Pula Cathedral, Pula

Pula Cathedral, Pula

Pula Cathedral is located on the south side of Pula bay at the base of the hill of Pula Castle. This particular site has been used for religious practices since ancient times. The Roman temple of Jupiter Conservator was here and the Roman hot baths. During the reign of Diocletian, Christians used the site for their secret meetings.

The first Christian church appeared in the 4th century. It could would fit into the present Cathedral's nave. The second was the single-nave church of Saint Thomas. Both of these were combined into a Hall church and later changed into a three nave basilica with an apse in the facade. The rear of the church was perfectly flat.

The Cathedral had frescoes and floor mosaics. Only a small section of the floor mosaic is available today. It has the names "Damianus and Lavrentia", who were the couple paid for the inscription on their wedding day.

In 1860 a stone sarcophagus was discovered in the church. Inside was a silver box. Inside the silver box was a golden reliquary holding relics of Saint Thomas the Apostle. Today the relics can be seen at the Art History Museum of Vienna. In 1707 the free standing Baroque bell tower was built next to the baptistry.

In 1712, under the supervision of Bishop Bottari, extensive reconstruction was carried out on the basilica's facade and the bell tower. The cathedral was damaged in World War II but it was repaired by 1947.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Pula. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Pula Cathedral on Map

Sight Name: Pula Cathedral
Sight Location: Pula, Croatia (See walking tours in Pula)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Pula, Croatia

Create Your Own Walk in Pula

Create Your Own Walk in Pula

Creating your own self-guided walk in Pula is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pula's Seaside Walking Tour

Pula's Seaside Walking Tour

If you crave for holidays by the sea, the Croatian coast is a good choice for family vacation, especially so if it includes the town of Pula. This charming port city is rich in tourist attractions, the most famous of which, undoubtedly, are the local beaches and bays.

Indeed, the dreamlike beaches of Pula are widely regarded among the most picturesque in Istria. Incredibly spectacular, these...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Pula Introduction Walking Tour

Pula Introduction Walking Tour

Greek mythology attributed the foundation of the city of Polai, known as Pula today, to the Colchians. In the story of Jason and Medea, it is said that Jason seduced Medea, the Witch of Colchis. He then escaped with her and the Golden Fleece. The unlucky Colchians chased them into the Adriatic. They lost them and being lost themselves, they settled in Polai which they called a "Place of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles