The amphitheater's limestone exterior was originally designed with holes to support a velarium, a large canvas awning used to shade spectators from the sun.
During the Middle Ages, the arena was used as a site for knights' tournaments and trade fairs.
The arena was built outside the city walls of ancient Pula to accommodate the large influx of spectators during games.
The underground area features a collection of stone tools and amphorae once used for the transport of olive oil and wine across the Roman Empire.
In the 13th century, the patriarch of Aquileia decreed that the amphitheater should be demolished, but the plan was abandoned due to the structure's immense size and solidity.
The four towers on the exterior originally contained wooden staircases leading to the upper seating tiers.
The current structure features an iconic elliptical shape measuring 132 meters by 105 meters.
Archaeological finds in the underground museum include evidence of an ancient drainage system designed to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall.
The Pula Arena is the only remaining Roman amphitheater in the world to have all four side towers and all three architectural orders entirely preserved. Constructed between 27 BC and 68 AD, it was built primarily for gladiatorial combat and could accommodate approximately 23,000 spectators. The exterior is composed of local limestone, while the interior features a subterranean passage, known as the hypogeum, used to house animals and gladiators before they were hoisted into the arena. It is the best-preserved monument of ancient architecture in Croatia. Today, the venue hosts modern events including concerts, film festivals, and opera performances. The underground level serves as a museum housing a permanent exhibition of Roman viticulture and olive oil production in Istria. The outer walls reach a height of 32 meters, reflecting the original scale of the Flavian dynasty construction project.
From the park area just outside the northern wall to capture the full vertical scale of the exterior arches.
Visit the underground museum section first to understand the history of ancient Istrian industries before exploring the seating tiers.
Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as the ancient stone steps and walkways in the underground area can be uneven and slippery.
Check the local event calendar in advance, as the site periodically closes for stage setup or event operations.
Visiting during the hottest midday hours in summer, as there is almost no shade within the stone arena bowl.
The underground museum area may be inaccessible during large-scale evening concerts or event setup days.
Do not sit or walk on restricted architectural fragments; keep to designated visitor paths.
