Hello everyone, today I would like to share with you photos of an interesting place that I plan to visit during my next visit to Istria, Croatia. I was in Pula a few years ago, but then there was not much time to explore the city. A few days ago, my sister, who visited Pula, intrigued me with the photos she sent me of the Zerostrasse underground museum.
Pula is a city that has great historical significance as an important military-strategic center and main war port in the past. During its long history, which lasts three thousand years, this city has suffered many wars and subsequent rebuilding and development.
However, despite the stormy war history, the city is very well preserved and rich in historical heritage. Everywhere you turn you see the walls of the old city, fortresses, and castles.
When you walk through the old town, you usually don't think about what lies beneath all those authentic, beautiful streets.
And then you come across a tunnel that catches your attention and makes you take a peek. 🙂
It is incredible that there is an entire underground city under Pula, made of tunnels. These tunnels are an Austro-Hungarian historical heritage and were built during the First World War as a shelter in case of air attacks on the city.
There are 4 entrances to Zerostrasse. Unfortunately, my sister didn't have more time to devote to this place, so she just ran through the tunnels, but what she saw and photographed was enough to arouse my curiosity and desire for a longer visit to this place in the future.
All underground hallways lead to a unique space in the center, where the hallways meet. In the tunnels and hallways, many historical authentic photos are displayed, where you can see how the city looked a long time ago.
What can be seen in the pictures and what is interesting is that during the Austro-Hungarian rule, 100 years ago, Pula had an electric tram, which unfortunately was later replaced by buses.
A newspaper clipping displayed here reads "By the tram to the sea in 10 minutes". Accordingly, trams once meant a lot to the population of Pula and were the main means of public transport.
It can be concluded that Pula was a real European metropolis even 100 years ago. And Zerostrasse is certainly a very interesting place that hides many secrets, worth a visit.
Thank you very much for reading.
The images and writing are original and mine.
Greetings!
Jelena