Hercules Gate, Roman gate in Pula, Croatia
The Hercules Gate stands between two round towers and was built from uncut stone blocks. The structure measures roughly 12 feet (3.5 meters) wide and 13 feet (4 meters) tall.
An inscription on the gate mentions Lucius Calpurnius Piso and Gaius Cassius Longinus, who founded the Roman colony in Pula around 47 to 44 BC. This monument reflects the importance of these early settlers in shaping the city.
The carved head of Hercules above the gate shows a bearded man with curly hair and a club, embodying the ancient guardian figure of the city. This image served as an important symbol of power and protection for the Romans in Pula.
The gate now serves as the entrance to the Italian Community building and can be explored through self-guided walking routes in the area. It is best visited in early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler and the streets are less crowded.
The street running through the top of the gate creates an angled communication axis in relation to the city walls, showing unusual Roman urban design. This quirky layout reflects an unconventional approach to town planning that was quite rare for Roman settlements.
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