Pula Arena (Pula Amphitheatre)

Explore the remains of the Pula Arena independently or on a tour that delves deeper into the history of the landmark. Walk across the vast stage, where gladiator fights and knights’ tournaments once took place; climb into galleries where Roman spectators sat; and peek into underground passageways that were once used by the gladiators and are now home to an exhibition on viticulture and olive oil production.

The amphitheatre is still in use as a venue; it hosts outdoor performances such as operas, films, equestrian festivals, and concerts during the summer months. Most impressive is the Spectacula Antiqua, a dramatic Roman gladiator-inspired show.

• Pula Arena (Pula Amphitheatre) is a must-visit attraction for history buffs.

• There’s an admission fee to visit the arena; tickets for shows and concerts must be booked in advance.

• Wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking over uneven ground and up steps.

• Audio guides are available in multiple languages including English.

• Some parts of the archaeological site are wheelchair-accessible, but steps and uneven ground mean that it’s not possible to fully explore the amphitheater.

Pula Arena is located just outside of Pula’s old city walls along Via Flavia. It’s easy to reach the arena on foot; it’s a 10-minute walk from central attractions such as the Venetian Fortress. Alternatively, hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses stop right outside.

Pula Arena is open daily year-round, from 9am-5pm in the winter months, and 8am-8pm or 11pm in the summer months. Concerts and shows are held on select evenings from mid-June to early September.

As a strategic port town along the Istrian Peninsula, Pula was occupied by the Romans, Venetians, and Austro-Hungarian empire; vestiges of its rich history are scattered throughout the city. After visiting the Pula Arena, don’t miss the Roman-era Arch of the Sergii, which dates back to 30 BC; the Gate of Hercules; and the 2000-year-old Temple of Augustus, which stands on Forum Square. There’s also the Kastel, a Venetian Fortress from the 17th century; an Austro-Hungarian-era fort by the harbor; and the city’s Archaeological Museum, home to artifacts dating back to the Stone Age.

Pula Arena is an ancient Roman amphitheater famous for being one of the best–preserved ancient landmarks in Croatia. When viewed from the air, the arena dominates the skyline of Pula. It is considered one of the largest Roman arenas still standing.

Yes, visitors can pay to enter the Pula Arena and walk around the amphitheater’s interior. The arena does not provide guided tours, but private walking tours of the area often include a stop. To learn more about the arena, read the information in the exhibits or purchase an audio guide.

The Pula Arena hosts many events, including concerts, opera, and ballet. Each summer, the arena hosts the Pula Film Festiva and the Spectacvla Antiqva event, which recreates gladiatorial fights. In its current state, the arena has a capacity of 5,000.

Yes, visitors may take photos and videos while inside the Pula Arena. Commercial photography and recordings are prohibited without advanced permission. Many people find that they can still take good–quality photos of the arena from the outside without paying to go inside.

Much of the Pula Arena is not accessible to people in wheelchairs, with barrier-free access limited to the museum area underground. Visitors with disabilities can obtain discounted tickets and receive one free companion ticket. Many staircases outside the arena lead up the hill behind it, presenting further mobility challenges.

Yes, there are restrooms at the Pula Arena for visitors to use. There is no café or restaurant on-site, but you will find various cafés in the streets surrounding the arena and a selection of fast-food shops along the streets leading to the historical center of Pula.