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?
And if that’s not enough for you, there are now three Jaspa’s Journey novels to enjoy as ebooks! Perfect for Kids 8 – 80!
Nice selection of shots from around the Colosseum.
Thanks Daniel! I hope you enjoyed this post about Pula’s Arena, too.
Quite amazing photos, and very interesting!! In one of our many native languages here in SA, Sotho, Pula actually means rain . . . quite amazing! 🙂
Thanks very much! It was certainly raining heavily earlier that morning.
You got some awesome shots!
Thanks very much!
Amazing architecture !
Pula also has several other monuments and city walls (parts of) dating from Roman times.
Beautiful pictures – we visited Pula a few years ago but didn’t manage to see the amphitheatre in the dark, especially loved your photos of it all lit up.
Thanks Joy! We didn’t have as much time in Pula as we’d have liked, so I never got to explore the citadel.
Wonderful images! The evening shot looks almost like a painting – the colours are amazing. They certainly built things to last, those Romans … though, of course, most of them who would have done the actual building weren’t Roman at all! I know Hadrian’s Wall, which is quite near to us, was built by men from Iraq, Germany and several other places too. The Romans are always an interesting subject to learn more about.
Thanks Peggy! I inherited my interest in the Romans from Rich. He grew up near Chester (in fact his Mum was born there), with its impressive Roman walls. I’ve also been to Hadrian’s Wall, although to be honest, nothing compares to the Roman ruins I’ve seen in Italy and other Mediterranean countries.
Ah, yes – our Roman ruins have largely been ‘recycled’ into other buildings including farm houses and medieval churches! It is fortunate indeed that other Roman remains have fared much better!
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wow !
I agree!
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I’m fascinated by the arena and everything else Roman. Great photos, Jaspa!
Me too!
The chosen photos are very approriate, I love the round shape of stands inside the Colosseum ^^
It’s impressive, isn’t it?
That’s true 🙂 nothing can beat the beauty of this ancient building
I have never heard of this one. Great shots, and I agree with you guys that it is pretty cool that it is still being used. Roman engineering!
We hadn’t heard of it until we started making our route plans, either.