Pola

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

until the World War of 1914- 1918, the most important naval station of Austria-Hungary; situated near the S. extremity of the peninsula of Istria; 105 miles S. of Trieste. The harbor is thoroughly sheltered, deep, and spacious enough to accommodate the largest gest fleet. The town is protected by forts and batteries, and is overlooked by the citadel, by which it and the bay are commanded. There are also artillery and powder stores, docks, slips, etc. The cathedral from the 15th century. Pola is dates also a shipping port, exporting wood, fish, sand and building stones, and importing provisions, coal, and bricks. Founded traditionally by the Colchians who were sent in pursuit of Jason, Pola was destroyed by Augustus, but rebuilt at the request of his daughter, Julia, on which account it was named Pietas Julia. It was destroyed in 1267 by its Venetian masters, who had conquered it in 1148; and in 1379 the Go Genoese, after routing the Venetians in a sea fight off the town, once more ravaged it. But it only passed from Venice in 1797 to Austria, who chose it as her chief naval harbor in 1848. It contains numerous interesting Roman remains, among them a well preserved amphitheater, 450 feet long and 360 broad. A temple and several ancient gates are also extant. Pop. about 75,000. Pola was the scene of several mutinies during the World War that led to many executions. In the night of Oct. 31-Nov. 1, 1918, two Italian officers, Col. Rossetti and Dr. Paolucci, swam into the harbor and destroyed the new Austrian superdreadnought, "Viribis Unitis."