Pula history

The history of Pula is rooted in deep antiquity, where real facts are closely intertwined with ancient mythology. According to legend, the city was founded by the Colchians, who were pursuing Jason and the Argonauts after the theft of the Golden Fleece. Unable to retrieve the treasure, they dared not return home and founded a settlement, naming it Polai — "city of refuge".

Historically, the first inhabitants of this area were the Illyrian tribe of the Histri, who settled here as early as the 10th century BC. However, the true urban flourishing began with the arrival of the Romans. In the mid-1st century BC, Pula received the status of a Roman colony (Colonia Pietas Iulia Pola), which determined its destiny for centuries to come.

Key Formation Factors

• Geographical Advantage: The city is located at the southern tip of the Istrian peninsula in a deep natural bay protected from winds. This created ideal conditions for establishing a safe port and controlling the maritime routes of the Northern Adriatic.
• Political Influence: Due to its strategic importance, Rome invested significant funds in the city's development. Pula quickly transformed from a fortified stronghold into the administrative and commercial centre of the region.

Early Culture and Economy

In the era of antiquity, Pula flourished as a wealthy trading city. The region's economy was based on agriculture, particularly the production of famous Istrian olive oil and wine, which were highly valued and exported to other provinces of the empire.

The cultural appearance of the city was formed according to classical Roman canons. Monumental structures were erected here, many of which have survived to this day, including the famous Amphitheatre. The city possessed infrastructure that was advanced for its time: a water supply system, sewage, and paved streets, ensuring a high standard of living for its inhabitants.

Major Historical Milestones

• 177 BC — The Romans conquer the Istrian peninsula, establishing control over the local settlement and beginning the process of Romanisation.
• 46–45 BC — Pula receives the status of a Roman colony (Colonia Pietas Iulia Pola), launching large-scale urban construction.
• 1st Century AD — The famous Amphitheatre (Arena) is erected, which today remains one of the six largest preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.
• 1150 — The city pledges allegiance to Venice, marking the beginning of a long period of Venetian cultural and political influence.
• 1331 — Pula finally comes under the direct administration of the Venetian Republic, remaining part of it until 1797.
• 1813 — After the fall of Napoleon and a brief period of French rule, the city passes into the possession of the Austrian Empire.
• 1853 — Pula is selected as the main naval base of the Austrian fleet, leading to rapid industrial growth and a population increase.
• 1876 — Construction of the railway connecting the city with Vienna and Trieste is completed, strengthening its strategic importance.
• 1918 — Following the dissolution of Austria-Hungary after World War I, the city comes under the administration of the Kingdom of Italy.
• 1947 — According to the Paris Peace Treaties, Pula officially becomes part of Yugoslavia.
• 1991 — After the declaration of Croatia's independence, the city becomes part of the sovereign Croatian state.

Stages of Urban Transformation

The development of Pula is a story of transformation from an ancient polis into a powerful industrial centre, and subsequently into a modern tourism hub. Each era has left its mark on the architecture, economy, and way of life.

• Antique Urbanisation and Infrastructure. In the Roman period, the foundation of the urban layout, which is still in use today, was laid. The main achievement was not only the erection of monumental structures (Arena, Forum) but also the creation of advanced engineering infrastructure: water supply systems, sewage, and paved roads, making Pula a comfortable centre of civilisation in the region.
• Transformation into the Empire's Main Military Port (19th Century). Austria's decision to make Pula its main naval base became a powerful driver of growth. In a short period, the population grew tenfold. Residential quarters for officers ("Münz Villas"), a hydro-aviation station, and a complex system of forts encircling the city were built, forever changing its landscape.
• Founding of the "Uljanik" Shipyard (1856). The laying of the foundation stone for the shipyard by Empress Elisabeth determined the economic fate of the city for a century and a half. The shipyard became a city-forming enterprise, providing jobs for thousands of families and stimulating the development of technical education and related industries.
• Integration into the European Transport Network. The construction of the railway in 1876, connecting Pula with Vienna and Trieste, took trade and logistics to a new level. This allowed for the rapid export of goods and facilitated the arrival of the first travellers and high-ranking guests.
• Cultural Renaissance and Film Festival (since 1954). The founding of the Pula Film Festival gave new life to the ancient Amphitheatre. Turning the antique arena into a giant open-air cinema not only became the city's calling card but also secured Pula's status as an important cultural centre of the Adriatic.
• Post-Industrial Tourist Transformation. In recent decades, the city has reoriented from heavy industry to the service sector and tourism. The revitalisation of former military zones and industrial facilities into public spaces and marinas has become a key vector of modern urban planning.

Architectural Portrait: Through the Millennia

The architectural appearance of Pula is unique in its eclecticism. Two dominant eras coexist harmoniously here: antique Roman monumentality and the strict imperial development of 19th-century Austria-Hungary. Woven between them are medieval streets and traces of Venetian rule, creating the effect of a living textbook of architectural history.

Antiquity: Roman Classicism

Ancient Rome laid the urban foundation of Pula. The historic centre still retains the radial layout of streets curving around the central hill, characteristic of Roman urbanism.

• Amphitheatre (Arena): The pinnacle of 1st-century Roman engineering. Massive limestone blocks and arched constructions demonstrate the power of the empire and the functionality of the classical style.
• Forum and Temple of Augustus: A classic example of Roman sacral architecture with Corinthian columns and strict proportions. This is the only fully preserved temple on the city's main square.
• Triumphal Arch of the Sergii: An elegant specimen with elements of Hellenistic influence and rich stone decoration, serving as a ceremonial gateway.

Middle Ages and Renaissance: Venetian Influence

The period of Venetian dominance brought Gothic and Renaissance features to the city, which were superimposed on antique ruins.

• Communal Palace (Town Hall): A unique building on the Forum, representing an architectural palimpsest. Its appearance combines elements of the Romanesque style, Gothic (lancet windows), and Renaissance (colonnade and sculptural decor).
• Kaštel Fortress (Kaštel): An example of fortification architecture of the early Baroque (17th century). The star-shaped citadel was designed by French architect Antoine de Ville to protect Venetian possessions.

19th Century: Historicism and Secession

Pula's transformation into the main military port of Austria-Hungary in the mid-19th century radically changed the scale of the city. Chaotic development was replaced by wide boulevards, parks, and massive public buildings.

• Marine Casino (House of Croatian Defenders): A vivid example of Historicism and Neo-Baroque. The building with a lavish facade served as an elite club for Austrian officers and nobility.
• City Market (1903): A masterpiece of the Secession (Art Nouveau) era. It was an innovative structure using metal load-bearing constructions and glass, symbolising the industrial progress of the early 20th century.
• Münz Villas: A residential ensemble in the Secession style with characteristic floral ornamentation, wrought iron details, and asymmetry, built for wealthy citizens.

20th Century: Rationalism and Modernism

The Italian period (interwar) and the subsequent Yugoslav era brought strict lines of functionalism to the city, reflecting new social ideas.

• Main Post Office (Palazzo delle Poste): An iconic building of the 1930s, executed in the style of Italian Rationalism. It is characterised by strict geometry, monumentality, and the use of red stone contrasting with white Istrian limestone.

Famous Personalities of Pula

Pula's rich history as a seaport and cultural crossroads has attracted and nurtured many talented people. From pioneers of astronautics to stars of world cinema, these individuals have forever inscribed their names in the city's chronicles.

Science and Technology

• Herman Potočnik (pseudonym Noordung) (1892–1929)
  Engineer, theorist of astronautics
  A native of Pula who became one of the founders of modern astronautics. In his visionary book "The Problem of Space Travel", he was the first to calculate the parameters of a geostationary orbit and design a residential space station wheel, ideas which are still used in science today.

Arts and Literature

• James Joyce (1882–1941)
  Irish writer, classic of modernism
  The famous author of "Ulysses" lived in Pula in 1904–1905. He worked as an English language teacher for Austro-Hungarian naval officers at the Berlitz School. Today, a monument to the writer stands at the "Uliks" cafe, located in the building where he taught.
• Antonio Smareglia (1854–1929)
  Opera composer
  Born in Pula in the house that now houses his memorial museum. Smareglia was a prominent representative of Verismo and late Romanticism; his operas were successfully staged in the best theatres of Europe, including La Scala and the Vienna State Opera.

Cinema and Music

• Alida Valli (1921–2006)
  Film actress
  A star of Italian and Hollywood cinema born in Pula. She gained worldwide fame thanks to roles in films by Alfred Hitchcock ("The Paradine Case") and Carol Reed ("The Third Man"). Valli is considered one of the most brilliant actresses of her generation.
• Stjepan Hauser (born 1986)
  Cellist
  A modern musician and member of the world-famous duo 2Cellos. Born and raised in Pula, Hauser actively promotes his hometown, frequently performing at the Amphitheatre arena and filming picturesque music videos in the surroundings of Istria.
• Sergio Endrigo (1933–2005)
  Singer and songwriter
  Winner of the Sanremo Festival and a native of Pula. His lyrical ballads became classics of Italian pop music, and the song dedicated to his hometown ("1947") is filled with deep nostalgia and love for his place of birth.

Sports and Military History

• Mate Parlov (1948–2008)
  Boxer, Olympic champion
  A legend of Yugoslav and Croatian sport. Although born in Split, he spent most of his life in Pula, where he became a true folk hero. Parlov is the only boxer in history to win Olympic gold, as well as European and World titles as both an amateur and a professional.
• Georg von Trapp (1880–1947)
  Naval officer, submariner
  The most successful Austro-Hungarian submariner of World War I, based in Pula. However, worldwide fame came to him not through his military career, but through the story of his musical family, which formed the basis of the famous musical and film "The Sound of Music".