Pula’s Roman Arena

Maybe it’s because I wrote a blog about the Croatian town of Pula this time last week, that my mind went straight back there when I saw this week’s Photo Challenge themes.

The Pula Arena is the sixth largest Roman amphitheatre in the World. And while it may be a little frayed around the edges, it’s remarkably well preserved. I hope I look as good when I’m 2000 years old!

We arrived in Pula in the evening, so our first proper view of the amphitheatre was after dark. It looked so menacing, basking in the orange(ish) glow of spotlights. It was easy to imagine thousands of Romans pouring through its gates, to witness goodness-knows how many unfortunate gladiators entering the deadly fray in the Arena.

The next morning we were heading on to Slovenia, but as anyone who read my recent blog about the Colosseum will know, I’m fascinated by amphitheatres. Well, all things Roman, really. So we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get a closer look at the Arena before we left Pula.

Braving an early morning rainstorm, we headed back to the amphitheatre. And we were all so glad we did. If anything, the virtually complete walls of Pula’s Arena were even more impressive from within.

It still amazes me that, after 20 centuries, Pula Arena is still being used as an entertainment venue. Although, presumably, the attractions are a little less bloody these days.

This post is inspired by the themes Fray (from John of the Daily Post), Orange (from Ailsa’s of Where’s My Backpack?) and Arches (from Sue of A Word in Your Ear).

While you’re still marvelling at Pula’s incredible Arena, why not sign up and follow my continuing Journeys here at Jaspa’s Journal, or through my website,  Facebook, Twitter and Instagram?

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