Amphitheatre de Pula

Amphitheatre de Pula

Amphitheatre de Pula
4.4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Arena in Pula is a 1st-century Roman amphitheatre. The arena is the 6th largest in the world.
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Admission tickets
from
$14.09
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Plan your visit

Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.

The area

Address
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • shazbatzannie
    Bakewell, United Kingdom659 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    We didn’t get to go in as they closed early to set up for a concert, however we did still wonder around the outside & there is plenty to view from outside. It is quite stunning. Later that evening Pula became flooded by concert goers, we didn’t mind & after a separate tour came back to listen to some of the concert but this may have a negative impact on your plans if you weren’t expecting the volume of traffic & people. We left at 10pm & the main event (Jason Derulo) hadn’t started with people still streaming into the centre.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 13, 2024
  • DmitriSV
    Germany671 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    One of the six largest amphitheatres in the Roman Empire and one of the most preserved. Admission 10 euros. For history buffs. Someone may have enough inspection outside, everything is clearly visible.) But wandering through the ruins and sitting on the pews is important. Advice. In the summer, the amphitheater hosts a gladiator show every 5 days, with reenactments of bouts, a fire show and another typical Roman program. Admission 20 euros. Tickets can be bought locally the same evening. After the performance, there is enough time to inspect the amphitheatre, so it can be combined.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 22, 2024
  • Maximilian
    Singapore, Singapore2,042 contributions
    3 of 5 bubbles
    The Pula Amphitheater is a historically significant and visually stunning landmark, offering a glimpse into the ancient Roman era with its well-preserved structure. While the amphitheater itself is impressive, the experience is somewhat diminished by the high cost of admission. The price for entry seems disproportionate, which might deter some visitors from exploring this iconic piece of architectural history. Despite the steep entry fee, the amphitheater remains a noteworthy site, but better pricing could enhance its accessibility and overall visitor satisfaction. A three-star rating reflects the balance between its historical value and the cost-related drawbacks.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 9, 2024
  • ksufan88
    Wichita, Kansas7,012 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    This 1st century building is in quite amazing shape since it is still in use for concerts and other events. Much of the interior (seats) is missing since the stones were later used as building material for o number of other buildings nearby. The outside walls are in great shape though and you can also visit the tunnels underneath the arena. At night, the walls of the amphitheater are nicely illuminated.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 4, 2024
  • Bart H
    Lubbeek, Belgium94 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Very nice amphitheatre outside Italy and interesting to visit. Very nice were the (restored) catacombs under the arena floor where you got an insight what it might have been like for the gladiators, animals, ... who would give their lives in the arena. A downside (well?) was the modern stage set up in the amphitheater. On the other hand, that stage allows a historical monument to be used to entertain people to this day...
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written August 29, 2024
  • claudie62
    Boulogne-sur-Mer, France1,495 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Superb arenas that have preserved almost all of the exterior walls throughout their height. 10€ to visit the interior. We were satisfied with an outside tour (because the interior was occupied by show equipment) and through some small doors we got a glimpse of the interior.
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 25, 2024
  • Chiefinho
    Germany2,215 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Were not in there. The 10 euros put us off a bit, when then the dog is not allowed in, we were out anyway. Looks nice and there's a lot of life going on around it. There are also events in there. I believe from music to cinema. So actually quite nice if you absolutely have to go in, I don't know. By the way, if someone writes in another review that the ball of ice cream costs 3 euros all around.... no... 2 Euro
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written October 2, 2024
  • Nala
    Berlin, Germany15 contributions
    4 of 5 bubbles
    Overall it’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in ancient Roman culture. It’s more intact than the coliseum in Rome, and pets are allowed in which was a nice surprise since we visited with our two dogs. There’s a small exhibition in the basement that’s worth taking a look at.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 18, 2024
  • fredp
    Rednal, United Kingdom188 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    Do not miss this if in the area and you have any interest at all in ancient history. A wonderfully preserved example of a Roman amphitheatre which is claimed to be the fourth largest remaining. Work is ongoing but all areas are accessible. Do not miss it.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 10, 2024
  • Joasi23
    South Yorkshire, United Kingdom2,121 contributions
    5 of 5 bubbles
    Easy to park for an hour for €4 right next to the amphitheatre. An hour was ample to walk all the way round outside which provided magnificent views even of the inside . We didn’t pay admission as a huge stage was still up from a concert . Then a short walk to the water where the boat trips leave .
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 9, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.4
4.4 of 5 bubbles5,405 reviews
Excellent
2,952
Very good
1,860
Average
479
Poor
80
Terrible
34

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

Kiwi_Flyer-BF
Auckland, New Zealand299 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Family
One of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres anywhere, the Pula amphitheatre (or 'Arena') is the historic and architectural highlight of Pula. This 1,900 year-old site of Roman gladiator contests could seat ~20,000 spectators and is used today for concerts, sports events, a film festival and other events (for up to 5,000 spectators).

Located outside the old city wall close to the port area, it is worth the 10 Euro entrance cost if you appreciate history or even if you're just curious, however the complete lack of signage or even an audio tour when I visited was a disappointment (and the reason I wouldn't rate this a 5-star attraction). To compensate for this, there is a lot of good information available on the website of the Archaeological Museum of Istria and guide books (of Pula, including the Arena) are sold in the shop.

There is a permanent exhibition of "olive and wine growing in Istria in classical antiquity" under the fighting area of the amphitheatre, which is worth a look.

The arena was packed with plastic chairs after a concert from the previous evening when we visited, which did detract from our appreciation of the site, but I suppose funding for the maintenance of this site has to be derived any way possible.

Apparently, there are gladiator shows held in summer, which people rate highly, although we didn't witness this occurring during our visit (in summer).

In summary, this site is worth the entrance fee if you're interested in history, but if this is not your thing and/or you want to save yourself some money, then I would suggest walking around and viewing it from the outside.
Written January 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Krystina S
2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
The amphitheatre in Pula is absolute money-making. Admission costs 10 euros and is therefore completely overpriced. You can see the walls of the former amphitheater. No consideration is given to monument protection on the site itself. There is garbage lying around, the original stones are not protected and it looks neglected. Apart from here, it is a total disaster from a historical point of view. Information is not offered at any point in the theatre, so unfortunately you walk through without any knowledge and do not know at all which historically interesting points can be found. Even the underground “exhibition” is simply thrown together and has nothing to do with the amphitheatre, according to the motto: “As long as it looks antique.”

Not recommended. The city of Pula itself, by the way, is not either.
Automatically translated
Written August 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Julien V
Rueil-Malmaison, France212 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
We paid 10€ per adult for a visit that was short but pleasant to the eyes. It’s incredibly beautiful and even though it’s not completely intact, that doesn’t take away from its all-important history. We loved helping to maintain this arena. A visit completed in 20 minutes all the same.
A gladiator show takes place there according to a schedule broadcast in advance. Enjoy it ;)
Google
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

fluffymonkey
Worcester, UK4,389 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
Chances are you have visited Pula to see this ancient arena so really no amount of platitudes can do it justice - you have to see it with your own eyes.
Parking Karolina will put you a stones throw away from the arena main entrance if time is precious & you want simplicity, street parking looked like a mugs game to me on a busy Friday.
If you have the time I would highly recommend the "Spectacvla Antiqva" (gladiator show) in the evening. You cant buy tickets on line but they are available from the main entrance kiosk throughout the day to avoid queuing in the evening before the show starts at 8:30.
As a family (adults 100Kn, children 50Kn) the show really exceeded our expectations, there is lots of audience participation and some realistic full on fights enacted out. Plus you get the chance to meet the gladiators you were rooting for to win their fights after the show ends! Its not at all tacky, lots of fun, and is well organised.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

yellowdog51
Denver, Colorado61 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Some folks might tell you that you don't NEED to pay the €10 per person to get in here and walk around what basically amounts to a large, open, relatively empty space for an hour, tops. They might say you can see everything just FINE from the outside.

Me? I say unless you live here, or visit Croatia on a yearly basis, you should stop being so cheap, buy your ticket, and enjoy your tour.

I've never visited Rome and have never laid eyes upon the Colosseum there. So to me, this amphitheater was a real treat. It's well preserved but bears the unmistakable feel of having been there for many centuries. Be sure to stop at many points as you walk along and try to envision what it must've been like back in Roman times when it was new and packed with throngs of cheering spectators. Stand directly in the middle of the arena and take a 360-degree panoramic shot with your camera / phone. Let your imagination run wild and soak up the history of this remarkable place.
Written October 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Spmmik53
Purley, UK684 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022
We visited Pula in late September. The old town is interesting, and the amphitheatre is certainly well preserved - but that was it.
Pula itself is quite an industrial town and unlike its neighbours does not offer spectacular sea or coastline views.
You pay for everything here. Parking is difficult and entry into the churches in the old town is charged.
We are unlikely to visit again and would not suggest visiting here as there are many more attractive places to visit along this western coast of Istria.
Sorry.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ijg251
Nantwich, UK89 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
Whilst the Amphitheatre is undoubtedly an amazing structure, they don’t make the most of it as there is very little to no information available around the site highlighting potential areas of interest. There is a small underground exhibition that shows some history but nothing particularly engaging to give you a sense of the spectacular events held there. For an entry of 10 euros each, the 3 of us in our group were done viewing it after about 30 minutes. What is noticeable is there are very good views just outside the amphitheatre (to the left) and from the cafe above the back of the amphitheatre where many people had gathered to look in. In hindsight we would have had just as good an experience by spending our combined 30 euros entry fee on drinks in the cafe that overlooks the amphitheatre. That would be my advice.
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Cristinel
Romania1,406 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
It is a must see if you are in the city.
Impressive, solid construction, very well preserved (it still offers the conditions for organising events - there is a stage on the ground), offers you an interesting view about the ancient times.
We enjoyed a lot being on the ground, in the middle of arena, imagining that a lion or other enemy will come.
You need 1 - 2 hours to visit every spot, especially if you buy audio guide. There are photo opportunities, renting a roman warrior costume, but seems to be a little expensive for one shot.
Anyway, it was a very good experience, I recommend for anyone.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CatharineB
Ottawa, Canada1,644 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023
The town's main attraction is this well-preserved Roman arena. Although Pula is not as picture-perfect as Dubrovnik, or as charming as Rovinj as it is a shipbuilding town, it is becoming more touristy as the shipbuilding industry is declining. This was evident as it took us about an hour to find parking, but when we did it was perfect, right in front of the Amphitheatre.

Originally this was a small amphitheatre built here by Claudius, and it was enlarged by Vespasian in 79AD for gladiator fights. Imagine when it could hold 23,000 spectators and had 20 entrances. Shows of every kind were performed, including naval battles. The amphitheatre was built just outside town, and near the sea. It was built into the incline of a hill which made sense as it saved on the amount of stone needed.

It remained intact until the 15th century when some of the stones were used to construct other buildings in the city.

It has been renovated and restored during the past centuries; however, restorations did not meet the exacting standards set by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre/Fund and any funding to maintain the arena must be met privately. Hence, recently it has become a venue for concerts. Unfortunately, the music concerts cause further damage to the fragile infrastructure.

The main floor of the arena is elliptical in shape and was originally framed by iron railings to separate spectators from the performance. Visitors are free to explore, climbing up the seats as you like.

Under the arena, which one can visit, there were underground corridors that were once used by the gladiators and held cages for animals. Now regular exhibitions of viticulture and olive growing in ancient times are presented. I found it to be surprisingly interesting.

You can see most of the arena from outside so one can save the entrance fee of 10 Euro/person and just walk around. But if you plan to go inside, bring a good guide book as information was sparse. We enjoyed our visit.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ben R
Hedge End, UK222 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
The Arena is a beautifully restored window into history that is not to be missed. We visited during the day and used the audio tour. We also went to the Galiator Show in the evening. During the day the Arena was popular but not too busy. The tour was informative and gave lots of extra details that you would miss just walking around. It was a fascinating insight into the history and the stories behind this incredible structure. The entry fee is good value and we spent several hours wondering around.
The Gladiators Show in the evening was great. The atmosphere inside the Arena was completely different in the evening light with the sunset beautifully framed between the pillars. The show was a great mix of humour and history with the expected blood thirsty battles between the Gladiators. Lots of audience participation meant that there was never a dull moment and the time just flew by.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 2,521
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Amphitheatre de Pula

All Pula HotelsPula Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in PulaHotels Near Me
All things to do in Pula
RestaurantsFlightsVacation RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars