Why You Should Never visit Croatia

PULA AMPHITHEATER

The most famous and important monument, the starting and ending point of every sightseeing tour is the Amphitheater, 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. 

The ground plan is elliptical, the longer axis measuring about 130 m and the shorter one about 100 m. Gladiator fights took place in the central flat area called the arena, while the spectators could sit on the stone tiers or stand in the gallery. It is believed that the Amphitheater could seat about 20,000 spectators. Local limestone was used for its construction. In the Middle Ages it was the site of knights tournaments and fairs. 

Today it is the venue for summer performances - the Film Festival, Opera Season, Equestrian Festival, concerts, ... which can seat about 5,000 spectators. The underground passages, once used by the gladiators, nowadays host a regular exhibition of viticulture and olive growing in Istria in ancient times. The exhibits include reconstructions of machines once used for the production of olive oil and wine (mills, presses, vessels) and amphorae used for storing and transporting olive oil and wine. 

The Amphitheater is situated outside the old city walls because of its size and geographical configuration. The road that leads to the center was constructed during Emperor Vespasian, after whom it was named - Via Flavia. Even today it represents one of the main city roads.

MAP OF PULA

THE BRIJUNI ARCHIPELAGO

The Brijuni archipelago stretches along the south west coast of the peninsula of Istria. The islands consist of two large islands, Veli (big) Brijun and Mali (small) Brijun plus twelve other smaller islands. For travellers from all around the world, national park Brijuni has become one of their favourite holiday destinations with its spectacular beauty, and mild climate since the beginning of the 20th century. The coastline is mostly low and rocky, although very accessible, with a few sandy and pebble inlets.

The picturesque islands have been attracting people since ancient times for its tranquillity and natural beauty. The islands have been populated since the Roman age, and the remains of many luxurious Roman villas prove to the alluring beauty of the archipelago. The most significant of the remains on the islands are in the bay of Verige, part of which were found temples to the god Neptune and the goddess Venus. On the west coast of the island of Veli Brijuni, in the gulf of Dobrika, the Byzantine castles and the basilica of St. Mary are located. These remains confirm the existence of settlements from the 16th century.

The white villa on the island in Veli Brijuni was the residence of Joseph B. Tito, during his reign as presidents of Yugoslavia and there received many public officials and delegates. As he was an animal lover, he received many as gifts from visitors from all parts of the globe. Today there are more than 600 indigenous plant species, mostly Mediterranean, and in the northern part of Veli Brijun there is a safari park where there are deer, zebra, ostriches, giraffes and other animals.

Golf lovers can enjoy playing and nature. Renting bicycles at the park lets our guests experience the park in a different way.

Brijuni has a ferry connection to the main land from the port at Fažana (Pula - 8km)

Nautical Map of Brijuni near PULA

MAP OF NATIONAL PARK BRIJUNI

NATIONAL PARK BRIJUNI ISLANDS

Brijuni National Park is an oasis of the magnificent harmony between man, animal and plant life. There are almost 700 plant species and about 250 bird species on the islands, whereas the mild Mediterranean climate makes it a pleasant health resort. After leaving Fažana, the line of green islands viewed from the boat, transforms into Veliki Brijun, the largest of the 14 islands. The traces of dinosaurs, remains of Antiquity and later periods, achievements of modern times are all present in this area, whose development as an exclusive resort starts in 1893 thanks to the “old Austrian” Paul Kupelwieser, owner of the Brijuni Islands. This fashionable seaside resort and one of the leading health resorts started developing and gaining popularity all over Europe and worldwide.

From then on Brijuni were mostly known as a summer residence of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, the president of former Yugoslavia, who arrived on Brijuni for the first time in 1947. The usual, short introduction to Brijuni is a tour by tourist train that takes visitors through all the different natural beauties; through the safari park, by the Byzantine castrum, Roman residential villa in Verige Bay and many other interesting sights. Right by the harbor, there is the church of St. German from the 15th century which houses an exhibit of Istrian frescoes and copies of Glagolitic monuments. Nearby is the natural science exhibit, archaeological museum and exhibition "Tito on Brijuni".