The medieval settlement of Piran is among the highlights of Slovenia’s Adriatic Coast. The lively town is full of bars and restaurants offering dramatic sea views. Having been part of the Venetian empire, the town features a little Italian flair and contains some beautifully maintained architectural treasures.
Enjoy views of the Gulf of Piran, the Gulf of Trieste and the Adriatic Sea from the town’s waterfront. Walk along the harbor and snap photos of the multicolored houses on the foreshore.
Walk inland to the quaint center of town. Only residents are permitted to drive around here and the minimal traffic creates a serene ambiance among the rows of white houses with red-tiled roofs.
Make your way to Tartini Square to see the 19th-century bronze statue of violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini. The oval-shaped plaza also contains the 19th-century City Hall. See the Church of St. Peter, which dates back to the 1200s. Marvel at the impressive relief of Christ and Peter above the entrance. Admire the Gothic architecture and red façade of the neighboring Venetian House.
Learn about Piran’s history at the Minorite Convent, which contains the 14th-century Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Relax in the tranquil courtyard and listen to the chants of monks in the summer months.
Italian was for a long time the main language in this settlement, although Slovene is now the dominant language. Expect warm, sunny summers and mild winters with a fair amount of rain.
The town is one of the major centers of Slovenia’s Istrian peninsula, located in the southwestern part of the country. Fly to the Trieste - Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport in Italy and drive south for 50 miles (80 kilometers). Travel east along the coastal promenade to reach the nearby resort town of Fiesa, which has a large lake and beaches.
Piran attracts visitors with its serene setting, picturesque views and architectural masterpieces.
