PHOTOS: Memorial bench unveiled beside Pula Arena to preserve legacy of Croatian singer Massimo

(Photo credit: Valter Zanco)

PULA, 8 June 2026 – A memorial bench dedicated to celebrated Croatian singer Massimo has been unveiled beside the Pula Arena, creating a permanent tribute to one of the country’s most respected musical artists.

The bench was officially revealed on 6 June, the date of Massimo’s birth. Born in Pula 64 years ago, the singer maintained a strong connection with his hometown throughout his life. He passed away in 2022 aged 60.

Massimo returned to live in Pula for a period during the 1990s, when he and his wife, Eni Kondić, ran a restaurant bearing his name. The city also played host to one of the most significant moments of his career when he marked 30 years in music with a memorable concert at the Arena on 17 August 2013.

At the time, Massimo spoke of how, as a child, he could never have imagined performing at the iconic Roman amphitheatre and celebrating his musical journey there surrounded by family, friends, collaborators and members of the Raša community where he spent part of his childhood.

Many of those who attended that concert were also present at the unveiling ceremony.

(Photo credit: Valter Zanco)

The memorial bench features the words “Razlog da budem tu” (“Reason for Me to Be Here”), a lyric from the song “Razlog”, written for Massimo by his wife. The inscription is intended to serve as a lasting reminder of the artist and his connection to Pula.

Speaking at the ceremony, Eni Kondić expressed hope that the bench would become a place where both residents and visitors pause, create memories and remember Massimo.

(Photo credit: Valter Zanco)

The initiative for the memorial was proposed by Massimo’s long-time associate Vlatka Vužić, with the support of his wife and daughter. The City of Pula accepted the proposal and worked together with his record label, Aquarius Records, to organise the unveiling on his birthday.

(Photo credit: Valter Zanco)

The bench was unveiled jointly by Kondić and Paola Orlić, Head of the City of Pula’s Department for Culture and Civil Society. Orlić also conveyed a message from Mayor Peđa Grbin, who described Massimo as a “citizen of the world” whose music touched people in different ways and said the tribute was the least the city could do for one of its most cherished cultural figures.

In her address, Orlić highlighted Massimo’s lasting influence, noting that his voice, charisma and interpretations continue to resonate across generations.

(Photo credit: Valter Zanco)

The ceremony also featured instrumental performances of Massimo’s songs by a string quartet, with arrangements prepared by long-time collaborator and violinist Bruno Urlić.

(Photo credit: Valter Zanco)

Situated with a view of the Pula Arena, the memorial bench is expected to become a place where residents and visitors alike can reflect on the enduring legacy of an artist whose music continues to hold a special place in Croatian cultural life.

Massimo was one of the most awarded Croatian musicians and singer-songwriters. He won the Porin award for the best male vocal performance nine times.

He had hits such as ‘Stranac u noći’, ‘Mali krug velikih ljudi’, ‘Putujemo i kad stojimo’, ‘Suze nam stale na put’ and ‘Nama se nikud ne žuri’.