Roman Amphitheater (Pula Arena), Pula (must see)

Among the surviving Roman amphitheaters, the Pula Arena is considered one of the best preserved and remains in regular use today. It is the only surviving amphitheater whose four side towers are still largely intact. Constructed in stages between 27 BC and AD 68, it is one of Croatia’s best-preserved ancient monuments.

The exterior walls are built of limestone. Because the arena stands on sloping ground at the foot of a hill, its seaward-facing side has three storeys, while the opposite side has only two. The structure reaches a maximum height of approximately 96 feet. Its two lower levels contain 72 arches, while the uppermost level has 64 rectangular openings.

The amphitheater could accommodate as many as 23,000 seated spectators. The arena itself had 15 entrances, while underground corridors allowed animals, gladiators, stage scenery, and equipment for the games to be brought into the performance area. The seating rose in tiers, and spaces beneath the stands were used for shops and storage rooms. Pula formed part of the wider network of cities that hosted gladiatorial contests.

Each of the four towers contained a water reservoir. Water could be perfumed and released through fountains to refresh the spectators. Large sail-like awnings, known as velaria, protected the audience from the sun and rain. A system of channels beneath the arena carried away rainwater and waste.

The amphitheater originally stood outside the city walls. Emperors Augustus, Claudius, Vespasian, and Titus each contributed to its enlargement and development. It was completed around AD 81 during the reign of Titus. The amphitheater remained in use until the 5th century, when Emperor Honorius prohibited gladiatorial combat. Today, the Pula Arena hosts concerts, operas, ballets, sporting events, and screenings during the Pula Film Festival.