Gate of Hercules (Herkulova Vrata), Pula

Standing before the Italian section of Pula is, appropriately enough, the ancient Gate of Hercules. Like the Twin Gates of Pula, it too was only recently dug up (in the 19th century). The gate is made of rough cut stone blocks. On top of the blocks is a very rough image of Mr. Hercules. We know it's him, we see his beard and his club.

A moderately damaged inscription is next to the club. It contains the names of two big-time Romans, Lucius Calpurnius Piso and Gaius Cassius Longinus. Lucius was Julius Caesar's father-in-law. Gaius was the brother of Bad Cassius, who killed Julius Caesar. The two gentlemen were in town to officially found a Roman colony in Pula Bay.

The gate is 13 feet high and the entrance is 12 feet wide. Hercules was thought to be the guardian of ancient Pula. After Octavian demolished Pula, he allowed the town to be rebuilt at his daughter Julia's request. A Latin inscription on the gate can be translated in English as "Colony Loyal Julia Pula by the Strength of Hercules." The Romans, the Saints and the demigod Hercules were working for Pula all along.