The Small Roman Theatre, along with the Pula Amphitheatre and the Great Roman Theatre, is one of three structures in ancient Pula intended for public entertainment. It was built in the early Augustan period, specifically in the third quarter of the 1st century BC, on the eastern and northeastern slopes of the central city hill.

It was constructed from local Istrian limestone, and its walls were ultimately clad with marble in the lower sections and plastered and painted (and likely frescoed) in the upper sections. It is semicircular in shape, with an auditorium partially carved into the live rock of the slope and a space for actors and a stage in its flat part.

While the exterior was likely simple and without decoration, the stage was richly adorned with pilasters, columns, architraves, arches, and possibly sculptures. Parts of the stage, such as architraves and capitals, were decorated with geometric and floral motifs.

After it ceased to be used, it was buried and remained invisible in the city until archaeological excavations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was only during investigations in 1911 that conservator and archaeologist Anton Gnirs realized it was a theatre; until then, the northern entrance to the theatre was believed to be remnants of an approach to the Capitol.

Throughout the 20th century, the theatre was excavated and conserved multiple times, and after extensive interventions in 2021-2022, it took on the form we see today. These works made it possible to almost fully appreciate its original height, as well as the seating arrangement of the auditorium.

The renovated theatre hosts artistic, musical, and dramatic performances. Spectators, in addition to enjoying the events taking place on the stage and in the theatre's orchestra, also receive additional experiences thanks to a large screen on the rear side of the Archaeological Museum of Istria building.

The Small Roman Theatre before renovation

  • Arena Image 1
  • Arena Image 2
  • Arena Image 3
  • Arena Image 4
  • Arena Image 5
  • Arena Image 6
  • Arena Image 7
  • Arena Image 8
  • Arena Image 9
  • Arena Image 10


Events

  • Arena Image 1
  • Arena Image 2
  • Arena Image 3
  • Arena Image 4
  • Arena Image 5

 

Renovation of the Small Roman Theatre

The Archaeological Museum of Istria was approved for co-financing the project "Conservation and Reconstruction of the Small Roman Theatre - Pula" as part of the open call “Revitalization of Cultural Heritage in the Urban Area of Pula”, funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The project, with a total value of HRK 17,852,732.44, was implemented from January 15, 2020, to February 15, 2022, and was co-financed with an intensity of 49.82%, or HRK 8,500,000.00, from the Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion.

The content of this publication/broadcast material is the sole responsibility of the Archaeological Museum of Istria.

For more information about the project, visit www.strukturnifondovi.hr or contact us via email at arheoloski-muzej-istre@pu.t-com.hr.