Roman Architecture Ruins in Croatia

Exploring the Roman Amphitheater in Pula, Croatia. 

For the past week or so, we have been sailing in northern Croatia. From Zadar, we hopped through a few islands, stopping in a lagoon off the village of Punat. We then made our way to Icici, to pick up some mail from Opatija marina, as well as our cargo, and then sailed along the mainland coast to Pula to check out of the country.

Excited to see the Roman amphitheater lit up at night!

Pula is an industrial port but is famous for the well-preserved Roman amphitheater and Augustus Temple. The cranes put on quite a show at night, with color changing lights. The anchorage outside of the marina has good holding and offers good protection from the wind and swell.

Roundabout docked at the customs quay with the color-changing lights on the cranes in the boatyard.

We wanted to check out the sites, refill our gas container for the dinghy, and explore a little more of Croatia before heading to Venice!

The Amphitheater is well worth a visit. Constructed in 27 BC - 68 AD, it is the ONLY remaining Roman amphitheater to have four side towers with all three Roman architectural orders entirely preserved. It is among only 6 of the largest surviving arenas in the world and is the best preserved ancient site in Croatia. Today, it is used as a venue for concerts.

Walking through this place was like going back in time. From the outdoor arena space to traversing underground to where the beasts and gladiators were kept, ancient storage and work spaces, we learned quite a lot about this period in time. Matthew is studying Medieval history, as part of the California 7th grade history standards, so this fit in perfectly as a boatschool field trip!

Down below, where the chambers for the beasts and gladiators were, is another part of the museum. Ancient pottery, art, storage urns, and tools are among the numerous artifacts on display.

So much to see!