Piran, a Slovenian town breathing a medieval atmosphere, which can enchant you at first acquaintance. It is surprising that on the Slovenian coast, which has 46 kilometers, there are so many beautiful cities and places, from which it is difficult to choose just one. Nevertheless, if you ask locals in Slovenia which of them you should visit, which is the most beautiful, most of them will recommend Piran Slovenia.
Slovenia, Piran: view of Tartini Square from the Church of St. George / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová, vacationer
Piran Slovenia
History of the city:
Like Koper, Piran has a rich history, which dates back to the 5th-7th centuries AD. The fact that the city was also under the rule of the Venetian Republic from the 13th century can be seen perhaps even more than in other places on the Slovenian coast. To this day, mainly the walls have been preserved since the city’s founding, the oldest part of which was built as early as the 7th century.
The fortification was gradually completed until the 16th century, and its current preserved length is 200 meters. The walls are accessible to tourists and can be reached through the Gothic gate of Rašpor.
>> Compare accommodation prices in Piran and Portorož
Slovenia, Piran – view of the square from the Church of St. George / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová, vacationer
There is a symbolic fee for entry, and in good weather, a literally breathtaking view will open up for you. On one side, you can enjoy the view of the Gulf of Trieste, and on the other, you can see the Julian Alps up to the top of the highest mountain in Slovenia, Triglav. I was told that on a perfectly clear sky it is possible to see the Alps in Austria. However, I will not confirm this to you personally, so you can write to me later if you had that luck.
Slovenia, Piran: city walls / click through to get directly to the information pages
I recommend visiting the walls as a destination for a morning or afternoon trip in Piran. However, in the following lines, I will also take you on another walk, during which we will get to know the no less attractive beauties of this city. Our tour starts at Tartini Square, which cannot be missed. You may wonder how such a large elliptical square could fit into such a small town.
The truth is that originally there was a small fishing port here, which was filled with sand at the beginning of the 19th century, and in its place a square was created, which was originally intended to serve the holding of markets. Since then, it has also been named after one of the local and world-renowned violinists. The square then served in the first half of the 20th century as a track for tram lines connecting other cities of Slovenian Istria. After its abolition, however, the square is already a quiet space.
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Slovenia, Piran: Tartini Square / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová, vacationer
With its marble paving, it is the charming center of Piran, and most of the events take place here in the summer. All around, with a view of the bronze statue belonging to the famous violinist, virtuoso and composer, Giusseppe Tartini, who was born at the end of the 17th century, you can enjoy your cup of coffee and contemplate under the Slovenian sun, often to the sounds of pleasant music.
If you are planning your visit to the Slovenian coast at the turn of September and October, be sure to look for information on the ongoing events in Piran, when the Tartini Festival takes place and classical music accompanies you at every step.
Slovenia, Piran: Tourist Information Center – sale of traditional souvenirs including local salt / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Classic city walk around Piran Slovenia:
On the square, you will certainly not miss the dominant building of the Municipal Palace built in the Viennese style, which in the 19th century replaced the original, Romanesque-Gothic, town hall from the times of the Venetian Republic, from the 13th century. On the ground floor of this building is, among other things, the Piran Information Center, which you should visit first.
You will not only get a lot of advice and tips on what places to visit during your vacation and what not to miss, but you can also take free materials with a map of the city and other details not only from the history of Piran. Of course, you can also buy the most sought-after souvenirs from Piran, which are mainly salt and other products from it. But more on that in a moment.
Slovenia, Piran: Tartini Square / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová, vacationer
Even before you leave Tartini Square on our walk through the city of Piran, you might be tempted to visit his birthplace, where especially lovers of classical music can admire a collection of his violins, notes and other preserved objects from his life.
Likewise, you should not miss a tour of the most famous preserved Venetian house on Tartini Square, the so-called Benečanka, as the building is known among the locals. According to the guide, this is the most beautiful example of Venetian-Gothic architecture in Piran.
Slovenia, Piran: Tartini Square – the corner house at the end is the Venetian house, the so-called Benečanka/ photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová, vacationer
On the house you can also notice the inscription “Lassa pur dir” (let them talk). This is related to the legend of a Venetian merchant who fell in love with a local girl from Piran and, in order to prove his love to her, decided to build a palace for her near the port. However, envious citizens slandered them everywhere and did not wish the Piran girl love with a wealthy merchant.
Slovenia, Piran. Monastery and Church of St. Francis of Assisi / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Slovenia, Piran. Monastery and Church of St. Francis of Assisi / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
But so that we don’t spend the whole day just on the square, even though there would certainly be more to admire here, we will go slightly uphill, through romantically narrow streets to the church and monastery of St. Francis of Assisi. Its courtyard is literally a feast for the soul, and in the hot summer I believe that you will also find pleasant shade and peace from the greater hustle and bustle of tourists.
I personally stopped here for a while and let myself be warmed by the pleasant spring sun, which pleased us on the last day of our trip around Slovenia in Piran.
Slovenia, Piran. Monastery and Church of St. Francis of Assisi / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Slovenia, Piran. Monastery and Church of St. Francis of Assisi / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
Slovenia, Piran. Monastery and Church of St. Francis of Assisi / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová
From here you could also go to the already mentioned walls, but instead I will take you to the Church of St. George, which majestically rises above the city and cannot be overlooked. Immediately after the city walls, it is from here that there is the second most beautiful view not only of the city of Piran, but also of the coast of Croatia. As for the church, its original building stood here since the 12th century, and it acquired its current form in the first half of the 17. century.
Slovenia, Piran: view of the city from the Church of St. George / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová, vacationer
An interesting element is certainly its bell tower, which is supposed to be a reduced copy of the Venetian tower at the Church of San Marca. A similar bell tower, which you can also go out on, can be found in the nearby Croatian town of Rovinj. Once you have enjoyed the breathtaking view of the city and the sea, I recommend going down the other side and getting lost for a while in the local Venetian streets within the entire old town of Piran, which is concentrated in a narrow promontory.
Slovenia, Piran: Church of St. George / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová, vacationer
Tips for trips in the area Slovenian Coast:
It is forbidden to drive through the city by car – you must park in the parking lots built around the city (navigation should take you to the right ones). Cars can only enter the city with a permit and when supplying goods. Thanks to this regulation, Piran Slovenia maintains its peaceful atmosphere even in the busy summer season.
Slovenia, Piran: One of the few Baroque buildings that you can come across while wandering the streets of Piran / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová, vacationer
Piran is not a touristy resort town. If you are interested in spending your vacation in a busy water park, head towards Portorož, where you will also find several casinos. You can choose Piran for romantic stays for two, but also with your family. Don’t forget to get up early one day and visit the farmers’ markets.
Slovenia, Piran: farmers’ markets are held even outside the main season / photo: Petra Švehlová Stowasserová, vacationer
The local port may remind you of those in Venice. People here like to joke that the center is more accessible by boat than by car. Almost everyone here owns a boat.
If you want to cool off in the sea, there is a city concrete beach here. But I would rather recommend you to go to the already mentioned Portorož, where you will find an artificially built beach with imported sand. If you prefer natural, secluded places, take a car to the Strunjan Nature Park. Under the 80 m high cliffs you will find almost deserted wild beaches (stony). For a day-long trek, also head in this direction and set yourself a goal, e.g. Strunjan Cross.
Do you love diving and the underwater world? It is said that the area around Piran has some of the best conditions for diving on the Slovenian coast. If you are not a diver, visit the local aquarium, where you will get acquainted with the underwater world of the Adriatic Sea and you will be able to see most of the creatures living in this area.
Rent a bike and go on a trip along the coastal cycle path leading all the way from Trieste to Poreč. Also visit the local Sečovlje salt pans, which you can reach at a leisurely scenic pace.
Link to the official website of the park: Sečovlje Salina Nature Park
Slovenia, Sečovlje Salt Pans / Photo credit: Portoroz.si / Click through to get to the cities of Portorož and Piran
- Local salt is a traditional souvenir that is brought from this area of Slovenian Istria
- Gift bags of salt can be bought for a few euros even in the information center (gift packaging in various local shops)
- Salt has been mined here for 8 centuries, and thanks to these salt pans, the area has maintained its prosperity throughout this time.
- In the place of the salt pans, you can also visit the museum of houses, how the workers from these plains lived.
Go for a meal to one of the coastal restaurants. Fresh fish and seafood are on the daily menu here. It probably won’t surprise you that the main ingredients are gifts from the sea, olive oil of the highest quality and local traditional salt.
Enjoy your meal and have a wonderful vacation!
Where to stay in Piran:
Hotel Piran 4*
Hotel Piran – A boutique hotel that dates back to 1913, is located directly on the coastal promenade and from the top you will also have a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. If you are considering where to stay in Piran, this hotel is certainly an interesting choice for romantic walks around the city.
Slovenia, Piran / Photo Credit: Hotel Piran 4* / Click through to get directly to the hotel website
Slovenia, Piran / Photo credit: Hotel Piran 4* / Click through to get directly to the hotel website
Slovenia, Piran / Photo credit: Hotel Piran 4*
Slovenia, Piran / Photo credit: Hotel Piran 4*
Official websites of the cities of Piran and Portorož: www.portoroz.si
This article was created in cooperation with the Best Press Story agency and the Association of Historical Cities in Slovenia. More information about the activities of this association can be found under this link:
