Ancient legend has it that the main attraction of the Croatian city of Pula was built by fairies dancing in the meadows of picturesque Istria. While the citizens slept, the fairies tirelessly laid huge stones in rows. Unfortunately, the restless rooster crowed too early, and the fairies did not complete their fantastic creation. However, the amphitheater still stands like this attracting modern tourists.

The ancient heritage has always come with legends, traditions, and other fascinating stories. Seriously though, the majestic amphitheater was built at the beginning of the 1st century, during the reign of the Roman Empire. Then, under Emperor Augustus's rule, the pompous architectural monument was made of wood. 40 years later, Emperor Claudius ordered to make it stone and hold the legendary gladiatorial combats in its arena. After gladiator games were strictly banned in the 5th century, the ancient stone walls were emptied and looted.

Later, in the Middle Ages, the giant arena hosted traditional city fairs and festive gypsy tournaments. The masterpiece of ancient architecture almost lost its enviable fame but was saved by a real miracle. The city authorities protected Pula's heritage from the Republic of Venice. In the early 19th century, the historical monument was restored by the famous Austro-Hungarian architect Pietro Nobile. It is symbolic that the ancient Roman amphitheater was restored by the decree of the last Roman Emperor Francis II, better known as the first Emperor of Austria Francis I.

Today, the Pula Arena is the only preserved amphitheater in the world that comprises all three Roman architectural orders. Besides, the amphitheater is the 6th largest structure of its type. Massive stone walls, almost 30 meters high, surround the arena of ​​2,830 square meters, fenced off from spectators by strong tall bars. After all, as you know, gladiators fought not only with each other but also with wild dangerous animals, which were kept in cages and underground labyrinths leading to the arena. The arena has perfectly preserved all these parts to this day, remaining one of the most popular tourist attractions in Pula and Croatia as well.