The fortress was originally built by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1886 as part of the Pula defensive system.
The Marine Turtle Rescue Centre within the facility has rehabilitated hundreds of injured loggerhead turtles.
Some exhibit tanks are located inside the former ammunition storage bunkers of the fort.
The rooftop of the fort offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding peninsula.
The aquarium maintains a specialized project dedicated to the conservation of the noble pen shell, a protected mollusk species.
Aquarium Pula is housed within the restored Austro-Hungarian Fort Verudela, a 19th-century coastal fortification. It serves as a rescue and rehabilitation center for sea turtles in the Adriatic Sea. The exhibits are distributed across the fort's former artillery rooms, moats, and tunnels. The collection focuses on the marine life of the Adriatic, complemented by tropical marine and freshwater species. A central open-air atrium hosts the main pool, surrounded by the stone walls of the historic military site. The facility emphasizes conservation, environmental education, and research on local marine biodiversity. The aquarium spans several levels, integrating modern glass tanks into the fort's original masonry. It is situated on the Verudela peninsula, surrounded by coastal pine forests.
The contrast of the modern blue aquarium tanks against the rustic, weathered limestone walls in the fort's central courtyard.
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the fort's uneven stone corridors and staircases.
Visit the rooftop terrace for the best views before heading into the lower subterranean levels.
Check the daily feeding schedule upon arrival to observe the marine life during active periods.
Avoid visiting during the height of the July and August afternoon heat if you prefer a cooler, quieter experience, as the fort retains humidity.
Open daily throughout the year, with extended operation during the summer months and reduced hours in winter.
Maintain a quiet volume near the tanks to avoid stressing the aquatic animals and refrain from using flash photography.
