Austro-Hungarian legacy and tavština i avant-garde architecture

Istria started its urban rise in the early 19th century, during the time when monumental historicistic and secession edifices were built by using modern materials.

The urbanistic impetus took place in Istria during the Austro-Hungarian administration, which commenced in 1815. New administrative centres emerged in most towns. Industry development was characterized by a rise of large production units. As historic centres were not big enough any more, town walls were knocked down. The prosperity of the Monarchy, which had united Istria after five centuries, was seen in monumental edifices built from modern materials such as glass and iron. Among Istrian towns, Pula experienced a specific development. It became a naval centre of the Austrian Navy and a modern European town.