A new public space called Lviv Park was officially opened in the Croatian city of Pula on May 7. The event was attended by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi, ambassadors from over ten countries, and representatives of the Croatian government.
Pula, located on the northeastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, has been a sister city to Lviv for two years. This new park, dedicated to the Ukrainian city, becomes Pula’s second symbolic park after the Anne Frank Park. The event took place on the eve of Europe Day and underscored the deepening partnership between the two cities.
“This is a great honor for us and a sign of true solidarity. In June, our veterans will come to Croatia as part of a reintegration program to practice scuba diving with Croatian colleagues,” said Mayor Sadovyi.
During his visit to Pula — which was celebrating its City Day — Sadovyi also met with Mayor Filip Zoričić. The two discussed strengthening cooperation through:
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academic exchange between universities in Lviv and Pula,
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joint veteran support programs,
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collaboration between medical professionals from both cities.
Sadovyi also invited Zoričić to participate in the Unbroken Justice conference, scheduled to take place in Lviv this June.
Mayor Zoričić welcomed the invitation and reaffirmed Pula’s support: “Our cities share much in common. Yesterday was Lviv’s City Day, and today Pula celebrates its own. This is symbolic. We support Ukraine and are ready to help where we can.”
Lviv and Pula are already cooperating through the “Veteran Reintegration: Peer-to-Peer” program, helping Ukrainian veterans undergo psychological recovery and learn diving. A new initiative with Lviv’s Veterans Services Center is also being developed to support veteran training and employment.
Background:
Pula is a historic city that has seen rule by several empires, including the Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian. The city is home to significant cultural landmarks such as a well-preserved Roman amphitheater and the Temple of Augustus. It is also the birthplace of Wilhelm Habsburg (Vasyl Vyshyvanyi), a notable figure in Ukrainian history. Pula is a member of the Euromed Heritage network, which promotes cooperation among European cities with Roman heritage.