Pula: Volcanic Landscape and Traces of Culture

Pula combines a vivid account of the Earth’s history with buildings and memorials from different periods. A so-called maar volcano was once active on the western outskirts of the village; much volcanic material was scattered across the surrounding area from its crater. In the village and around its edges, you can encounter geological features that reflect this history, as well as traces of the monastery and the village’s past.

Geology to see up close

At the freely accessible Kráter Kőpark, you can view large, blocky examples of volcanic and other rocks. Limestone blocks from the sedimentary rocks typical of the surrounding area can also be seen there. The path through the park is marked, and information about the stops can be accessed on a smartphone with an internet connection. If you would like to use these explanations, bring an internet-enabled smartphone.

A different perspective is offered by the rock face beside the Pula cemetery: over a length of 25 metres, it exposes sloping layers containing basalt bombs and other rock inclusions. The heavily eroded formation has been preserved on the eastern side of the old volcanic tuff ring and cleared of vegetation and rubble. While the Kőpark brings together large rocks for visitors to view, the exposure shows layers and inclusions in their geological context.

Pula therefore offers two different ways to explore the Earth’s history: examining individual rock types in the park and viewing the exposed layers in the rock face.

Monastery history and local memories

The Táladi Monastery was founded by Pauline monks. Its ruins lie in the village and on its outskirts. The Szent Flórián Chapel also tells part of Pula’s architectural history: Krammer, also known as Kreimer, György built it in 1773; it was renovated in 1802. At the western end of the village, a protected basalt bridge spans the Vázsonyi-séd.

Another chapter recalls winegrowing: the memorial column on Náczi-hegy was unveiled in 1987 to mark the 175th anniversary of the vineyard’s establishment. The village’s past also includes Pula’s former reputation as a community known for particularly fine, aromatic apples. This assessment dates from the interwar period and describes the village’s reputation at that time.

Geology and cultural history have different focuses, but in Pula they remain closely tied to specific places and landmarks. You can therefore decide whether you would like to focus your days away on the volcanic formations, the monastery ruins and buildings, or the historical memorials. If you would like to explore Pula’s geological and cultural heritage, you could consider a holiday rental in Pula when searching for accommodation.

More topics in the wider Lake Balaton - North destination

The wider Lake Balaton - North destination offers additional nature and activity destinations. Boat trips are available in the Tapolcai-tavasbarlang; there is also a guided exhibition there called “Csodálatos karszt” (“Wonderful Karst”). Hegyestű is a 337-metre-high mountain between Zánka and Monoszló. Its inner face reveals the structure of a basalt volcano that was active around eight million years ago; Hegyestű also has a rock garden featuring characteristic rock types from Transdanubia.

Discover more destinations: Herend, Nemesvámos, Bánd, Barnag, Veszprémfajsz, Tótvázsony, Szentgál, Veszprém.

Go to the wider travel overview: Veszprémi.