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Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria: A Fortress of History

Explore Istria's captivating past within the walls of a historic Venetian fortress, offering panoramic views and rich collections.

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Housed in a 17th-century Venetian fortress in Pula, the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria showcases the region's rich past, from ancient Roman times to its Austro-Hungarian naval legacy. Explore diverse collections within the historic walls, offering panoramic views of Pula's harbor.

A brief summary to Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for temporary exhibitions and events to enhance your visit.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collections.
  • Visit the underground tunnels of Zerostrasse, accessible through the museum, for a unique historical experience.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the fortress walls for stunning views of Pula and the Adriatic Sea.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Pula Arena, walk southeast on Flavijevska ulica towards Ulica Sergijevaca. Continue straight until you reach Ulica Riva, then turn left. At the end of Ulica Riva, turn right onto Ulica M. K. Gorkog, and continue to Ulica Dante Alighieri. Turn left again, and the museum entrance will be on your right at Gradinski uspon 6. This walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. Note that the final approach involves a steep climb up Gradinski uspon.

  • Public Transport

    From the city center, take bus line 2 or 3 towards Galižana. Get off at the Šijana stop. Walk back towards the main road and head southeast on Ulica M. K. Gorkog. Continue to Ulica Dante Alighieri, turn left, and the museum will be on your right. A single bus fare costs around 1.50 EUR. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the museum, including a climb up Gradinski uspon.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are readily available in Pula. A ride from the city center to the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria typically costs between 6.50 EUR to 12 EUR, depending on the service and time of day. The journey takes around 8 minutes. Be prepared for a short uphill walk from the drop-off point to the museum entrance.

  • Driving

    From the center of Pula, follow signs for 'Centar' or 'Tvrđa' (the Fortress). Once near the city center, look for Gradinski uspon street. The museum is located at Gradinski uspon 6. Parking is available near the museum, but it is limited and can be challenging to find. Paid parking areas are available, costing approximately 10 HRK (1.33 EUR) per hour. Parking on top of Kaštel is also available but fills up quickly.

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Discover more about Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria

Perched atop Pula's highest hill, the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria offers a captivating journey through the region's multifaceted history. The museum is located in a remarkable Venetian fortress dating back to the 17th century, built to defend Venetian holdings in southern Istria. Originally founded as the Museum of the Revolution in 1955, the museum has been housed in the adapted fortress since 1961. Inside, visitors can explore a vast collection of over 100,000 artifacts, organized into 18 diverse collections. These holdings encompass cultural, historical, political, military, and ethnographic items, offering insights into Istria's past from the Middle Ages to the present day. Exhibits showcase the region's maritime heritage, ancient civilizations, and various periods of Istrian history. Highlights include collections related to shipbuilding, navigation, fishing, and underwater archaeology. The museum also features a naval military pharmacy dating back to 1861. The fortress itself contributes to the museum's allure, providing panoramic views of Pula's harbor and the Adriatic Sea. The location has played a crucial role in various historical events, making it an artifact in its own right. The museum's departments cover the history of Pula, medieval Istrian history, and modern Istrian history. The museum also operates the underground tunnels of Zerostrasse and the Herman Potočnik Noordung visitor center.

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