Pola (nowadays Pula, Croatia)… what’s to see?

[KizmeRD]

I’m heading off at the end of the month to visit the Istria Peninsula for my summer hols, and I wonder whether any Forum Pals who know the area could steer me in the direction of any sites of interest that might still remain from the days when Pola was the main Mediterranean port of the Austro-Hungarian navy (and the operating base for German WW1 U-boat activity)?

Any suggestions as to what to see (Great War related) would be much appreciated.

MB

[Gareth Davies]

Forts Verudella and Bourguignon and Monvidal.

The German War Cemetery.

[KizmeRD]

Thanks Gareth, I’ll certainly pay a visit to one or other of the many forts, and I’ve also discovered that there’s even an exhibition and library specifically relating to the KuK Marine located in the former Naval Casino building (‘House of the Croatian Defenders’).
I’m looking forward to seeing it, and to explore the rest of the city and its harbour.

MB

Edited 17 June , 2023 by KizmeRD

[stevenbecker]

Mate,

I spent a few years just south of there, near Split, but traveled over much of the country during the war 1993-96.

All along the coast there are the old defences of the Italians and Germans/AH from WWI and WWII

Bunkers and block houses all over

While I didn't have much time to sight see, its a great time to go 

Watch out for the sea urchins when you go for a dip.

S.B

[KizmeRD]

Thanks Steve - I’ve just bought myself some slip-on water shoes!

I’ll be taking my camera, and will research anything interesting I might find.

MB

[stevenbecker]

Mate,

Just one of many

S.B

 

bunker.pdf

[FROGSMILE]

On 17/06/2023 at 17:08, KizmeRD said:

I’m heading off at the end of the month to visit the Istria Peninsula for my summer hols, and I wonder whether any Forum Pals who know the area could steer me in the direction of any sites of interest that might still remain from the days when Pola was the main Mediterranean port of the Austro-Hungarian navy (and the operating base for German WW1 U-boat activity)?

Any suggestions as to what to see (Great War related) would be much appreciated.

MB

I visited there in 1970 and although it’s not related to WW1 there is a very fine mini coliseum there that apparently had regular games featuring gladiators.  I remember it was in surprisingly good condition and well worth a look.

[Mk VII]

I went there about 1975, when it was still a navy town.  There was a 'Museum of the People's Revolution' in one of the old Austro-Hungarian forts with various Italian, German and Austrian firearms.  Also the above mentioned amphitheatre, practically deserted in those days.    

[KizmeRD]

Thanks, I’m actually off to visit Pula today, the wife’s interested in seeing the Amphitheater, and I’ll visit the naval museum and the special exhibition on the Austro-Hungarian navy being held in the Casino building (former Wardroom Mess). This building is now called the ‘House of Croatian Defenders’, the exhibition is on the 1st floor which is used as a naval library. We’ll probably have lunch on the harbour-side, near the old castle. In the hills behind the town there are also a series of coastal defence forts which I may also find time to visit, depending in how hot it is! (May have to return another day in order to see everything).

MB

[michaeldr]

I hope that both you and Mrs MB have an enjoyable time
and if you happen to see anything of interest, then I hope that you can share a picture or two here, after you get back home
All the best

[FROGSMILE]

4 hours ago, KizmeRD said:

Thanks, I’m actually off to visit Pula today, the wife’s interested in seeing the Amphitheater, and I’ll visit the naval museum and the special exhibition on the Austro-Hungarian navy being held in the Casino building (former Wardroom Mess). This building is now called the ‘House of Croatian Defenders’, the exhibition is on the 1st floor which is used as a naval library. We’ll probably have lunch on the harbour-side, near the old castle. In the hills behind the town there are also a series of coastal defence forts which I may also find time to visit, depending in how hot it is! (May have to return another day in order to see everything).

MB

I recall that on the harbour side there was a restaurant operated from onboard a former fishing barque permanently moored alongside and with tables placed on the upper deck.  I wonder if it will still be there, as it was popular and always packed both, at lunchtime, and in the evening. One speciality was fish chargrilled in garlic flavoured oil that was amazingly tasty to a Brit in the 1970s.  I hope you enjoy your visit.

Edited 30 June , 2023 by FROGSMILE

[Mk VII]

At that time it was very much a navy town with sailors everywhere and guards with SKS rifles on the buildings who stopped you photographing anything.