Pula Arena, Pula, Croatia - SpottingHistory.com

The Pula Arena is the only remaining Roman amphitheatre to have four side towers and with all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved. It is among the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the World. A rare example among the 200 surviving Roman amphitheatres, it is also the best preserved ancient monument in Croatia.

The Arena was built between 27 BC and 68 AD, as the city of Pula became a regional centre of Roman rule, called Pietas Julia. The name was derived from the sand that, since antiquity, covered the inner space. It was built outside the town walls along the Via Flavia, the road from Pula to Aquileia and Rome.

The amphitheatre was first built in timber during the reign of Augustus (2–14 AD). It was replaced by a small stone amphitheatre during the reign of emperor Claudius. In 79 AD it was enlarged to accommodate gladiator fights by Vespasian and to be completed in 81 AD under emperor Titus. This was confirmed by the discovery of a Vespasian coin in the malting.

The amphitheatre remained in use until the 5th century, when emperor Honorius prohibited gladiatorial combats. It was not until 681 that combat between convicts, particularly those sentenced to death, and wild animals was forbidden. In the 5th century the amphitheatre began to see its stone plundered by the local populace.

In the Middle Ages the interior of the Arena was used for grazing, occasional tournaments by the Knights of Malta and medieval fairs. In 1583 the Venetian Senate proposed dismantling the arena and rebuilding it within Venice. The proposals were rejected. Today, a headstone celebrating the Venetian senator Gabriele Emo's opposition to the plan is currently visible on the second tower.

In 1709, stone was taken from Pula arena for the belfry foundations at Pula Cathedral. This was the last time the arena was used as a source of stone.

General Auguste de Marmont, as French governor of the Illyrian Provinces, started the restoration of the arena. This was continued in 1816 by the Ticinese architect Pietro Nobile, commissioned by the emperor Francis I of Austria.

In 1932, the arena was adapted for theatre productions, military ceremonies and public meetings. In its present state, seating capacity is around 7000 and 12,500 for all standing events.

The arena is today used as a venue for many concerts.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Shiva Prasad (16 months ago)
A historic place and a must see attraction in the city of Pula. It is not as big as the colloseum in Rome, but a smaller replica. Plan during good weather and also do visit the exhibition near the exit. There are some old items which were used to extract olive oil kept for exhibition and is quite interesting.

James Green (16 months ago)
This 2,000 year old amphitheatre (Colosseum) is a beautiful spot. Smaller version of the big one in Rome but so much more accessible and without the crowds, at least in September. A beautiful spot at sunset. Don't miss checking out the subterranean chamber under the Colosseum floor for the museum like exhibit of how they did things such as open gates and flooded the arena for naval battle re-creations. Amazingly ingenious were the Romans. Really enjoyed this place we went to see it twice. Lots of good food and drink options around here as well

Jordan Quinn (16 months ago)
The Colloseum is amazing. The Pula Arena (or Amphitheater) is without question a must see attraction while visiting the city. Regardless of what brought you to Pula, you need to make time to stroll through the Arena as well as the museum located underneath of it. The Pula Arena gift shop is also a really nice spot to grab some high-end Pula sovereigns compared to others shops in the area (which you will see on your way out of the Arena/Museum). Don't miss it!

Peter JUVAN (17 months ago)
A nice historic place. Not expensive. Parking is close by and quite cheap to other standards. A quick look at the arena will take about 1 hour or so. Plan with a good weather

Dewald du preez (18 months ago)
Great place to visit when your in Pula Croatia. Lots of historical importance to roman and Croatians. One of the 6 biggest in the world. A must see place. Average time spend 1-2 hours. Walk distance from old town and waterfront. Make great photos.

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