Arena Pula
Roman amphitheatre from the 1st century in Pula with an exceptionally well-preserved outer wall and a permanent exhibition on ancient oil and wine production underground.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The amphitheatre was built in the 1st century, when Pula was the Roman colony Colonia Pietas Iulia Pola. Construction began under Emperor Augustus and was financed by the imperial treasury. The elliptical building measures 132.5 × 106 m and could hold more than 20,000 spectators. It is the only Roman amphitheatre with four rectangular towers built into its outer wall, and this wall is preserved exceptionally well. The name “arena” derives from the Latin word harena, meaning the sand that covered the fighting surface.
Gladiator contests and animal hunts were held in the amphitheatre. The games were banned at the beginning of the 5th century, after which much of the stone was removed. Archaeological excavations began in the mid-18th century, and conservation work continues today.
The underground rooms house the permanent exhibition of the Arheološki muzej Istre (Archaeological Museum of Istria) on viticulture and olive growing in ancient Istria.
Highlights
- Almost completely preserved outer wall with four rectangular towers
- Elliptical shape measuring 132.5 × 106 m
- Permanent exhibition underground on viticulture and olive growing in ancient Istria
- Reconstructed Roman presses for oil and wine, and amphorae
Permanent exhibition
- Vinogradarstvo i maslinarstvo Istre u antici – The permanent exhibition in the underground rooms of the amphitheatre shows olive oil and wine production in Roman Istria. Reconstructed Roman processing equipment and amphorae used to transport goods across the northern Adriatic are on display.
- Operated by
- Arheološki muzej Istre
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
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| Reduced | €5pupils and students |
| Students & apprentices | €5pupils and students |
Tickets are sold at the box office and through the online shop.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The amphitheatre is partly accessible to people with disabilities. Questions about accessibility should be directed to the Arheološki muzej Istre.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Tickets can be bought at the box office or through the online shop of the Arheološki muzej Istre. |
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