21.08.2026
Why Is Sveta Stijena in Pula Called the Holy Rock?
On the edge of Pula’s Verudela peninsula, a solitary stone wall rises above a dramatic Adriatic cliff. Framed by pine trees, open sea and spectacular sunsets, it looks like the surviving fragment of an ancient chapel.
The landmark is known as Sveta Stijena. Croatian for “Holy Rock”. But its story is not quite what first appearances suggest. It combines an unconfirmed local legend, an unexpected connection to European cinema and one of the most memorable viewpoints in Pula.
The Legend Behind the Holy Rock
According to local legend, a small church once stood on the cliff before being destroyed during a powerful storm. This story is believed to have inspired the name Sveta Stijena.
However, no conclusive archaeological or historical evidence has confirmed that an original church existed here. The story should therefore be understood as part of Verudela’s local folklore rather than documented history.
The visible church-like wall is not the ruin of that legendary building. It was created as part of a film set and gradually became a landmark in its own right.
A Church Built for the Cinema
The wall is associated with the 1962 Austrian-German comedy Ohne Krimi geht die Mimi nie ins Bett, directed by Franz Antel. Scenes representing the fictional Mediterranean island of Isola Piccola were filmed around Verudela, where the artificial church ruin became part of the scenery.
What began as a temporary film set remained on the cliff and slowly entered Pula’s local identity. After the structure was damaged by another storm decades later, it was reconstructed, preserving the familiar silhouette visitors recognise today.
This curious history makes Sveta Stijena particularly unusual: it resembles an ancient religious ruin, takes its name from a legend and owes its physical form to 20th-century cinema.
One of Pula’s Most Romantic Viewpoints
Sveta Stijena stands near Cape St Ivan, only a short distance from Verudela Canyon. The rocky plateau offers uninterrupted views across the Adriatic and is especially beautiful shortly before sunset, when the surviving wall is silhouetted against the changing sky.
Its dramatic setting has made it popular with photographers, couples and wedding parties. Outside the busiest summer weeks, it can also be a peaceful place to pause during a walk around Verudela.
The surrounding cliffs rise approximately 15 metres above the sea and are sometimes associated with cliff jumping. Visitors should remember that this is a rugged natural location rather than a controlled diving platform. Sea conditions, wind, visibility and submerged rocks can create serious risks, so the safest experience is from the viewpoint above.
What Else Can You Visit on Verudela?
Sveta Stijena can easily be included in a wider exploration of the peninsula. Nearby Verudela Canyon is enclosed by striking vertical cliffs, while Hawaii Beach attracts visitors with its turquoise water and sheltered pebble cove.
Families may prefer Ambrela Beach, known for its accessible entrance to the sea, or Aquarium Pula, located inside the historic Austro-Hungarian Fort Verudela. Pine-shaded walking paths connect many of these attractions, making the peninsula ideal for a morning or late-afternoon walk.
Stay Beside Sveta Stijena
Park Plaza Arena Pula is situated only steps from Sveta Stijena, surrounded by Mediterranean greenery and scenic coastal paths. Its location allows guests to visit the viewpoint early in the morning or return in time to watch the sunset.
After exploring Verudela, enjoy Istrian and international dishes at Restaurant Arena or relax with a drink in the hotel’s lobby bar overlooking the Adriatic. Opening times may vary according to the season.
Visit Sveta Stijena and discover how legend, cinema and the natural beauty of Pula created one of Verudela’s most distinctive landmarks.