Pula private tour with local history teacher: Roman sites

Two hours through Pula's Roman past with someone who grew up here

A private two-hour tour of Pula led by a local history teacher who was born and raised in the city. You visit the Pula Arena, Temple of Augustus, Roman Forum, and Zerostrasse, an underground WWI shelter. The guide's personal connection to Pula shapes how the city's ancient and modern history unfolds, moving beyond standard sightseeing into the stories locals actually care about. Minimum age 15. Moderate fitness required for walking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Pula Arena30m
2. Zerostrasse10m

Explore Pula's historic landmarks

• Visit Pula Arena
• Walk through Tito's Park
• See the ancient city entrance
• Explore Zerostrasse tunnels
• View Hercules Gate
• Visit Pula Forum
• Tour Temple of Augustus

The experience

Your guide is a history teacher born in Pula, not someone who memorized facts for the job. That distinction matters: he knows why the Temple of Augustus, built between 2 BC and AD 14, still stands after World War II bombing, and he can explain what the Pula Arena (one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheaters) meant to the 20,000 spectators who filled it for gladiatorial contests in the 1st century AD. The tour moves through the Roman Forum, the political and religious heart of ancient Pula, then descends into Zerostrasse, the underground tunnel system built as shelter during World War I. These are not stops on a checklist. They are places his city is built on.

The walk covers roughly two hours, with the remaining time spent moving between sites on foot through the old town. You'll see the Hercules Gate, an ancient entrance adorned with a depiction of Hercules' head, and pass through Tito's Park, which holds a miniature model of the city's layout: useful for understanding how Pula's neighborhoods fit together. The pace is steady but not rushed. Moderate fitness is needed for the walking and the terrain.

This is a private tour, so the itinerary can shift slightly based on what interests you most, though the main landmarks stay fixed. The guide speaks English and can answer questions that go beyond the standard narrative. Wheelchair accessibility is available for the main sites, and public transportation options are nearby if you need them.

What’s included

• Professional English-speaking guide with local expertise.
• access to the Pula Arena, Temple of Augustus, Roman Forum, Zerostrasse tunnels, and Hercules Gate.
• time in Tito's Park to view the miniature city model.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 12:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 90 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Walking Tour Pula with a local - Augustus Walks

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're without a car or staying elsewhere in Pula. The guide meets you in the city center, and the two-hour walk stays within the compact old town, so you don't need transportation between sites.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Pula Arena and what can you do there?

The Pula Arena is one of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheaters, built in the 1st century AD with a capacity for over 20,000 spectators. You explore the arena's structure and underground passages during the tour, learning how it was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles in ancient times. Today it hosts concerts, film festivals, and theatrical performances, blending ancient history with modern events.

How long is the walking involved in this tour?

The tour lasts two hours total, with most of that time spent walking between the Roman sites and through Pula's old town. The remaining portion covers the actual time at each landmark. Moderate physical fitness is needed for the pace and terrain.

What is Zerostrasse and why is it included?

Zerostrasse is an underground tunnel system built during World War I as a shelter. It represents a different layer of Pula's history beyond the Roman period, and exploring it gives you insight into how the city adapted and survived through the 20th century.

Can I book this tour if I'm staying outside the city center?

The tour operates as a private booking, and public transportation options are available nearby to reach the starting point. If you need specific pickup arrangements, confirm those details when you reserve.

Is the Temple of Augustus still used, or is it just a historical site?

The Temple of Augustus, built between 2 BC and AD 14 and dedicated to Emperor Augustus, now serves as a museum. Despite significant damage during World War II, it has been restored and stands as one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Croatia, located on the Forum in the heart of the old town.