Discover Pula

• A maar volcano was active on Pula’s western boundary; large amounts of volcanic material were dispersed across the surrounding area from its crater.
• Kőpark Crater Park features large specimens of volcanic and other rocks, as well as limestone blocks from regional sedimentary rocks.
• The park’s trail is marked; information about its stops is available via smartphone and an internet connection.
• At the western end of the village, a protected basalt bridge crosses the Vázsonyi-séd.
• The Náczi-hegy memorial column was inaugurated in 1987 to mark the 175th anniversary of the vineyard’s establishment.

The area’s volcanic history can be traced through several distinct formations. A so-called maar volcano once stood on Pula’s western boundary. A large amount of volcanic material was dispersed across the surrounding area from its crater. A rock face beside Pula’s cemetery displays, over a stretch of 25 metres, inclined layers containing basalt bombs and other foreign rock inclusions. It is a heavily weathered remnant on the eastern side of the old volcano’s tuff ring; vegetation and loose rock have been cleared from the rock face.

At Kőpark Crater Park, large blocks of volcanic and other rocks stand alongside limestone blocks from the sedimentary rocks typical of the surrounding area. This contrast makes the park a tangible place to observe different types of rock. The park is freely accessible. Its trail is marked, and information about the stops can be accessed with a smartphone and an internet connection. Check current conditions and the availability of digital information about the stops before your visit.

Together, these sites offer two different perspectives: in the park, you can see displayed rock blocks, while the rock face by the cemetery reveals layers and inclusions in a natural formation. If you are interested in how the landscape formed and what it is made of, you can take these differences into account when planning your visit, without treating the two places as a single walking route.

The buildings and memorial sites can also be placed in context through specific dates. The Szent Flórián Chapel was built in 1773 by György Krammer, also known as Kreimer, and renovated in 1802. The Táladi Monastery was founded by Pauline monks. At the western end of the village, a protected basalt bridge spans the Vázsonyi-séd—a structure whose material also recalls the area’s volcanic history.

The Náczi-hegy memorial column links local history with the history of the vineyard: it was inaugurated in 1987, on the 175th anniversary of the vineyard’s establishment. Pula’s former agricultural reputation is also part of the historical record. Between the two world wars, the village was known for producing particularly fine and aromatic apples.

The North Balaton destination features other distinct landscape and cultural attractions alongside Pula’s geology. Boat trips are offered in the Tapolca Lake Cave, which also has the guided exhibition “Csodálatos karszt” (“Wonderful Karst”). In the North Balaton destination, Hegyestű is 337 metres high and lies between Zánka and Monoszló. At Hegyestű in the North Balaton destination, the inner face of a quarry has been exposed; it belongs to a basalt volcano that was active around eight million years ago.

At the western edge of the Hegyestű quarry grounds in the North Balaton destination, a panoramic information board helps visitors identify the surrounding hills. Hegyestű in the North Balaton destination also has a rock garden featuring characteristic rock types of Transdanubia. These regional examples offer a different focus from Pula’s maar volcano, rock face and Kőpark Crater Park: they range from an underground cave with boat trips to open views of the landscape and a collection of rocks.

For comparisons with other towns, you can also explore the profiles of Szentgál, Hárskút, Veszprémfajsz, Herend, Bánd, Tótvázsony and Veszprém.

What rocks can you see at Kőpark Crater Park?

The park features large specimens of volcanic and other rocks, as well as limestone blocks from the sedimentary rocks characteristic of the surrounding area.

How can I access information about the stops?

The trail is marked. You can access information about the stops with a smartphone and an internet connection; check current conditions before your visit.

What is special about the rock face by the cemetery?

Over a stretch of 25 metres, the rock face displays inclined layers containing basalt bombs and other rock inclusions. It is a heavily weathered remnant on the eastern side of the old volcano’s tuff ring.

Which dates are associated with Pula’s buildings and memorial sites?

The Szent Flórián Chapel was built in 1773 and renovated in 1802. The memorial column on Náczi-hegy was inaugurated in 1987, on the 175th anniversary of the vineyard’s establishment.

For the broader travel overview: Veszprémi.

Useful information for planning your trip:

Pula in Istria: Arena, Old Town and coast | poezdka.de.