Pula's mayor Peđa Grbin has initiated a controversial renovation project on the pedestrian street Ulica Sergijevaca, raising debates about the choice of concrete over traditional Mediterranean pavements.
In the heart of Pula, on Ulica Sergijevaca, known locally as Prvomajska, construction work has begun under the direction of the city's mayor, Peđa Grbin. This project aims to renovate the prominent pedestrian street, which stretches from the Arch of the Sergii to the central Forum Square, where local government resides. While many coastal cities maintain cobblestone streets as part of their Mediterranean identity, Grbin's vision seemingly leans towards a more modern and possibly controversial use of concrete.
The decision has sparked significant discussion among city council members and the local community, as questions of restoration versus the desecration of the old town center arise. Critics are concerned that the shift away from traditional materials may erode the historical and cultural aesthetic that defines Pula. The renovation is positioned as a necessary update for a street that sees heavy pedestrian traffic, particularly in summer months, but the implications of this choice remain a focal point of contention.
Local citizens express mixed feelings—some support modernization for practicality, while others argue for preserving the town's heritage through traditional design. As the construction progresses, it is evident that the outcome will shape not only the physical streetscape of Pula but also its cultural identity moving forward.
