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Small Roman Theater

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Small Roman Theater in Pula was constructed in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus as a vital part of the Roman colony Pietas Iulia Pola. It is situated on the northeastern slope of the city's central hill, positioned directly beneath the Venetian citadel. Unlike the larger Amphitheater, this venue was dedicated to theatrical performances and dramatic plays, with an estimated capacity of 4,000 to 5,000 spectators. The architecture features a semicircular orchestra and remains of the stone seating rows that were cleverly integrated into the natural hillside terrain. Throughout the Middle Ages, the theater fell into ruin and was partially used as a quarry for the construction of the nearby fortress. A significant restoration project completed in 2023 revitalized the site by blending ancient masonry with modern architectural elements, once again transforming it into a functional venue for contemporary concerts and festivals.

Location: Croatia
Top sights: Hercules Gate · Malo rimsko kazalište · Archaeological Museum of Istria
Nearby: Banjole (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	6	9	13	17	22	24	24	20	16	11	7
Rain mm	78	95	74	67	84	64	49	71	113	101	133	102

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Visitors can freely explore the visible ancient ruins of this semicircular theater, which is located outdoors and remains fully open to the elements throughout the year.

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Typical hours

Because it is an open-air archaeological site integrated into the hillside, the theater is typically accessible at any time during daylight hours without formal opening or closing times.

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Photography

Taking photographs of the historical stonework against the backdrop of Pula's cityscape is encouraged, and the soft lighting of the late afternoon provides the best dramatic effect.

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Time needed

A typical visit to observe the ancient seating area and the remaining stage foundations will take about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your interest in Roman antiquities.

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Combine with

The site is located just below the Venetian fortress on Kaštel hill, making it good to visit together with the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria and the iconic Pula Arena.

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Getting there

Reaching the theater requires a short, uphill walk from the central pedestrian zones of Pula, navigating some uneven stone pathways leading up the historic slope.

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Insider tip

Wear sturdy walking shoes to safely navigate the uneven ground and ruins, and consider bringing your own water as there are usually no facilities immediately at the archaeological site itself.

Geography

Coordinates

44.86970, 13.84750

Facts

Built in the 1st century AD during the early Roman Empire.
The theater could accommodate between 4,000 and 5,000 people.
Major archaeological excavations were conducted in 1930.
Reopened as a performance space in 2023 after extensive renovation.
Much of its original stone was used to build the Venetian fortress in 1630.
It is one of the few Roman theaters in Croatia integrated into a natural slope.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pula<1 km · SEExplore →

📍Pješčana Uvala4 km · SExplore →

Banjole4 km · SEExplore →

📍Jadreški5 km · EExplore →

📍Valbandon6 km · NWExplore →

📍Pomer6 km · SEExplore →

📍Loborika7 km · NEExplore →

📍Galižana7 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Sights in the town Small Roman Theater (10)

Hercules Gate

City gate in Pula, named after the relief of Hercules, of Roman origin.

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Malo rimsko kazalište

Small Roman theatre in Pula, remains of an ancient stage structure.

Archaeological Museum of Istria🏛 museum

Museum in Croatia, displaying archaeological finds from Istria from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

🌐 ami-pula.hr💶

Zerostrasse🏛 museum

Tunnel system in Pula, underground passages from World War I.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-21:00; Oct-Mar Mo-Su 09:00-17:00♿💶

Galerija C8

Gallery C8 in Pula, exhibition space for contemporary art.

Roman Twin gates

2nd-century Roman city gate in Pula, Croatia, a double-arched gate.

Rimski mauzolej

Roman mausoleum in Pula, remains of an ancient tomb structure.

Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria🏛 museum

Museum in Croatia, about the history and navigation of Istria, housed in Pula castle.

Arch of the Sergi

Triumphal arch in Pula, erected in honor of the Sergius family in the 1st century BC.

Istarsko narodno kazalište

Theatre in Pula, venue for plays, opera and ballet.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Small Roman Theater located?

It is located on the slope of the central hill in Pula, right below the castle.

Is there an entrance fee?

Access to the ruins is usually possible as part of a visit to the Archaeological Museum.

Are performances still held there today?

Yes, after renovation, the theater is again used for concerts and cultural events.

Is the theater accessible?

Access to the site is partly steep, but modernized sections offer better paths.

How long does a visit take?

Allow about 20-30 minutes to see the ruins and enjoy the view.

Small Roman Theater: where is it located?

Small Roman Theater is located in Croatia.

Small Roman Theater: what is there to see?

Highlights include Hercules Gate, Malo rimsko kazalište, Archaeological Museum of Istria.

Small Roman Theater: when is the best time to visit?