Things to Do in Roman Forum, Hrvatska

The Roman Forum in Pula, Croatia (Hrvatska) represents one of the most spectacular archaeological sites on the Istrian Peninsula. This ancient Roman settlement, known as Pola in Roman times, flourished from the 1st century BC and contains remarkably well-preserved ruins including the famous Pula Arena, one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheaters. The forum area served as the heart of Roman civic life and today offers visitors an extraordinary journey through 2,000 years of history. Modern Pula seamlessly blends its Roman heritage with contemporary Croatian culture, creating a unique destination where ancient stones tell stories of gladiators and emperors while bustling cafes and restaurants bring the area to life. The city's strategic location on the Adriatic coast combines historical exploration with beautiful beaches, making it an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. The Roman Forum area remains the cultural center of Pula, hosting concerts, festivals, and events that continue the tradition of public gathering that began millennia ago.

Top Things to Do in Roman Forum

Explore Pula Arena and Roman Amphitheater

Walk through the magnificent Pula Arena, the sixth-largest surviving Roman amphitheater in the world, which once held 23,000 spectators for gladiatorial games. The remarkably preserved structure features underground chambers that housed gladiators and wild animals, now converted into a fascinating museum. During summer months, the arena hosts concerts and film festivals, offering a unique opportunity to experience entertainment in an ancient Roman venue.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 50 HRK (€7) for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight. Audio guides are available for an additional fee and highly recommended for historical context.

Roman Forum Archaeological Walk

Discover the remains of ancient Roman temples, including the Temple of Augustus and fragments of other sacred buildings that formed the religious and political center of Roman Pola. The forum area showcases original Roman paving stones, column fragments, and architectural elements that paint a vivid picture of daily life in the ancient city. Interpretive panels and archaeological displays help visitors understand the layout and significance of this important Roman site.

Booking Tip: The forum area is free to explore year-round, though guided tours (100-150 HRK per person) provide valuable historical context. Best visited during golden hour for photography, and combine with nearby attractions for a full day of Roman history.

Temple of Augustus Visit

Step inside this beautifully reconstructed Roman temple dedicated to Emperor Augustus, now housing a collection of ancient Roman sculptures and artifacts. Built between 27 BC and 14 AD, the temple showcases classic Roman architecture with its Corinthian columns and detailed stonework. The interior museum displays Roman statuary, inscriptions, and architectural fragments found throughout Pula, providing insight into the artistic and religious life of ancient Romans.

Booking Tip: Entry is typically 20 HRK (€3) and often combined with other Roman sites. Open daily except Mondays during winter months. Visit during midday when interior lighting is optimal for viewing sculptures and inscriptions.

Underground Roman Tunnels Tour

Explore the fascinating network of underground tunnels built during Roman times and expanded during World War I as air raid shelters. These subterranean passages run beneath the old city center and offer a unique perspective on Pula's layered history. The tunnels maintain a constant cool temperature and feature exhibitions about wartime life and Roman engineering techniques.

Booking Tip: Tours cost approximately 30 HRK (€4) and run several times daily in summer, less frequently in winter. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket as tunnels are cool year-round. Advance booking recommended during peak season.

Roman Heritage Walking Tour

Join a comprehensive walking tour that connects all of Pula's Roman sites including the Triumphal Arch of Sergius, Roman walls, and lesser-known archaeological remains scattered throughout the old town. Expert guides share stories of Roman daily life, architectural techniques, and the city's evolution from ancient times to the present. The tour typically includes visits to Roman gates, ancient streets, and viewpoints offering panoramic views of the Roman ruins.

Booking Tip: Group tours range from 150-250 HRK per person depending on duration and inclusions. Book tours that include skip-the-line access to major sites. Morning tours are preferable for better lighting and smaller crowds at popular locations.

Getting There

Pula is easily accessible by car via the A9 Istrian highway from other Croatian cities, with the drive from Zagreb taking approximately 3 hours. Pula Airport, located 6km from the city center, receives flights from major European cities, especially during summer months, with airport buses and taxis providing connections to the Roman Forum area. Bus connections link Pula to Zagreb, Rijeka, and other Croatian destinations, while seasonal ferry services connect to Venice and other Adriatic ports, with the main bus station just a 10-minute walk from the Roman sites.

Getting Around

The Roman Forum and most of Pula's historical sites are concentrated in the compact old town center, making walking the best option for sightseeing with most attractions within 10-15 minutes of each other. Local buses serve the wider city area and beaches, with day passes available for 30 HRK, while bike rentals offer an eco-friendly way to explore both the historical center and coastal areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available for longer distances, and the city provides good parking options near the Roman sites, though spaces can be limited during peak tourist season.

Where to Stay

Old Town Center

Valkane Bay

Stoja Peninsula

Veruda Bay

Medulin nearby

Fazana nearby

Food & Dining

Pula's dining scene beautifully combines traditional Istrian cuisine with fresh Adriatic seafood, with many restaurants located within walking distance of the Roman Forum offering outdoor seating with views of ancient ruins. Local specialties include Istrian truffles, prosciutto, olive oil, and Malvasia wine, best experienced at traditional konobas (taverns) scattered throughout the old town. The area around the forum features everything from casual pizza places and gelaterias perfect for sightseeing breaks to upscale restaurants serving modern interpretations of Roman and Istrian dishes, with many establishments offering romantic dining experiences with illuminated ancient monuments as backdrop.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Pula's Roman Forum is during late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when weather is pleasant for walking tours, crowds are manageable, and most attractions maintain full operating hours. Summer months (July-August) offer the most events and longest opening hours, including spectacular concerts in the Roman Arena, but expect larger crowds and higher temperatures that can make extensive walking challenging. Winter visits provide a more intimate experience with the ruins and lower accommodation costs, though some attractions have reduced hours and weather can limit outdoor exploration of the archaeological sites.

Insider Tips

Purchase the Pula City Card for discounted entry to multiple Roman sites and free public transportation

Visit the Roman Arena during sunset for the most dramatic photography opportunities with golden light on ancient stones

Explore the small Roman ruins scattered throughout residential areas that most tourists miss, including sections of Roman walls and gates accessible for free

Things to Do in Roman Forum