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Gate of Hercules: A Portal to Pula's Past

Step through Pula's oldest Roman gate, a simple yet significant monument to the city's ancient past and the enduring legend of Hercules.

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The Gate of Hercules, dating back to 47-44 BC, stands as Pula's oldest Roman gate. Modest in design, this single-arched stone gate features a worn relief of Hercules, the mythical guardian of Pula, along with an inscription detailing its Roman founders.

A brief summary to Gate of Hercules

Local tips

  • Take a moment to appreciate the worn carvings of Hercules and the ancient inscription above the archway.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Italian Community area for a glimpse into Pula's diverse cultural influences.
  • Visit during the day to best see the details of the carvings and inscription, as lighting is limited at night.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Pula's main square, Trg Portarata, walk northeast towards Ulica Sergijevaca. Continue until you reach the Roman Theatre, then turn left onto Ulica Flavijevska. Turn right onto Ulica Giardini; the Gate of Hercules will be on your left at Giardini 5.

  • Public Transport

    From the Pula Bus Station, take bus number 2 or 3 and get off at the 'Giardini' stop. Walk straight ahead, and the Gate of Hercules will be visible. A single bus ticket costs around 11 HRK.

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Discover more about Gate of Hercules

The Gate of Hercules, or Herkulova Vrata, is a captivating historical landmark in Pula, Croatia, marking the beginning of the city's rich Roman history. Constructed between 47 and 44 BC, it is the oldest Roman gate still standing in Pula. The gate's simple yet sturdy design reflects its archaic nature, built from uncarved stone blocks. Above the arch, a weathered relief depicts Hercules, recognizable by his beard and club, the city's ancient protector. Adjacent to the relief, a damaged inscription bears the names of two prominent Roman officials, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Caesoninus, Julius Caesar's father-in-law, and Gaius Cassius Longinus, the brother of one of Caesar's assassins, who were tasked by the Roman Senate to establish a Roman colony in Pula. Excavated in the 19th century, the Gate of Hercules provides a tangible link to Pula's distant past. Situated between two medieval towers, the gate leads into the old city and stands as a reminder of Pula's strategic importance throughout history.

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