Pula, Istria

Istria, and Pula in particular, was such a strategic location for the Romans that they built one of the six largest amphitheaters existing today.   This one is also one of the best preserved.   It was adapted for gladiator fights in 79 CE, and they continued there until 400 CE.  We toured the basement passages where there were once cages and prisons, so overall, this was quite entertaining for the kids.  The area that was once Pula's Roman forum is still a major town square, and the Temple of Augustus is still standing.  While looking for an open restaurant (it's hard enough during low tourist season, but add Sunday to the mix and there was shockingly little open), we came across an American ex-pat, a professional volleyball player, who gave us some travel advice.  His excitement at hearing "american" was practically tangible.  We later wandered up to the Kastel, a 17th century Venetian castle, where Adam enjoyed the bits of glagolitic script and the kids enjoyed the dried up moat and the row of cannons.

Pula Amphitheater

Temple of Augustus, 1st century

Glagolitic (ancient Croatian) script at the Pula Castle (Kastel)

Pula Amphitheater

Pula Amphitheater