Cathedral's Bell Tower: A Historical Ascent
Ascend Pula's Cathedral Bell Tower for panoramic city views, a glimpse into history, and a unique architectural experience.
The Cathedral's Bell Tower, a prominent feature of Pula's skyline, is part of the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The bell tower dates back to the 18th century and showcases a blend of Baroque and Romanesque styles. The lower section of the tower incorporates stones from the nearby ancient Roman theater. Climbing the bell tower offers panoramic views of Pula, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding countryside. From this vantage point, you can see Pula's historical sites, including Roman ruins and Mediterranean streets. The tower houses the original bells, which still ring to mark the hours. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to which the bell tower belongs, has origins tracing back to the 4th and 5th centuries. It was built on the site of a Roman temple. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone renovations, incorporating Gothic and Baroque elements. During World War II, the cathedral suffered damage from an allied bombing raid but was repaired by 1947.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and for optimal lighting for photographs.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the climb to the top, as the stairs can be steep and narrow.
- Combine your visit with a walk around the nearby historical sites for a full Pula experience.
A brief summary to Cathedral's bell tower
- Trg Svetog Tome 10, Pula, 52100, HR
Getting There
-
Walking
From the Pula Arena, head north on Flavijevska Ulica. Continue to Ulica Sergijevaca, turn left, and follow it to Trg Porta Meridiana. Continue onto Ulica Rojc, passing the Roman Theatre. Turn right onto Ulica Kandlera, then left onto Ulica Mletačka. Continue to Trg Svetog Tome, where the Cathedral's bell tower is located. The walk is approximately 20 minutes.
-
Public Transport
From the main bus station in Pula, take bus number 2 or 3 towards the city center. Get off at 'Zagrebačka' or 'Pula Centar'. Walk towards the Pula Arena, then follow the walking directions to Trg Svetog Tome. A single bus ticket costs around 2 euros. A contactless card can be purchased for a reduced fare.
-
Car
From the A9 motorway, take the exit towards Pula and follow signs to the city center. Head towards Trg Forum, then follow signs to Trg Svetog Tome. Parking is available nearby, with fees ranging from 10 to 20 HRK per hour.
