Pula Amphitheatre

by Natasa Lujic
(Dubrovnik)

The most famous and important monument, the starting and ending point of every sightseeing tour is the Amphitheatre, popularly called the Arena of Pula, which was once the site of gladiator fights.

It was built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, at the same time as the magnificent Colosseum in Rome. Triumphal Arch of the Sergi – Golden Gate The ‘Golden Gate’ was erected between the years 29 and 27 BC by the Sergi family, in honor of three members of the family who held important positions in Pula at that time.

This triumphal arch leaned against the city gate Porta Aurea thus called because of its richly ornamented arch or gilded elements. The gate and wall were pulled down in the beginning of the 19th century as a result of the city expansion outside the city walls. The Temple, situated in the Forum, is dedicated to goddess Roma and Emperor Augustus.

It was constructed between the year 2 BC and AD 14 when the Emperor died. Twin Gates and City Walls In ancient and medieval times the whole city was surrounded by walls and was entered through about ten gates.

The walls had become old and unnecessary so they were pulled down at the beginning of the 19th century. Parts of the walls between the Twin Gates and the Giardini square have been preserved until today. Small Roman Theater On the north-eastern slopes of the central hill of the city, below the Castle are the remains of a Roman theatre: in addition to the Amphitheatre, Pula had two other theatres during the Roman period.

For more info, contact Natasa Lujic via this site