Pula ‘Runseeing’ Tour

This is a 6 km ‘runseeing’ tour of Istria’s largest urban city, Pula, which is well-known for having one of the largest remaining Roman amphitheaters and many historic sites. Start at Titov Park to get to the Riva. From here, run along the pedestrian path across the marina before turning on to Valerijn Park and getting a close up glimpse of the 2000-year-old Arena. Jaunt along Istarska St and turn LEFT for an uphill run on Scaliervoa St., passing by Church and Monastery of Saint Anthony of Padua, one of the most important religious monuments in Pula. A few steps away, enjoy the rare views of the sea and the sky from the stone arches of the Arena. Turn RIGHT on Gladiatorska (Gladiotor’s) St. and turn LEFT on Skaleta St. to make it back down to the busy Flavijeska St. At the roundabout, turn left on tree-lined Splitska St., eventually getting back to the Riva or waterfront. Along the Riva you can choose whether to run along the cobblestone that faces the marina and old fishing boats or across the street where there is a slightly narrower pedestrian path.

At the end of Riva St. is a large shipyard, which was once considered one of Europe’s historic shipbuilding centers. Take a LEFT at the Augostov Prolaz and you will reach the Forum – the oldest square in the town where many concerts and events are held. Turn RIGHT and pass through Sergijevaca St. — one a busy way filled with shops, cafes, markets and restaurants. Continue by passing through Triumphal Arch of the Sergii,  built around 29-27 BCE and used as an entrance into the town during medieval and ancient times when Pula was surrounded by walls.

Passing by Trg Portata and across the street, you reach Flanticka Ulica, the most popular street for cafe lovers and street leading up the city’s vibrant Farmer’s market and lively fish market. Turn RIGHT on Smerglina St. which eventually become Anticova St., passing the House of the Croatian Defenders, the city’s most representative building from the Austro-Hungarian era. From there, continue on past Danteov Square to reach Flaciusova St. from where you will eventually turn right at Park Mladenca to get right at the steps of  the Temple of Augustus, dedicated to the first Roman Emperor. Make your way past the majestic stone arches of the Government Office before turning left along the cobblestone street on to the busy and restaurant filled Candlerova St., to the end.

Add-On: For splendid panoramic views, run the ~1 km uphill on Castrola St. and Gradiski to Fortress Kaštel and the Historic and Maritime Museum of Istria, a remarkable 17th-century baroque castle offering sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea, Arena, and residential homes of Pula.