Aquarium Pula: Beneath the Waves and Within the Walls
Nestled within the stone walls of Fort Verudela, a 19th-century Austro-Hungarian coastal fort, Aquarium Pula offers a unique blend of marine life and history. Located on the Verudela Peninsula, just outside the city center, this is not just an aquarium – it is a journey beneath the surface of the Adriatic, housed within a monument of the past.
As you walk through the stone corridors and vaulted chambers of the fort, each room opens into a different world of water. From local Adriatic species to tropical fish, sharks, and sea turtles, the exhibits take you on a journey through the seas and oceans of the world, all while surrounded by historic architecture.
Marine life and conservation
Aquarium Pula is home to more than 200 species, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Adriatic Sea. From colorful reef fish and eels to seahorses and jellyfish, the tanks offer close-up encounters with creatures that are both familiar and exotic.
But beyond the exhibits, Aquarium Pula plays an important role in marine conservation. The Sea Turtle Rescue Center, located within the aquarium, works to rehabilitate injured turtles and release them back into the wild, offering visitors a chance to learn about the challenges facing these majestic animals.
Interactive displays and educational programs make the experience engaging for children and adults alike, turning the visit into both entertainment and learning.
Views above the sea
After exploring the underwater world, visitors can climb to the roof of the fort, where panoramic views of the Adriatic coastline stretch out before you. The contrast between the blue sea, the green peninsulas, and the stone walls of the fort adds another layer to the experience, blending nature, history, and marine life in one visit.
Visiting Aquarium Pula is about more than seeing fish in tanks. It is about connecting with the sea, understanding its creatures, and appreciating the history that surrounds them. It invites you to explore below and above the waves, and to leave with a deeper respect for the ocean and its inhabitants.
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