I visited a European city with a gorgeous amphitheatre better than Rome

Pula was constructed on seven hills, a nod to its rich Roman roots and strategic geographical planning. Today, these hills continue to shape Pula's character and allure, offering picturesque viewpoints, ancient ruins, and tranquil residential areas that seamlessly blend history with contemporary life.

After spotting Pula on my TikTok feed earlier this year and wondering where this breathtaking city could possibly be, I decided to take a quick trip there to see what it had in store.

I've noticed people flocking to Dubrovnik and Split for their summer getaways, but never Pula, the largest city in Istria, nestled in the north of Croatia. It's renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman ruins, particularly the Pula Arena, which is arguably one of the most awe-inspiring sites I've ever seen.

Few landmarks around the globe manage to merge ancient splendour with modern vibrancy quite like the Pula Arena. Dominating the cityscape and situated near the coast for over 2,000 years, the amphitheatre stands as one of the best-preserved examples of its kind anywhere on the planet.

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Constructed between 27 BC and 68 AD, almost the entire structure remains intact. In fact, it's the only remaining amphitheatre to have all four side towers completely preserved, reports the Express.

While the Colosseum in Rome is often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Roman amphitheatres, the Pula Arena, built entirely from Istria's famous white limestone, predates it. This architectural marvel of Roman engineering stands out from other ancient structures.

Despite appearing as if some parts have crumbled over time, these pieces were actually repurposed by the Romans for other constructions. The Pula Arena, capable of hosting around 20,000 spectators, would have been the stage for gladiatorial contests during the Roman era and knights' tournaments in the Middle Ages.

Exploring the amphitheatre alone was a remarkable experience, but there are also numerous tours and excursions available. For just € 10, I could wander around this vast structure at my own pace, ascend to the seating area, and take in views of the city.

One of the most distinctive features of the arena is its ongoing use as a venue for performances. Today, it can accommodate over 7,000 attendees and regularly stages concerts, film showings, and cultural festivals.

While there's plenty to see above ground in the city, a hidden labyrinth of tunnels known as Zerostrasse lies beneath the streets. These passages, carved into the city's limestone, date back to the early 20th century and were originally constructed as a shelter system during wartime.

Surprisingly roomy, the tunnels offer ample space to walk around freely.

In the heart of the old town, overlooking the bustling Forum Square, stands one of Croatia's most elegant Roman monuments: the Temple of Augustus. Originally dedicated to Emperor Augustus, Rome's first emperor and Julius Caesar's adopted heir.

Despite being partially destroyed in a World War II bombing, it was restored and can be admired in all its splendour whilst enjoying a refreshing drink in one of the cafes within the Forum Square.

If you're more of a beach lover, Pula has several key areas to visit for beaches, and a short drive from the city will take you to Hawaii Beach, renowned for its crystal clear waters.

Numerous hotels are also nearby, and I stayed at the Park Plaza Histria Pula, which boasts incredible sea views and is just 10 minutes from Pula itself.

Despite this, Pula remains quite a tranquil city, even in the height of summer, when it is visited more by Croatians than tourists. I'd highly recommend visiting Pula all year round, with September temperatures still a comfortable 25C, and October dropping to 20C.