Things to do in Pula
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Roman Amphitheatre
Pula's most imposing sight is the 1st-century Roman amphitheatre overlooking the harbour northeast of the Old Town. Built entirely from local limestone, the amphitheatre was designed to host gladiatorial contests and could accommodate up to 20,000 spectators. The 30m-high outer wall is almost intact and contains two rows of 72 arches, but the stone spectator seats were removed for building materials in the Middle Ages.
On the top of the walls is a gutter that collected rain water and you can still see the slabs used to secure the fabric canopy, which protected spectators from the sun. Around the end of July a Croatian film festival is held in the amphitheatre, and there a…
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Cathedral
The Cathedral traces its origins back to the 5th century. The main altar is even older, being a Roman sarcophagus from the 3rd century, and the floor reveals fragments of 5th- and 6th-century mosaics. The church was reconstructed following a fire in 1242 and again in the 15th century when the Renaissance southern portal was added. The Late- Renaissance façade was added in the early 16th century and the 17th-century bell tower was made of stones from the amphitheatre.
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Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum presents archaeological finds from all over Istria. The permanent exhibits cover prehistory to the Middle Ages, but the accent is on the period from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. Even if you don't visit the museum be sure to visit the large sculpture garden around it, and the Roman theatre behind. The garden is entered through 2nd-century twin gates and is often the site of concerts in the summer.
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Kantina
In an old Austro-Hungarian building, this beamed cellar has been re-done in a modern style. The Mediterranean-influenced dishes here won't help you fit into your bikini, but you'll appreciate the ravioli stuffed with pršut (prosciutto) and turkey breast stuffed with local cheese.
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Chapel of St Mary of Formosa
The Chapel of St Mary of Formosa is all that remains of the 6th-century Benedictine abbey that once stood here. This Byzantine structure was adorned with mosaics, which are now in the city's Archaeological Museum. The chapel is only open for occasional art exhibitions in the summer.
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Vodnjanka
Locals rave about the home cooking here. It's cheap and casual, and the small menu concentrates on simple Istrian dishes, which means that vegetarians will not be pleased. To get here, walk south on Radićeva to Vitežića.
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Museum of History
The Museum of History is in a 17th- century Venetian citadel. The museum is on a hill in the centre of the Old Town. The meagre exhibits deal mostly with the maritime history of Pula but the views of Pula from the citadel walls are good.
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Valsabbion
It's worth making your way out to Pješčana Uvala for one of Croatia's top restaurants. Famous dishes include pasta and rice served in a cheese ring and a crispy fish fillet in a Mediterranean sauce.
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Aruba
This enormously popular café-bar-disco is a relaxing hang-out during the day and turns into an exciting venue for live music and parties at night. Weekends are disco nights.
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Uliks
Located in the apartment building where James Joyce once taught, this café is a popular meeting place and a good spot to linger over coffee or a drink.
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Barbara
It's your basic calamari and ćevapčići (spicy beef or pork meatballs) but well done and in a great people-watching location.
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Atlas Travel Agency
Most excursions are operated by Atlas Travel Agency, which offers trips to the Brijuni Islands, the Limska Draga Fjord, Rovinj and Crveni Otok.
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Vela Nera
This delightful place, a rival of Valsabbion for renowned dining, has a terrace overlooking the sea and excellent seafood specialities.
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Splendid Self-Service
Dining at this place is easy since you see what you're getting and pay at the end of the line. It's opposite the vegetable market.
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Bounty
If Irish beer and cheer is your thing, head here for 23 different brews and a wide selection of sandwiches and salads.
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Orca Diving Centre
At Orca Diving Center on the Verudela Peninsula you can arrange for boat dives, courses and introductory dives.
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Milan
The restaurant of this hotel is known for its excellence, especially for seafood. Try the scampi risotto.
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Nature Park
If you have your own wheels, head out to the Nature Park on the Premantura Peninsula 10km south of town.
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Fort Bourguignon
This multilevel disco at Verudela organises techno and rave parties that attract huge crowds.
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Oasis
This is another popular disco within walking (and hearing) distance from the youth hostel.
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Jupiter
This popular place serves up the best pizza in town and the pasta is good too.
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