When I was in Croatia last year, I didn't have the chance to visit the region of Istria so that was another very interesting place for me to explore during this trip. I decided to go to the biggest city in the region which is Pula to see its amazing architecture and, especially, to visit the stunning Arena.
But before we get to that, let's talk a little bit more about Istria, this Croatian region is located in the northern part of the country but to the west, next to the border with Slovenia and Italy, and it's a very interesting mix of Croatian and Italian culture. All the signs on the roads and in the city are written in both languages so you really feel like you are visiting two places at the same time.
There are many beautiful cities to visit in Istria, like Rovinj, Poreč, Umag and many more but I couldn't visit them all because of the time. I also have a theory that as I love Croatia that much, I always decide not to visit some places so that I can have an excuse to go back in the future ;)
Anyway, I went to Pula by a road that was right beside the coast and I can't explain to you how stunning the views were! I tried to take some pictures but I think they don't do any justice to the landscape, it really is something unreal. I also had the chance to pass by the city of Opatija, which is full of beautiful and antique hotels and resorts by the sea and it's really worth another visit so I hope I can go again anytime soon to explore it a little bit more.
I arrived in Pula very late that day so I just took some pictures of the Arena at night and then I went to eat at a very nice pizzeria near the Arena. The next day, I woke up very early and went to explore the city centre, which as in many other Croatian cities, is a very old part of town. You can easily see all the Roman Empire influence in the architecture. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't very nice that day, it was raining but that didn't stop me from enjoying my time in Pula and taking some nice pictures to share with you.
After that, it was time to visit the Arena! It is open from 9 am so I was one of the first people to enter that day for sure. I had it all for myself as you are going to see in the pictures! It really is so stunning and breathtaking and when you visit it, you really feel like you are travelling in a time machine or that you are inside of a movie set but everything is real!
It also is incredibly well preserved and while being there, I felt amazed by how people were able to do this kind of constructions in the past because this was built in the year 27 b.C. and finished in the year 81 a.C. So, it really is an amazing place to visit! I think I'm going to finish the post here so you can go directly to appreciate it in the pictures ;) Hope you like it!!
A little stop on the road to Pula to take pictures :)
So impressive at night
Streets in the Old Town
