Park pod Arenom

Park pod Arenom (Park below the Arena) is a city park in Pula, laid out on a gentle slope right beneath the ancient Roman amphitheater — the Arena. Together with the neighboring Valerija's Park, it forms one continuous green area in the heart of the city, and many locals and guides consider it the prettiest patch of greenery Pula has to offer.

Where did the park come from?

The land the park now occupies was once used as a military storage ground, first for the Austro-Hungarian army and later for Italian forces. The park itself was laid out in the 1930s, during the period of Italian rule over the city. What sets Park pod Arenom apart from other green spaces in Pula is that it has survived almost unchanged since then — the original layout of paths, plot shapes and sizes are still intact nearly a century after it was created.

What will you see there?

The park covers a modest area of around 3,300 m², but it makes up for its size in color. Its centerpiece is a set of seasonal flower beds — pansies, begonias and petunias, replanted every year, forming a striking "flower carpet" effect. Combined with the massive walls of the Arena rising in the background, this composition makes the park a favorite photo spot for both tourists and locals, including wedding photo sessions.

How do you get there?

Park pod Arenom sits literally a few steps from the amphitheater, right in the center of Pula, so walking is by far the easiest way to reach it — a stroll from the old town or the harbor takes only a few minutes. It fits naturally into a walking tour of the city and pairs well with a visit to the Arena, with no need to plan a separate trip or drive.

When is the best time to visit?

The park can be visited year-round, but it looks most striking in spring and summer, when the freshly planted flower beds are in full bloom. Since the plants are swapped out seasonally, the color scheme changes from year to year and season to season — worth keeping in mind if you're aiming for a specific floral backdrop in your photos.

Is it a good spot to rest?

Yes — despite its small size, the park functions as a quiet little oasis right next to one of the city's busiest tourist spots. It's a good place for a short break before or after exploring the Arena.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, Park pod Arenom is a public city green space and entry is free.

How long does it take to see the park? Given its small size (about 3,300 m²), a walk through the park and taking photos usually takes 10–20 minutes.

Is the park good for wedding or portrait photography? Yes, thanks to its colorful flower beds and the backdrop of the Arena, it's a popular spot for photo shoots, including weddings.

Is the park connected to other green spaces in Pula? Yes, it borders Valerija's Park directly, and together they form one continuous green area in the city center.