The Myth of the Moonlight Builders: Who Built the Pula Arena?

The Pula Arena was built by the Romans: a timber amphitheatre under Emperor Augustus, replaced in stone under Claudius and enlarged under Vespasian in AD 79 completed under Titus in AD 81. It could hold about 23,000 spectators, and today it is the only Roman amphitheatre with all four side towers preserved. Local legend, however, says it was built overnight by fairies.

Was Pula’s most famous landmark built by Roman engineers, or by fairies working beneath the moonlight?

Pula Arena at a glance

The fairies who built the Pula Arena overnight

According to Istrian folklore, the Arena was not built by human hands at all. Long ago, fairies known as vile were said to inhabit the region’s forests, hills and secluded meadows. They appeared at night, dancing beneath the moon and occasionally bringing good fortune to those who encountered them. They were also believed to be extraordinary builders.

One night, the fairies decided to construct a magnificent stone city beside the sea. They carried enormous blocks of stone from Mount Učka across Istria and used them to build the Arena’s circular walls, working in darkness to finish before sunrise.

Then a rooster crowed. With dawn approaching, the fairies fled before anyone could discover them. Legend says that the stones they dropped along the way were scattered across the land between Učka and Pula. The Arena was left without a roof, and the fairies never returned.

This magical tale adds another dimension to a monument already rich in history. While exploring Pula, keep an eye out for the stories and traditions that make Istria’s cultural heritage so distinctive.

Why was the Arena called Divić-grad?

In local tradition, the Arena became known as Divić-grad, a name commonly interpreted as the “town of miracles”. The old Slavic word divić refers to something miraculous or astonishing, reflecting the awe inspired by such an enormous structure.

The real Arena was not designed with a permanent stone roof. Instead, spectators could be protected from the sun by a large retractable fabric canopy called a velarium, supported by wooden masts and ropes. This clever feature demonstrates the ingenuity of Roman engineering—almost as impressive as the local legend.

Was the Pula Arena built for love?

Another popular story connects the Arena to Emperor Vespasian and his companion Antonia Caenis. According to the legend, Caenis owned estates near Pula, and Vespasian expanded the amphitheatre so the city could have an arena worthy of the one he was building in Rome.

Vespasian and Caenis were indeed long-term companions, and Caenis became an influential figure in the imperial household. However, there is no conclusive evidence connecting her to Pula or proving that the Arena was built as a declaration of love. The story remains an intriguing part of the city’s folklore rather than established history.

Is the Pula Arena a Colosseum?

Visitors sometimes call the monument the “Pula Colosseum”, but its correct name is the Pula Amphitheatre, or simply the Arena. The Colosseum is the specific name of Rome’s Flavian Amphitheatre.

The word arena comes from the Latin harena, meaning “sand”. Sand covered the central floor, helping absorb blood during gladiatorial contests and animal hunts.

The history of the Pula Arena began even before the monumental stone structure took shape. A wooden amphitheatre stood here under Emperor Augustus, followed by a stone building under Claudius. The Arena visible today was expanded under Vespasian in AD 79 and completed under Titus in AD 81, making its monumental phase broadly contemporary with Rome’s Colosseum.

Built from local Istrian limestone just outside the Roman settlement of Pola, the amphitheatre could accommodate around 23,000 spectators. Its location beside the Adriatic makes it particularly striking: the harbour and sea remain visible through its arches, creating a memorable backdrop for visitors exploring the city.

What makes the Pula Arena unique?

The Arena’s outer wall remains remarkably well preserved, reaching approximately 32.5 m on the seaward side. Its four surviving side towers are among its most distinctive architectural features. The towers contained staircases leading to the upper seating levels and cisterns; some interpretations suggest these may have supplied fountains or systems for spraying perfumed water over spectators.

Over the centuries, the monument survived the fall of the Roman Empire, the removal of some of its stonework and even a proposal in the 16th century to dismantle it and rebuild it in Venice. Stone was reportedly taken from the Arena in 1789 for the foundations of Pula Cathedral’s bell tower.

Today, the Arena continues to dominate Pula’s skyline. Its impressive state of preservation, monumental arches and coastal setting make it an essential stop for anyone interested in the history of Istria.

Why visit the Pula Arena during your camping holiday?

A visit to the Arena is an easy way to add history and culture to a holiday spent by the sea. Walk around the monumental exterior, admire the stone arches and towers, and explore the underground chambers when they are open to visitors.

The Arena is also a living cultural venue. Concerts, performances and the Pula Film Festival bring the ancient monument to life, offering a different way to experience its atmosphere.

And there is plenty more to discover nearby. Explore Pula’s historic centre, visit the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii, or head back towards the coast for a swim in the Adriatic. Pula combines Roman heritage, Mediterranean scenery and outdoor activities, making it an appealing destination in every season. 

Stay by the Adriatic at Arena Stoja Campsite

Make the most of your visit to Pula by staying at Arena Stoja Campsite. Set on a green peninsula surrounded by the Adriatic, the campsite combines a natural coastal atmosphere with convenient access to the city’s historic sights.

Choose a traditional camping pitch, or opt for Arena Stoja Camping Homes for a comfortable, fully equipped stay right by the water. Enjoy the nearby rocky coastline and spend your days discovering Pula and the wider Istrian peninsula. Arena Stoja Campsite is open all year, making it an ideal option for both vibrant summer holidays and quieter off-season escapes.

Frequently asked questions

Who built the Pula Arena?

The Romans built the Arena in several stages. A wooden amphitheatre stood here under Augustus, followed by a stone structure under Claudius. The monumental building was expanded under Vespasian in AD 79 and completed under Titus in AD 81. Local legend credits the fairies known as vile with building it overnight.

Is the Pula Arena older than the Colosseum?

Its earliest construction phases are older than Rome’s Colosseum. The monumental stone Arena, however, dates from roughly the same period.

How many people could the Pula Arena hold?

It could accommodate around 23,000 spectators in Roman times. Its capacity for modern events is approximately 5,000.

How tall is the Pula Arena?

The Arena reaches approximately 32.5 m on its seaward side.

Why is the Pula Arena called Divić-grad?

According to local tradition, Divić-grad means “town of miracles”, reflecting the wonder inspired by the monument’s impressive size.

Is the Pula Arena also called the Colosseum?

It is sometimes informally called the “Pula Colosseum”, but its correct name is the Pula Amphitheatre or the Arena. The Colosseum is Rome’s Flavian Amphitheatre.

Can visitors explore the underground chambers?

Yes, the underground chambers can be visited when open to the public. Check current visitor information before planning your visit.

What events take place at the Pula Arena?

The Arena hosts concerts, live performances and the Pula Film Festival, making it an important cultural venue as well as a historic landmark.

Is the Pula Arena easy to visit from Arena Stoja Campsite?

Yes. Arena Stoja Campsite is approximately 3 km from Pula’s historic centre. Public transport can help you reach the city; check current bus routes and timetables before travelling.

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