Pula Underground Tunnels

Beneath Pula, and especially under the Kastel hill that carries its fortress, runs a network of underground tunnels first cut by the Austro-Hungarian military and later extended during the Italian and Yugoslav periods. Known locally as the Zerostrato shelters, they were built to protect civilians during air raids and were reused through successive wars.

Some sections are now opened to visitors and used for exhibitions, while much of the network remains closed or unmapped. The temperature inside is steady and cool whatever the season, which made the tunnels useful as shelters and now makes them an odd, atmospheric stop on a hot day.

Access is partial and changes, so check what is currently open before you go. The tunnels are easiest to combine with the amphitheatre and the fortress above; the whole hill is layered with Pula’s military history from Roman times onward.

For photographers, the long perspectives and the dim lighting reward a tripod if one is allowed. Bring a layer; the chill is real even in August.

Every spot here is mapped and verified. Share this guide if it helped plan your trip.