In the heart of the Istrian peninsula, Pula will soon be enriched by the luxurious Heritage & Resort Hotel Monumenti, located on the historic site of a former Austro-Hungarian barracks. This five-star hotel, valued at 85 million euros, will commence operations in the first half of May 2025. The investor, the company Kermas Istra d.o.o., previously secured a 50-year concession for the construction of a marina with 450 berths and a hotel on the islet of Sv. Katarina in Pula.

Historical heritage in a contemporary guise

The hotel is situated on the site of a former Austro-Hungarian barracks, and the protected cultural monuments have been carefully restored in accordance with conservation guidelines. The uniqueness of this resort lies in the fact that all rooms offer a sea view – on one side towards the center of Pula and nearby beaches, and on the other towards the Brijuni National Park. The complex consists of two renovated buildings designated as "heritage" and a completely new "deluxe" building.

Architecture and interior design

The hotel's interior design reflects the cultural heritage as well as the military and aviation history of Pula. The former officers' garden has been transformed into a green oasis with flowers, gazebos, and fountains, ideal for cocktail gatherings or business events. One part of the renovated barracks houses 58 rooms measuring 33 m², while the other building contains a conference hall with its own bar and meeting spaces, accommodating up to 400 guests. The newly built, glazed part of the building includes 40 rooms of 40 m² and eight suites ranging in size from 70 to 120 m². The corridors and rooms are decorated in pastel, calming tones, with vintage photographs and antique details that evoke times gone by.

Top-notch amenities for guests

The hotel offers a wide range of facilities for relaxation and recreation. A special wing spread over two floors includes an indoor heated pool, a spa center, a wellness zone, saunas, a jacuzzi, and a fitness center. The central restaurant, equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen, offers dishes inspired by Istrian gastronomy. Additionally, the complex includes a private beach with premium amenities and a sunbathing area of approximately 1,500 m².

Focus on the local community and sustainability

The project initiator, Danko Končar, expresses satisfaction that the team of about seventy employees is almost entirely composed of local workforce from Istria. He emphasizes that attracting local workers was one of the main missions of the project. The hotel plans to open its doors within a month to be ready for the tourist season. Currently, the final interior works are being completed, which will soon shine in full splendor. A special advantage of the hotel lies in unifying the user experience, offering guests a hotel, a nautical harbor, a gastronomic center, and a congress center all in one place. This project aims to attract higher-spending guests and enrich the domestic tourist offer.

Plans for the future

The hotel's General Manager, Tomislav Korošec, reveals that soft operations have already begun, as have numerous booking inquiries. He highlights the team's readiness to start work and announces the imminent opening of bookings. By participating in international tourism fairs, the hotel has received extremely positive reviews from agencies and tourism professionals. Special emphasis in promotion will be placed on the post-season, aiming to attract guests from Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Italy, France, and even the United States of America.