Historical & Maritime Museum of Istria

At the highest point in Pula, the Historical & Maritime Museum of Istria has occupied this adapted Venetian fortification since 1955. Several departments – Pula, medieval and modern Istria and maritime – do a comprehensive job of explaining local and regional development. What makes this institution stand out is its niche collections, of old photographs, coins, insignia and uniforms, among other things. With a fascinating trove of phonographs, videos and maps, and given the patchwork past of this port, ruled by Habsburgs, Italians and Socialists in less than 50 years, this makes for a very worthwhile visit indeed.