Amphitheatre. A leisurely walk among cedars, cypresses, laurels, holm oaks and yews can be enjoyed in Monte Zaro or Franz Joseph I parks. Stretching along the rocky seacoast the Lungo Mare promenade in the Stoja district, is a scenic place for your Pula travel under the fragrant pine trees.
History of Pula
According to the legend describing the pursuit of the Argonauts, Pula was founded by the refugees from Colchis almost 3000 years ago. However, the prehistoric man dwellings found in a nearby cave are assumed to be dated to one million years ago.
Due to its exceptional location for the trade routes Pula developed extensively from the early years of its history when it was populated by the Illyrian tribe of Histri. After the Roman conquest of Istria in 177 BC the town was governed by wealthy Roman emperors who left grand monuments behind. Many of them have glorified the city far beyond Croatia and are huge attractions for your Pula travel.
With the advance of Byzantium Pula changed several rulers (the Ostrogoths, Ravenna, Frankonia), acquired the status of a key port and was feudalized. The Venetian era (1331-1797) was the time of numerous enemy attacks and epidemics which undermined its economy. The former prosperity was re-gained during the Austrian epoch (1813-1918) when the Habsburg Monarchy revived the shipbuilding and maritime industries.
After World War I Pula shared the destiny of Istria and was annexed to Italy, which it belonged to until 1945. After the two years of the United Nations supervision it finally re-joined the rest of Croatia within the Republic of Yugoslavia.
A Pula travel any time of the year is the best way to study the unique magnificence of this ancient metropolis.