Once the main Imperial and Royal Navy port of the Habsburg Monarchy, Pula Croatia has since redefined itself — a place where mythology meets music, and stone meets soul.
But Pula’s story began far earlier… perhaps even with a legend.
🏹 Polai – The City of Fugitives
“What would you do, faced with the man destined to end your life?”
– King Pelias asked young Jason, the rightful heir of Thessaly.
“I would order him to bring me the Golden Fleece guarded by the dragon who never sleeps,” Jason replied.
And so begins the epic of Jason and the Argonauts. According to the myth, their desperate return journey brought them from Colchis to the Istrian coast. There, unable to face their homeland again after tragedy struck, the Colchians settled. They founded Polai — “the city of fugitives.” That city is now known as Pula.
🏛️ Pula Croatia History: 3,000 Years in Stone
Pula’s history stretches back more than 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on the Adriatic coast. The area was first settled by the Histri, an Illyrian tribe known for their maritime skills and strong fortifications. Around 177 BC, the Romans conquered Pula and transformed it into a major urban center called Pietas Julia. This is when many of its iconic monuments — including the famous Roman amphitheater — were constructed.
Throughout the centuries, Pula became a coveted prize due to its strategic position at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula. It passed through the hands of the Byzantines, Venetians, Austrians, and Italians, and even played a key naval role as the main base of the Austro-Hungarian Imperial Navy in the 19th century. The city endured multiple destructions from wars and plagues but was always rebuilt, preserving layers of its storied past in stone.
Today, Pula stands as a living archive of Western civilization — from ancient temples and medieval fortresses to Habsburg naval relics and Yugoslav-era buildings. Every era has left its mark, making Pula not just a city, but a chronicle carved into the coast.
More down on blog at Things to Do Pula
🎭 Let’s Go Culture!
Today, Pula has turned its back on its military past. Instead of warships, you’ll find festivals, art, and music echoing through ancient walls.
The Roman amphitheater, the sixth largest in the world, is now a dazzling concert venue where stars like Massive Attack and Grace Jones have performed.
The 19th-century network of 20 fortresses now hosts renowned festivals like Dimensions, Outlook, and Seasplash — transforming battlements into beats.
Every stone here tells a story. Every building is a chapter in the evolution of Western civilization.
🍽️ Taste the Story of Pula Croatia
Pula isn’t just built from history — it tastes like it too.
Indulge in Istrian cuisine, from truffle pasta to grilled Adriatic fish. Locally made olive oil has won international awards, and Malvazija wine flows freely in cozy taverns.
Here, a meal is more than food — it’s heritage on a plate.
💫 My Personal Note
No matter how many times I’ve wandered these streets, my first thought is always the same:
“I’m lost.”
And I love it.
There’s a kind of charm in Pula’s maze of old streets. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, it surprises you. You’ll turn left and find a hidden courtyard. Right, and suddenly you’re standing before a Roman ruin. It’s not disorientation — it’s discovery. When I want to disconnect from everything, this is where I go.
To get lost in time — in Pula Croatia.
👉Your Next Step
Discover the best experiences, festivals, sights, and hidden gems waiting for you in Istria’s ancient gem.
🔗 Things to Do in Pula
👣 With love from your CTC Team
cometocroatia #cometocroatiaholiday
