Verudela Fortress, Pula, Croatia

The Verudela Fortress is one of the best preserved fortresses. When its control over Pula commenced, the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy decided to transform the town into the Monarchy's maritime centre, which meant the construction of not only numerous newly-built structures such as the arsenal, hospital or the Hydrographic Institute, but also its defensive system. Thus, a magnificent fortification system was erected, which included not only Pula but also some of its neighbouring villages such as Medulin or Fažana.

In the period from 1881 until 1918, 31 structure was erected along the area of Pula and its near surrounding, including artillery batteries and other necessary structures. The Punta Christo fortress, which is the biggest Austro-Hungarian fortress, was built in Štinjan, on the namesake Kristo peninsula. Erected in the late 19th century, it spread across more than ten thousand square meters and had as many as 270 rooms.

The fortress had an excellent geographic position with a view of the entrance into the Pula Bay and the jetty from one, and of Muzil and the Brijuni islands from the other sea side. A trench was dug up around it, separating it, while the passage was possible only through one of the three entrances.

The interior yards of the Punta Christo fortress provide the access to its underground premises. The fortress was abandoned after the WW2. Having been neglected, abandoned and dilapidated for a number of years, it was finally cleared. Today it is used as a site for organizing concerts, exhibitions, and other cultural events.

References:

istria-culture.com

Castles and fortifications in Croatia

User Reviews

Žan Pogačnik (2 years ago)
Nice exbition. You can take your time and read about all the fish. They also have an option of audio guide. Alongside aquariums, there is also a historical exhibition about the fort. I especially liked the sea turtles rehabilitation programme. You can buy tickets online and enter through priority line. Overall, pleasant experience and would recommend it.

JB Reviews (2 years ago)
The aquarium is comprised of two separate buildings, one is located in an old castle, so you get to observe history and the sealife. The other is a non-descript building. Ironically, the bland building is the most exciting part. There are baby sharks swimming in a open top tank, there are huge black tip sharks and sting rays, turtles you can touch, crocodiles you can't touch (luckily). There are plenty of toilets and the staff are friendly. It has a cute gift shop with cuddly toy versions of most of the animals you will come across. I'm 28 years old but I couldn't resist a little black tip shark as the prices are reasonable. The only reason for the lack of a star is because you have to walk quite a distance from the bus stop, by-passing the aquarium building to go to the ticket office. If you are on a tight schedule like we were, this is inconvenient. We almost skipped the best part of the aquarium because the first building you go into is a little boring... it's okay if you like small fish and jellyfish but it's mostly just history about the castle.

Michael Ziegler (2 years ago)
Very nice aquarium with additional exotic area since this years August. A ideal place to go with kids in case of bad weather. Many different fishes and creatures of the sea can be explored. We visited it as a family and will definitely come back.

Jonathan Bate (2 years ago)
Amazing aquatic exhibits... great variety of sea life, fresh and salt water. Small, medium and large to very large tanks, plankton to mid-sized sharks. PLUS, this is a real military maritime history museum at the same time! Amazing. Buy tickets in advance... there were lines that we skipped!

Dominik Farkas (2 years ago)
The ticket costs around 20 euro if I am right, and u can visit 2 whole big aquariums. U can see not only sea animals, but historical boats and many else. The parking place is close, and FREE. I REALLY recommend it, enjoyed every moment of it.

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