Pula Arena

Pula Arena was begun under Augustus, enlarged under Vespasian and completed in AD 81. It measures 132.5 m by 105.1 m and is up to 32.45 m high. It originally held around 23,000 spectators. The limestone outer wall has four levels on the west side, with 72 arches on each of the two lower storeys. Gladiatorial combats were held here until the 5th century, when Emperor Honorius banned them.

Passages run beneath the arena, where an exhibition on viticulture and olive growing in Istria can be seen. Today the arena hosts concerts, operas and film screenings, with about 7,000 seats. Allow one to two hours for a visit. In the evening the light on the limestone is especially beautiful and it is usually less crowded; access may be restricted during events.