Park-wood Šijana in Pula

Park-wood Šijana is located in the vicinity of the center of Pula, along the Pula-Rijeka road, 35 above sea-level. This a protected area of 152,844 ha. Wood Šijana is protected from 1964 as a Nature reserve, and today it has a status of park-wood. In a smaller section of the park-wood (around 50 ha) there is an individual or group domination of the following species of the trees: Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.), stonepine (Pinus pinea L.), maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Sol.), Himalayan cedar (Cedus deodara (D. Don.) G. Don), cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. pyramidalis i horizontalis L.) and pubescent oak (Quercus pubescens Willd.). Specimens of Lucombe oak (Quercus crenata Lam.) are particularly interesting. The remaining surface is covered with Oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis L.), South European flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus L.) and laurel (Laurus nobilis L.). The aforementioned park-wood has an important significance for the forestry (as a seed base for pubescent oak), and recreation place for the citizens of Pula.

Wood Šijana was from 1860 under the government of Austrian Emperor’s Navy, which takes care of the horticulture and the paths in the woods. With its new image, the forest became very popular among the new residents of Pula and it was named Kaiserwald, or Emperor’s forest. Today, in its area, there are concerts, manifestations and celebrations, any it is often used for walks. Resort Jaegerhorn or Hunters horn is built inside the woods next to Pula – Labin – Rijeka road. At the time, it was suggested to even connect the forest with tram while it was still operational in Pula.

Park-wood Šijana in Pula

Today, the wood is known for May 1^st celebrations (Labor Day) and as an attractive space for recreation with many pedestrian paths, roads, exercise devices and children playground.
Legend says that in the 13^th century on the Good Friday 1271, several members of the powerful Castropola family were murdered in the forest. One male child survived, according to the legend, who was saved by the servant. The Franciscans were taking care of him, and as a token of his gratitude, he gifted the whole forest to them.

In the vicinity of the woods, in Šandalja I and II caves, in 1961 and 1962, there were excavated remains of Cro-Magnon prehistoric man (Homo sapiens fossilis) and a stone artefact called chopper which is estimated to be over 800000 years old. Aforementioned findings are considered to be the oldest prehistoric man and stone tools findings in Croatia and possible whole Europe.