Naval Park, Pula

Naval Park, originally established in 1863, is one of Pula's historic green spaces. Encompassing an area of approximately 12,000 square meters, the park is bordered by today's Arsenalska, Rizzijeva, and Besenghijeva streets. The park's layout is rectangular, with gravel paths that cover more than a third of its total area.

In 1876, a significant monument was erected in the park: a marble column several meters high dedicated to Archduke Maximilian, the commander-in-chief of the Austrian navy and brother of Emperor Franz Joseph II. This led to the park being named Maximilian’s Park. During this period, the park boasted an impressive collection of 63 different plant species from around the world, brought to Pula by naval ships. Some of these exotic plants still survive today.

When Pula fell under Italian rule, the park was renamed Naval Park (Mornarički Park), and in 1919, the statue of Maximilian was relocated to Venice. Under the Italian administration, each plant in the park was labeled with its name in Latin, German, and the vernacular. By 1956, these labels were updated to include Italian and Croatian names. For a time, the park was even known as Botanical Park due to its diverse plant species. Presently, the park is home to around 40 different plant species.

Naval Park features remarkable trees like the coast sequoia, known for its tall, slender trunk and thick, fire-resistant bark. It grows up to 100 meters tall along the Pacific Coast. Another highlight is the stone pine, recognizable by its umbrella-like crown and reddish-brown bark. Its large cones yield edible pine nuts, prized for their culinary versatility.

Naval Park in Pula is not just a historical site but also a botanical treasure trove. With its rich history and diverse plant species, it remains a significant and cherished part of Pula's natural heritage.