On the very site where Croatian military aviation first emerged more than 110 years ago, a remarkable new chapter is unfolding. The former military zone of Sveta Katarina Island and Cape Monumenti has officially become part of the prestigious Marina Polesana complex, marking a milestone in the transformation of one of the Adriatic’s most historically significant coastal areas.
Located within a naturally protected deep bay in Pula, this area has witnessed nearly one and a half centuries of strategic military presence, serving as a guarded naval harbor under a succession of authorities. Today, this once restricted zone is being carefully reimagined through an ambitious urban regeneration initiative, preserving its rich heritage while opening it to a vibrant new future.
A Site Shaped by HistorFew locations along the Adriatic carry such a layered historical legacy. Over the course of nearly 150 years, the Sv. Katarina – Monumenti area served as a strategic maritime and military hub under six different administrations.
Its story began during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, when the site functioned as a naval seaplane experimental station, playing a pioneering role in the early development of military aviation in the region. Following the First World War, the location became part of the Kingdom of Italy’s naval infrastructure, housing a submarine training school that operated until Italy’s capitulation during the Second World War. Subsequently, the area passed through the hands of the German Wehrmacht, then the Allied Military Administration, which governed the territory until 1947. During the Yugoslav period, the site served under the Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA) until 1991, after which it was managed by the Croatian Armed Forces until 2003. Today, after decades of restricted access, this historically significant location is entering a new era—one defined not by military strategy, but by culture, tourism, and international collaboration.
The ongoing urban revitalization of Sveta Katarina Island and the Monumenti peninsula represents one of the most important spatial transformations in the region. The project is part of the broader Nautical Tourism Complex Sv. Katarina – Monumenti, an integrated development that combines marina infrastructure, hospitality, cultural spaces, and public amenities. At the heart of this transformation stands the reconstruction and adaptive reuse of a historic building protected under cultural heritage conservation regulations. The structure is being carefully restored and repurposed into a modern congress center, seamlessly integrating contemporary functionality with architectural preservation. With a total area of approximately 2,000 m², the facility spans two levels – ground floor and first floor. Once completed, it will become a key venue within the complex, supporting conferences, corporate events, cultural programs, and international gatherings.
The reconstructed facility is designed to provide a versatile and sophisticated environment for events of various scales. The congress center will include: Two large conference halls suitable for major events and presentations, Four smaller meeting rooms for workshops, seminars, and private gatherings, Office spaces for operational and administrative functions, a bar and lounge area designed for networking and informal meetings, Modern sanitary facilities ensuring comfort and accessibility
This new venue will significantly enhance the offering of the Monumenti Hotel and Marina Polesana, adding a valuable congress and event component to the hospitality infrastructure of the complex. Within this significant redevelopment project, our role encompasses the execution of comprehensive construction and interior fit-out works, ensuring both structural integrity and refined interior quality.
The scope of works includes: Masonry works, Insulation systems, Drywall and partition installations, Floor screed and finishing works, Flooring installation, Metalwork and locksmith works, Stone masonry and stone finishing, Interior fit-out and finishing works. Through meticulous craftsmanship and precise coordination, these works contribute to transforming a historically protected structure into a contemporary space capable of hosting world-class events. The transformation of the Sv. Katarina – Monumenti area is more than a redevelopment project—it is a symbolic reconnection between history and modern life. By carefully preserving the architectural heritage while introducing new cultural and tourism functions, the project creates a dynamic environment where past and present coexist.
The new congress center will stand as an essential part of this vision, providing a place where ideas, business, and culture meet, within a setting shaped by over a century of history. As the broader Nautical Tourism Complex Sv. Katarina – Monumenti continues to develop, this revitalized space will play a central role in positioning Pula as a destination for international events, maritime tourism, and cultural exchange along the Adriatic coast.
Structura Concept starts every project with a team of dedicated experts. We are always looking for individuals who are eager to develop their skills and apply them together to create the best environments for people to produce, work, learn and live their lives.
We are not only interested in candidates with backgrounds in design, construction management or engineering, but also in people with skills in finance, accounting and business development. We know it takes a diverse team to build the future and we are looking for all types of talent to contribute.
