Perhaps the most famous and one of the largest buildings of its kind in Pula is the Ancient Roman Amphitheater, which was built on the site of the first amphitheater by Emperor Vispasian. Around the same time that the famous Colosseum was being built in Rome, the Amphitheater was significantly reconstructed and enlarged, increasing its capacity to 20,000 people.

The Amphitheater is shaped like an oval, 130 meters long and 100 meters wide. In the very center there was an arena where the main action took place, and the spectators were placed on stone benches or gallery. At that time the arena was intended for gladiatorial battles and later for knights’ competitions.

In the 15th century, stones from the Amphitheater began to be dismantled for other buildings under construction in Pula, including the construction of the Castle. Therefore, it required constant restoration work, and today it can accommodate about 5,000 people. In the summer season, the theater arena turns into a venue for various festivals and concerts: Opera, Equestrian and Film Festival. You can stay in a hotel in Pula, which overlooks the amphitheater.

Underneath the arena are underground corridors used by the gladiators, and today, there are many archaeological finds and various exhibits that tell visitors about ancient wine production and olive tree cultivation. Many of the finds can be viewed in the Historical Museum. And here you can see special crushers, vessels and presses, as well as amphorae for storing and transporting the products.