Pula Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Pula

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 Refuge."

The Romans came to visit in 177 BC. During the civil war of 42 BC between the alliance of Brutus and Cassius vs the alliance of Antony, Octavian and Lepidus, Pula had to pick a side. Pula chose Brutus and Cassius. Bad idea. Brutus and Cassius lost. Octavian demolished Pula.

Oadacer, the Ostrogoths, the Byzantines, the Franks, and the Venetians took turns conquering Pula. Genoa and Venice struggled for control of the city until 1331. Venice prevailed. They would rule in Pula until 1797. With the collapse of the Venetian Republic, Pula became a part of Austria-Hungary until the end of World War I.

Today, Pula is a part of the Republic of Croatia. The city is bilingual, the citizens speak both Italian and Croatian. It nestles beneath seven hills on the Istrian Peninsula in the Adriatic Sea.

Its ambience is more urban and international. Its architecture is a mix of Roman, Venetian, Hungarian and Socialist Post-Modern.

The most well-known attraction is the Roman colosseum. Well-preserved, it dates back to the 1st century AD. The Arch of Triumph from the 1st century Ad, once part of the city walls, now stands alone. The Roman forum still has the remains of five ancient temples.

There are 26 Austro-Hungarian forts and batteries. They house Pula's Aquarium. Fort Punta Christo and Fort Verudela are venues for music festivals. Churches include the Byzantine Chapel Of Santa Maria, the Benedictine Abbey, the Pula Cathedral and St. Mark's Basilica.

The clear blue waters of the Adriatic and the surrounding countryside of Pula have made the city an attractive summer destination. The coastal waters offer beaches, fishing and sailing to unspoiled mysterious islands. Dinosaur footprints have been found on some of the beaches.

Visit Pula. Walk in the footsteps of Romans, Gladiators, Venetians and Dinosaurs.