Pula, Rovinj & Istria, Croatia

Two major influences are evident in the ancient architecture on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula: the Romans and the Venetians.

I drove the length of Istria an hour south to the city of Pula to visit its remarkably intact Roman coliseum. Construction on the arena finished in 68 AD. Combat between convicts and wild animals was held here in front of roaring crowds until 681.

Honestly, it reminded me of several SEC stadiums I’ve been in for football games. The atmosphere was probably similar. I bet no Romans in the stands rushed the field though.

Pula, as a major port on the Adriatic, has a long history of shipbuilding. After hiking around the other Roman ruins in town, I walked along the seafront to see the big ships (and some not so big). But, great name.

On my drive back to the north, I explored two typical Istrian villages in the interior. First up was Vodnjan. The Venetian influence was strong here from the freestanding church tower that looked as if it had been lifted straight out of St. Mark’s square to the ornate Gothic arches on the windows. All that were missing were the canals and gondolas.

The next town I hiked around was tiny Bale. Its tangle of narrow walkways also reminded me of Venice.

Finally, I returned to the coast to see colorful Rovinj. It stuck out prominently on a peninsula into the Adriatic, capped by its own Venetian tower.

Evidently Rovinj attracts a well-heeled clientele. I spent some time walking down the piers and inspecting some fantastic yachts gently swaying in the blue-green water. Man, it would be fun to explore Croatia’s islands in one of those things!

There really aren’t sandy beaches in Croatia. If there is a beach, it’s pebbled. Usually there are just rocky outcrops blanketed by swimmers and sunbathers. Nudity is not a big deal in Europe but I am providing you a PG picture.

The water is so clean and clear, you can see the bottom even in deep water. It’s still warm so I’m planning to jump in once I dig my water shoes out of the bottom of my backpack.

And, no need to worry. Sharks are not a concern in the Adriatic. I swam in the Gulf off Alabama while shrimping boats were tossing chum in the water. It can’t be any crazier than that.

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