PULA & Rovinj, CROATIA
PULA
In the morning we ventured to Pula, where we toured one of the best preserved amphitheaters still in existence. During our visit, an ice hockey rink was being installed. Considering it was over 80 degrees and an ancient Roman site, I was more than a little surprised! There are concerts and other events at the amphitheater throughout the year.
PULA AT A GLANCE
With a population of 57,000, Pula is the largest city on the Istrian Peninsula
The city still functions as an industrial port town
Part of the 1999 flick Titus with Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange was filmed in Pula's amphitheater
With a population of 57,000, Pula is the largest city on the Istrian Peninsula
The city still functions as an industrial port town
Part of the 1999 flick Titus with Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange was filmed in Pula's amphitheater
The stone was being cleaned to the state they would have been in at the height of Pula's glory. Which look do you prefer?
Below the amphitheater are the honey comb-like mazes where animals and gladiators were kept before the fight. This area is now a museum featuring a large collection of Roman amphorae. After the amphitheater tour, we explored the rest of the city with our local guide.
In 1904 a young James Joyce lived in Pula where he taught English for less than six months. Above is a statue of Joyce in front of what used to be the Berlitz langage school where he was a teacher.
During WWII, Pula's Temple of Augustus was hit by an Allied bomb. During the Allied occupation, the Allies helped rebuild the temple.
Rovinj
After we departed Pula, we stopped by Rovinj. Rovinj was beautiful but also very touristy. Dad and I trekked to the top of the hill and enjoyed exploring the narrow winding medieval streets along the way. The view from the top was spectacular.
The Church of St. Euphemia at the very top of Rovinj features the relics of St. Euphemia, who was thrown in with the lions at a Roman amphitheater as punishment for refusing to worship Pagan gods. Instead of attacking her, the lions licked her wounds and tears.
You can climb to the top of the tower at the Church of St. Euphemia, however between my fear of heights and the ninety degree weather, I chose to forgo the tower and opted to sit at a cafe with a cold drink and people watch.