Pula

We drove about one hour on the back roads to Pula which is also on the coastline, has a large port, and is known for its Roman ruins. Parking is free on Sundays so I chose a car park right next to the Roman amphitheatre (built 27 BC to 68 AD), and the view was already amazing! We paid to go in and had the entire place ourselves. The downside to travelling in winter in Europe is that lots of places are closed, upside is that when they aren't, you are not sharing with too many others! The added benefit today was clear blue skies.

We then wandered through the streets of Pula where the old Roman Forum is now the town square with a beautiful temple (Temple of Augustus). Came across several Roman gates to the city. Porta Gemina was the twin arch gate (2nd century) and a stage was being set up near the Triumphal Arch Sergii. We then went up steep streets to find ourselves walking around the perimeter of the Pula Citadel.Read more