Forum Square | Pula

Forum Square – Pula, Croatia

Forum Square (or Roman Forum) is a historic public space located in the heart of Pula, Croatia, surrounded by several notable Roman-era buildings and ruins. It was the center of civic and social life during the Roman Empire and continues to be a focal point of the city today, offering visitors a glimpse into Pula’s rich historical and architectural heritage.

Historical Background

• Roman Origins: The Forum Square dates back to the Roman period, around the 1st century BCE. It was the central public space in the Roman city of Pola, serving as a hub for social, political, and religious activities. In ancient Rome, forums were not just marketplaces, but also places for public meetings, religious ceremonies, and celebrations of imperial power.
• Civic and Religious Functions: The square housed several important public buildings, including temples, a basilica, and a law court. It was designed to reflect Roman ideals of order, power, and civic duty, aligning with the city’s role within the Roman Empire.
• Evolution: Over the centuries, the square has seen significant changes. After the fall of the Roman Empire, much of the area was repurposed for other uses, but the remains of its former grandeur are still evident today.

Key Features of Forum Square

Surrounding Monuments and Structures
The square is surrounded by several notable Roman ruins and buildings, making it an open-air museum of sorts. Some of the key monuments include:

• Temple of Augustus: Dedicated to the first Roman emperor, this well-preserved temple is one of Pula's most iconic landmarks. It is located on the northern side of the Forum Square and features Corinthian columns and a pediment with detailed reliefs.
• Arch of the Sergii: Located near the square, this triumphal arch celebrates the victories of the Sergii family. The arch is adorned with detailed reliefs depicting Roman military scenes.
• Roman Cisterns: Beneath the square are remnants of Roman-era water storage systems, which highlight the advanced engineering used by the Romans in Pula.
• The Great Roman Baths: Situated just off the Forum, these baths were part of the Roman civic infrastructure and provide insight into the leisure and social practices of the time.

Public Spaces and Layout

• Open-Air Design: The Forum Square has a largely open-air layout, with pedestrian walkways and stone pavements. The central space would have been bustling with activity in ancient times, filled with vendors, public meetings, and religious ceremonies.
• Public Access: The square remains a central area for modern-day tourists and locals, with cafés and shops lining its edges, offering a blend of ancient and modern Pula.

Cultural Significance

• The square has always been a symbol of Pula's Roman heritage and the city's role within the empire. It reflects Roman ideals of civic participation, with its spaces designed for interaction between the people and the Roman authorities.
• In the past, the square would have hosted imperial celebrations, triumphal processions, and other significant events, including ceremonies in honor of Roman gods and the emperor.

Visitor Experience

Walking Through History

• Visitors to Forum Square can explore archaeological ruins, temples, and other monuments. As you walk through the square, the remains of Roman structures are scattered across the space, offering a direct connection to Pula’s rich history. The Temple of Augustus, in particular, stands out as one of the most intact and impressive structures.

Events and Festivals

• Forum Square continues to be a vibrant part of Pula’s cultural life. The space is often used for public events, festivals, and performances, adding a lively modern layer to its ancient ambiance. In summer, the square can host open-air concerts and theater productions.

Educational Experience

• The square provides ample opportunity for learning about the history of Pula and Rome. Visitors can join guided tours to gain deeper insights into the monuments and the history behind the square.
• The square also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding Roman-era structures and Pula Old Town.

Interesting Facts

Civic Center: The Forum Square was the civic center of Roman Pula. It was the location of important public activities, including meetings of the Roman senate and celebrations of Roman victories.

Preserved Structures: The Temple of Augustus and Arch of the Sergii are among the best-preserved Roman monuments in the square, offering a rare glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Empire in the region.

Archaeological Excavations: Ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover more Roman artifacts and features beneath the square, making it an evolving site of historical discovery.

Roman Influence: The square and its surrounding structures represent the Romanization of the Istrian Peninsula, a process by which local customs and governance were gradually replaced or merged with Roman culture and law.

Nearby Attractions

• Pula Arena: A short walk from Forum Square, the Pula Arena is a monumental Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world. It offers an excellent insight into Roman entertainment and public life.
• Temple of Augustus: Located on the northern edge of Forum Square, this temple is dedicated to the emperor and stands as one of Pula’s most important Roman structures.
• Arch of the Sergii: Just a short distance away, the Arch of the Sergii is a triumphal arch dedicated to the Sergii family and serves as a powerful symbol of Roman authority in the region.
• Pula Old Town: The Roman Forum is part of the larger Old Town area of Pula, where visitors can explore narrow streets, medieval structures, and Roman ruins.

Conclusion

Forum Square in Pula is not just a public space but a direct link to the city’s Roman past. The archaeological monuments, including the Temple of Augustus and Arch of the Sergii, make it an essential site for anyone interested in ancient Roman history. The square continues to serve as a vibrant and culturally significant area of the city, offering visitors a chance to explore both Pula’s ancient heritage and its modern-day atmosphere. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, Forum Square is an unmissable part of Pula’s historical landscape.