Amphitheatre

Amphitheatre (Arena)

The best known and most valuable monument of Pula is certainly the magnificent Arena which hosted  gladiator fights in ancient times. It was built during Emperor Vespasian in the first century, at the same time as the Colosseum in Rome. The Arena has an elliptical shape and was made of the local limestone, while its middle is an empty space, former battleground, which could seat about 20.000 spectators. In the Middle Ages, it hosted knight tournaments and fairs, while today it is used for a variety of summer events. During the summer, “Spectacvla Antiqva”, an entertainment spectacle, is held there every week  showing gladiatorial fights. There is also an underground chamber where today you can see the exhibition called “Viticulture and olive growing” of Istria in the ancient times. Due to its size, the Arena is located outside the city walls, while the road Via Flavia leads to the city, which was also founded during the reign of Emperor Vespasian.

Category: Other attractions, Must visit, Museum-art-palace,