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View of the exterior of the Pula Arena during sunset. Photo by Diego Delso on

Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Amphitheatre de Pula

Amphitheatre de Pula which is widely known as the Pula Arena is a Roman Amphitheatre that is located in Pula Croatia. This is the only remaining Roman Amphitheatre to have all four side towers entirely preserved. Amphitheatre de Pula was constructed between 27 BC and AD 68.

It is among the world’s six largest surviving Roman arenas. Amphitheatre de Pula is also Croatia’s best-preserved ancient monument. The arena was built in the city of Pula as it had become a regional centre of Roman rule.

The Pula Arena was named after the sand, in Latin harena which once covered the inner performance area. Amphitheatre de Pula was built outside the town walls along the Via Flavia which is the road from Pula to Aquileia and Rome. Initially, the amphitheatre was built in timber during the reign of August between 2-14 AD.

However, it was later replaced by a small stone amphitheatre during Emperor Claudius’s reign. In 79 AD, the amphitheatre was enlarged to accommodate gladiator fights by Vespasian. It was completed in 81 AD under Emperor Titus.

Here are the Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Amphitheatre de Pula:

1. The Amphitheatre was First Built in Timber

Amphitheatre de Pula was built several years ago as the city of Pula became a regional centre of Roman rule. The name of this building was derived from the sand that once covered the inner and performance area.

Initially, the amphitheatre was built in timber between 2 and 14 AD during the reign of Augustus. Later on, it was replaced by a small stone amphitheatre during the reign of emperor Claudius.

In 79 AD, Amphitheatre de Pula was enlarged to accommodate gladiator fights by Vespasian. It was completed under the rule of emperor Titus in 81 AD.

2. It was Built in the Medieval Architectural Design

View of the exterior of the Pula Arena. Photo by Diego Delso on

Amphitheatre de Pula was built in the medieval Roman architectural design. The exterior wall is constructed in limestone. One of the parts that is facing the sea consists of three stories and the other has two stories as the amphitheatre was built on a slope.

Its maximum height on the exterior wall is 29.40 metres. There are 72 arches on each of the first two floors of the amphitheatre while the top floor has 64 rectangular openings.

The walls of the amphitheatre stand 32.45 metres high. The axes of the elliptical amphitheatre are 132.45 and 105.10 metres long.

3. Amphitheatre de Pula had a Total of 15 Gates

This great monument located in Pula is so spectacular and a magical piece of architectural work. It had a total of fifteen gates. There are a series of underground passageways which were built underneath the arena along the main axis where animals, Ludi scenes and fighters could be released.

There were also stores and shops under the raked seating. This amphitheatre was part of the circuit of the gladiators.

4. The Venetian Senate Proposed Dismantling the Amphitheatre which was Opposed

The Roman Amphitheatre of Pula in Istria (Croatia). Photo by Serein on

Since its construction, the amphitheatre was in use under different rules. The amphitheatre had various functions with the fighting of gladiators banned before 1583.

In 1583, the Venetian Senate made proposals of dismantling the arena and have it rebuilt within Venice. However, these proposals were rejected. In the current days, a headstone celebrating Venetian Senator Gabriele Emo’s opposition to the plan of dismantling the arena is visible on the second tower.

5. Amphitheatre de Pula has Four Towers

The amphitheatre has four huge towers each at every corner. These four towers had various roles during the medieval period.

Each tower had two cisterns that were filled with perfumed water. These cisterns fed a fountain or sometimes could be used to sprinkle water on the spectators.

6. The Amphitheatre had a Special Cover (Large Sails)

Pula amphitheatre, Croatia. This is a photo of cultural heritage in Croatia with ID: Z-863. Photo by Diego Delso on

Like the modern-day stadiums, Amphitheatre de Pula has huge sails which were so important. During rainy or sunny weather, the amphitheatre could be covered with velaria.

This was to protect the spectators from adverse weather. The velaria or huge sails are evident through the rare construction elements. The bottom of the amphitheatre was also built especially as there was a system of canals which collected rainwater and effluent and drained it into the sea.

7. Amphitheatre de Pula Has Several Roles in the Present Day

Over the years, the amphitheatre has been well preserved and maintains the perfect look. In the present day, the amphitheatre is used as a venue for several concerts.

Several special performances have been held in Amphitheatre de Pula in recent days. These are some of the artists who have performed at the amphitheatre: Foo Fighters, Luciano Pavarotti, Jose Carreras, Dino Merlin, Norah Jones, Elton John, Michael Bolton, Leonard Cohen, Arctic Monkeys and Frank Zivkovic.

Amphitheatre de Pula also hosts operas, ballets, sports competitions as well as Pula Film Festival. It is usually open to the public daily and the underground passages house exhibitions of viticulture and olive growing in Istria.

8. The Arena Has Been Used for Cinematic Works

Pula Amphitheatre, Croatia. Photo by Diego Delso on

Other than being used for concerts and other activities, Amphitheatre de Pula has been used in other huge roles. It has been used for cinematic works like the other medieval monuments which have been featured in prominent movies.

The arena has been used in some filmmaking works such as Titus. This is a 1999 film adaptation of Shakespeare’s revenge tragedy Titus Andronicus by Julie Taymor.

9. Pula Arena has Hosted Two Professional Ice Hockey Games

The arena is widely known for hosting top events ranging from musical to film-related. Pula Arena also hosted two professional ice hockey games.

On the 14th and 16th of September 2012, the two professional ice hockey games were played in the amphitheatre. KHL Medvescak, a Zagreb-based Erste Bank Eishockey Liga club hosted HDD Olimpija Ljubljana and the Vienna Capitals.

10. The Amphitheatre is Depicted on the Croatian Banknote

Croatian 10 Kuna Banknote. Photo by Dmitar Zvonimir on

Pula Arena or Amphitheatre de Pula is a symbolic monument for Croatia and its culture. The amphitheatre is known for hosting activities but it is also significant to the country.

Pula Arena is depicted on the back side of the Croatian 10 Kuna Banknote. It is depicted in the notes that were issued in 1993, 1995, 2001 and 2004.