Temple of Augustus (Pula)
Temple of Augustus (Pula)
Standing on Pula's Forum, the Temple of Augustus displays its intact Corinthian façade as it has for two millennia. An exceptional Roman relic at the heart of the Istrian old town.
At the heart of Pula's Forum, the Temple of Augustus ranks among the world's best-preserved Roman temples. Erected between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD, it testifies to the city's status as a Roman colony. Its façade of Corinthian columns, untouched for two thousand years, still dominates the principal square of Pula.
Practical Info at a Glance
- Admission: paid entry (modest ticket); free for small children
- Recommended duration: 20 to 30 minutes
- Access: downtown center, on the Forum — walkable from any point in the old town
- Dress code: no restrictions (civic site, not a place of worship)
What You'll See
The façade presents six fluted Corinthian columns crowned by a sculpted triangular pediment. The interior, austere in character, now houses a small collection of Roman stone sculptures. The temple is the sole structure of the ancient Forum to have survived virtually intact; its two neighboring temples have vanished.
History and Context
Built under Augustus, the temple was dedicated to him and to the goddess Rome. Following the Empire's fall, it was successively converted into a Christian church, then into a municipal granary in the Middle Ages — a factor that largely explains its exceptional preservation. A bomb during World War II partially damaged the structure; it was restored in the 1940s–1950s.
Highlights of Your Visit
The Corinthian Façade
The columns, standing some thirty feet high, remain the focal point. Observe the finely sculpted capitals and the ornamental frieze decorated with botanical scrollwork — a remarkable feat of craftsmanship for the period.
The Interior Lapidary Collection
Inside, fragments of Roman sculptures and inscriptions discovered in Pula offer a tangible glimpse into ancient urban life. The collection is modest yet tastefully presented.
The Surrounding Forum
The Forum square preserves its ancient layout. The cafés bordering it allow you to contemplate the temple from outside, in a setting that blends Roman ruins with Venetian architecture.
Photography Tips
Morning light (before 10 AM) illuminates the façade directly without backlighting. In the evening, the temple's artificial lighting creates a particularly photogenic atmosphere. To avoid crowds in your frame, aim for early morning during peak season. Sufficient distance from the Forum's center allows you to capture all six columns in their entirety.
Location and Access
The temple stands on the Forum, the central square of Pula's old town, a few minutes' walk from the Pula Arena. No special transport is necessary: the old town is entirely pedestrian. Wheelchair access to the square is possible, but the temple's interior has steps.
Nearby Attractions
- Pula Arena — a Roman amphitheater among the world's best preserved, five minutes' walk away.
- Arch of the Sergii — a Roman triumphal arch from the 1st century BC, at the old town's entrance.
- Hercules Gate — one of Pula's oldest Roman gateways, steps away from the Forum.
- Istrian Archaeological Museum — Roman and prehistoric collections that ideally complement your temple visit.
Frequently asked questions
The temple is accessible year-round. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists than July–August.
Yes, both sites are five minutes' walk from each other. Half a day is enough to visit the temple, the arena, and other Roman remains in the center.
Photography is generally allowed inside for personal use. Check for any restrictions at the entrance when you visit.
The Forum square is wheelchair accessible. The temple's interior has steps that may limit full access.
Plan on 20 to 30 minutes for the interior. Add time if you wish to linger on the Forum square and observe the façade from the surrounding cafés.
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