The Arena of Pula - the starting and ending point of every sightseeing tour in Pula
The most famous and important monument in Pula, the one you will see first and the one that will wake up your imagination is the amphitheater in Pula, popularly called the Arena of Pula.
The amphitheater is among six largest surviving Roman amphitheaters in the world. It is believed that construction works began already during the period of the Roman emperor Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD). The amphitheater was build in Tuscan style and it is estimated that could have received approx. 23.000 visitors.
Gladiator fights and hunting spectacles were held at the amphitheater. There was no entrance fee, however a strict seating plan, based on social hierarchy had to be respected.
At the beginning of the 5th century and after gladiator combats were prohibited, the amphitheater was left to dilapidation.
Today, the Arena of Pula is used as a venue for many concerts, theater plays and even ice hockey matches. Andrea Boccelli, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Eros Ramazzoti, Elton John, 2Cellos, Sting, Il Divo... are only some of the performers who had privilege to perform there.
Photo by: Pixabay
