Veruda is a very beautiful area of Pula. It is rich in tourist attractions, but it is most popular for its white-sand beaches and bays. After you've enjoyed lounging at the beach, be sure to visit the Naval Park, the Naval Cemetery and the Church of Our Lady of the Sea. Take this tour to explore Pula's fascinating Veruda District.
1) Fort Casoni Vecchi
Fort Casoni Vecchi, also called Fort Monteparadiso, is located on Belvedere Hill. It was constructed in 1853 to protect the city from potential assaults from the sea. During WWII, Fort Casoni Vecchi suffered several attacks and after was largely neglected. Today it is a popular tourist site.
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2) Veruda Market
Veruda Market is an indoor market built in 1903 by Lodovico Rizzi and Lodovico Münz. A sculpture of a woman shopping has stood inside the marketplace since 1900. Here you can buy a great variety of food and drinks. The market is best known for its fresh fish, as Pula is located on the sea. The market also has cafes and restaurants, so you can take a break from shopping.
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3) Mate Parlov Sport Center
The Mate Parlov Sport Center was built in 1978 and later reconstructed in 2003. It has a stadium for handball and basketball, bowling lanes and other sporting venues. After a strenuous workout, you can enjoy the center's bar and sauna. The center is also used for fairs, tournaments and other activities.
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4) Naval Park
The Naval Park was established in 1863 and is the oldest park in Pula. The total area of the park is approximately 12,000 square meters. A statue of Archduke Maximilianis stood in the park from 1876 until 1919, when it was moved to Venice. The Naval Park has a variety of exotic and rare species of plants and trees, including sequoia and pine.
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5) Church of Our Lady of the Sea
The Church of Our Lady of the Sea, also called the Naval Church, was built in the nineteenth century. The architecture of the building is a combination of Neo-Byzantine and Neo-Romantic styles. The church was built using white Istrian stones. Both the exterior and the interior of the Church of Our Lady of the Sea are rich in decorations. It is one of the top attractions in Pula. Next to the church there is a 28-meter-high bell tower.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Orlovic
6) Naval Cemetery
The Naval Cemetery was established in 1862 and today covers 22,000 square meters. The cemetery was renovated in 1990. It contains the graves of many famous soldiers and national heroes. The Naval Cemetery is under the protection of the Hague Convention. There are approximately 150,000 graves at the site. It is a peaceful and beautiful place, and locals and visitors often like to stroll through the cemetery.
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7) Valkane Beach
Valkane Beach has some rocky parts and some areas of white sand. The beach has been awarded a Blue Flag, meaning it meets strict environmental standards. There are special places at the beach for people with disabilities. There is also a special area for children and people who don't swim. There are many bars and restaurants along the beach to enjoy.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Francesco Rachello
8) Bay of Gortan
The Bay of Gortan is very popular with both tourists and locals. The sea is very clean here, and the view is quite picturesque. The sand on the beach is white, and the bay is surrounded by trees, which provide shade during the day.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and !Lauriin