1. Historical Significance: Pula is home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, known as the Pula Arena. This ancient structure, built in the 1st century AD, is still used today for various events, including concerts and film festivals. 2. Film Festival: Pula hosts the Pula Film Festival, which is one of the oldest film festivals in Croatia. It showcases national and international films and takes place in various historical venues around the city, including the Pula Arena. 3. Rich Maritime Heritage: Pula has a long maritime history, being an important naval base during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The city's harbor is still significant today, not just for shipping but also for the construction and repair of ships, contributing to the local economy and heritage.
Pula, a city in Croatia with a population of around 52,220, has experienced a dynamic housing market in recent years. The average price per square meter for residential properties in Pula has reached €2,834, marking a 4.81% increase from the previous year. For apartments specifically, the median price is €3,083 per square meter, while houses have a median price of €2,729 per square meter. The rental market in Pula is active, with prices varying based on location and property type. However, specific data on the proportion of renters versus homeowners is not readily available. Pula's real estate market has seen increased activity, particularly in the luxury segment and rural areas. The demand for properties, especially those with sea views, has been growing, attracting both domestic and international investors. While there is limited information on public, social, and cooperative housing in Pula, Croatia generally has a high rate of homeownership, with about 90% of the population owning their homes. This suggests that public and social housing likely play a minor role in Pula's housing market. The city's housing market is influenced by factors such as tourism, with a notable impact on short-term rentals and property investments. Overall, Pula's real estate market shows signs of growth and increasing property values.
The city administration of Pula, Croatia, is actively addressing housing challenges, particularly homelessness and affordable housing. Mayor Filip Zoričić and his team have prioritized collaboration with local partners to find sustainable solutions. Pula has implemented several key initiatives: 1. Housing First: Pula is the first city in Croatia to adopt this model, providing housing and support services to homeless individuals. The city has partnered with NGOs and signed contracts for direct funding from the city budget to support this program. 2. Affordable Housing Strategy: The city is working on increasing the supply of affordable long-term rental housing, especially important in a tourist-driven economy where short-term rentals are prevalent. 3. Preventive Measures: Pula is focusing on preventing homelessness by supporting vulnerable groups through social services, mental health care, and employment opportunities. 4. Sustainable City Initiatives: Pula received the Sustainable City Award for implementing eco-friendly measures, including improved waste management, green storm water drainage, and sustainable public transport options. 5. Collaboration and Advocacy: The city is working closely with national authorities and local partners to advocate for policies supporting affordable housing and homelessness prevention. Pula aims to reduce homelessness, conduct a comprehensive homelessness count, strengthen collaborative partnerships, increase public awareness, and influence national housing policy reforms in the coming years.