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PULA is the largest city in Istria
with a population of more than 80,000. The three-thousand-year-old city
lying on the south cape of the Istrian peninsula is the place where the
old meets the new in a union inspiring numerous writers and composers to
create their works of art. A lot of cultural and historical monuments
provide the setting for the cultural and entertainment events of the
city.
Of particular importance is the Roman amphitheatre (arena) which
today provides the site for film festivals, and opera and concert
performances. The tremendous Coliseum was built during the rule of the
emperor Augustus, and the extension to the present size (133mx105m) was
carried out under the rule of the emperor Vespasian (69-79). The
amphitheatre may seat 23,000 people.
Another famous sight is
the cathedral built on the site of the temple of Jupiter and its
early Christian basilica. There is also the temple of Diana which
used to stand parallel to the temple of Augustus. The Golden Gate
(Porta Aurea) was built as the triumphal arch for the Sergius
family as early as 2,000 years ago. The Hercules' Gate was built
as part of the Roman town fortification. There is also the Porta
Gemina (Twin Gate) built in about 150 AD, then a castle built on
the site of the Roman Capitol in 1630 by the Venetians and many
other buildings.
Tourist facilities are
situated outside the city, in the thick woodlands along the coast.
The Apartment complexes of Punta Verudela and Horizont, and hotels
Histria, Palma, Park, Brioni, Splendid and Riviera resemble a
Mediterranean town in miniature. The beaches stretch along the 190
km long coastline.
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