CULTURAL & HISTORICAL ATTRACTIONS
HISTORIC CIVIC BUILDING
City Hall Building
Pula’s historic city hall combines Roman remains, medieval sculpture and later architectural layers beside the Temple of Augustus on Forum Square.
Location
Attraction Type
Entry
Best For
Visit Duration
Why Visit City Hall Building
✓ See centuries of architecture together
✓ Examine distinctive medieval stone carvings
✓ Discover remains of a Roman temple
✓ Photograph two Forum landmarks together
✓ Experience Pula’s active civic centre
✓ Combine it with an old-town walk
About City Hall Building
The City Hall Building stands at Forum 1 beside the Temple of Augustus. It remains an active seat of Pula’s mayor, municipal administration and City Council, giving the historic Forum a civic role that continues alongside its importance as a visitor landmark.
The building occupies part of the site of a Roman temple traditionally identified as the Temple of Diana. Surviving Roman fabric was incorporated into later construction, allowing visitors to see how the city reused and adapted its ancient ceremonial centre during the Middle Ages.
The present civic building took shape at the end of the 13th century. Sources date its core to 1295–1296, while a façade inscription records the building and its connection with the podestà Bartholomeus de Vitrei in 1296. Subsequent alterations introduced Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements, creating the layered appearance visible today.
Although the building has experienced periods of neglect and several restorations, it continues to fulfil its historic civic function. Visitors normally experience it from Forum Square because the interior operates as municipal offices rather than as a regularly open museum.
Explore City Hall Building
Begin with the arcaded stone façade facing Forum Square. Look closely at the masonry, columns, window openings and architectural fragments rather than viewing the building as a single-period structure. Its appearance records centuries of alteration rather than one unified medieval design.
Among its most distinctive features are the medieval inscription, a mounted relief connected with Bartholomeus de Vitrei, and sculpted telamon and siren figures. These details give the working civic building an unexpectedly decorative character and reward visitors who take time to examine its corners and upper façade.
Walk around the side of the building to understand its relationship with the neighbouring Temple of Augustus and the earlier Roman temple complex. From different positions on the Forum, both landmarks can be photographed together, illustrating the transition from Roman religious architecture to medieval and modern civic government.
Attraction Details
- Working city hall on Pula’s historic Forum
- Located at Forum 1 in Pula Old Town
- Built over remains of a Roman temple
- Building core dated to 1295–1296
- Façade inscription associated with the year 1296
- Features Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements
- Includes mounted, telamon and siren sculptures
- Served civic authorities during Venetian administration
- Major modern restoration completed in 1988
- Recommended exterior visit: 10–20 minutes
VisitPula Our Take
The City Hall Building suits architecture enthusiasts, history lovers and visitors exploring Pula’s old town on foot. Its value lies in the visible combination of Roman remains, medieval civic identity and later architectural additions rather than in a conventional indoor visitor experience.
Visit in the morning or early evening for softer light across the stone façade. Allow around 10–20 minutes for the building itself, then continue to the Temple of Augustus and the wider Forum. Remember that this is an active municipal building and regular tourist access to the interior is not offered.
Photos of City Hall Building
Nearby Places
Explore more historic attractions and landmarks near Pula Arena.
Location & Contact
Address: Forum 1, 52100 Pula, Croatia
Location: Forum Square, Pula Old Town
Phone: +385 52 371 700
Email: info@pula.hr
Access & Admission
Exterior viewing: Free
Regular interior visits: Not available
The City Hall Building is an active municipal building rather than a regularly open tourist attraction. Access may be restricted to official business, civic functions or specially arranged occasions.
Season & Availability
Best time of day: Morning or early evening
Visit duration: 10–20 minutes
Municipal office hours are not tourist opening hours. Visitors should expect to view the building primarily from Forum Square.
Map Location
Before You Go
- Expect exterior viewing only.
- Look closely at the carvings.
- Bring a camera for details.
- Combine with the Roman temple.
- Visit during softer morning light.
- Use city-centre public parking.
- Allow 10–20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions About City Hall Building
- Is City Hall Building worth visiting?
- Yes, City Hall Building is worth visiting for its layered architecture, medieval stone carvings and location beside the Temple of Augustus on Forum Square.
- Can visitors go inside City Hall Building?
- Regular tourist access is not available because City Hall Building is an active municipal building used by Pula’s mayor, administration and City Council.
- Is admission to City Hall Building free?
- Yes, viewing the exterior of City Hall Building from Forum Square is free.
- How long does a visit to City Hall Building take?
- Most visitors need 10–20 minutes to see the façade, inscription, sculptures and architectural details.
- Where is City Hall Building located?
- City Hall Building is located at Forum 1 in Pula Old Town, directly beside the Temple of Augustus.
