Explore the culture and heritage of Piran

Tartini Square, named after the famous local violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini (1692–1770), was once a small fishing harbor. The square’s elliptical shape dates back to when a tramline connected Piran with Portorož and Lucija between 1912 and 1953, serving as the tram's turnaround point.

Spacious for a small town, Tartini Square has a distinctly Venetian character and offers picturesque views of the Adriatic Sea. At its center stands a bronze statue of Tartini. Surrounding the square are inviting restaurants, charming cafés, and shops selling local products, with narrow Venetian Gothic alleyways adding to its unique charm.

The Venetian House in Piran, situated on Tartini Square, is a notable architectural landmark reflecting Venetian influence in the region. Built in the mid-15th century in Venetian Gothic style, it features a distinctive corner balcony and a stone plaque with a lion and the inscription "Lassa pur dir" (Let them talk).

According to legend, a Venetian merchant fell in love with a beautiful young girl from Piran. To demonstrate the depth of his love, he decided to build her a palace near the harbor. Amidst the envious gossip of the townspeople about the passionate couple, he placed a meaningful inscription on the facade to prove his true devotion to her.

Today, the house is a shop offering products featuring Piran Salt, including various soaps, and cosmetics enriched with natural ingredients from the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park.

This is one of the oldest buildings in the town. The architecture and interior decorations reflect various modifications from the late 17th century to the late 19th century. 

The house now serves as the headquarters of the Italian community in Slovenia and functions as a venue for cultural projects, a gallery, and a museum. The museum showcases various items, including Tartini's violin, a copperplate engraving depicting his dreams, and his portrait, among other artifacts.

St. George's Cathedral offers stunning views over Croatia, Italy, and Slovenia. Named after St. George, the town's patron saint who legend says saved Piran from a violent storm, it is the largest church in Piran. In front of the church portal is a large lawn, once a graveyard, now a popular spot for tourists to enjoy panoramic views of the Bay of Trieste, the town, and nearby coastal settlements.

Inside, visitors can admire an organ, two statues of St. George, a richly decorated suspended wooden ceiling, and Venetian school wall paintings. Noteworthy features include Slovenia's largest oil painting on canvas, "The Martyrdom of St. George" by Giovanni Pagliarini (1841), and the country's oldest wooden model of a church from the late 16th century. The church also houses Slovenia's oldest continuous collection of baptismal records, dating back to the early 16th century.

The city walls of Piran trace their origins back to the 7th century, when they first encircled the old city core at Punta. Over time, as Piran expanded towards the so-called “Mandrač” (the town’s port), additional quarters outside the original walls were included. To safeguard against enemy incursions, two more sections of walls were erected, complemented by defensive towers.

Book your visit to Piran’s seven well-preserved gates that once served as entry points into the city. 

Visitors can explore Piran's ancient city walls, which offer panoramic views of the city and its surroundings, providing a glimpse into its rich history and scenic beauty.

The Maritime Museum, located in the mid-19th century Gabrielli Palace along Piran harbor, showcases Slovenia's maritime heritage. Its collections cover maritime archaeology, ethnological fishing, and the history of maritime enterprises from the Middle Ages to WWII.

Additionally, the museum displays various exhibitions which you can take a look at here.

Discover the Legends of Piran with the innovative Nexto app, guiding you through the town with quizzes, riddles, and challenges for an interactive experience. 

This modern approach to touring ensures an engaging exploration and uncovers the rich cultural heritage of Piran ! 

Embark on six engaging challenges: The Devilish Tartini, Poisonous Tongues, The Shield of Piran, Fire and Water, The Portal Through History, and The Heart of Piran.

Exploring cultural landmarks becomes an exciting adventure in Piran and its surroundings, connected through six hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Discover picturesque architectural and cultural sites in the town center on paths dedicated to culture, history, and local heritage, or explore the natural riches of the salt pans on the Salt Path. Venture along the Austro-Hungarian Riviera or trace the footsteps of the legendary Istrian ox through hinterland villages.

The Piran Minorite Monastery, founded in the 14th century by the Minorite Friars, is a significant historical and cultural site in Piran. It blends Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles, featuring a beautiful cloister, a library with rare manuscripts, and an adorned church. Over the centuries, it has been pivotal in Piran's religious and community life, serving as a place of reflection and cultural heritage. 

The gallery, located in a classical two-story building (formerly Kazina, on the site of the old loggia) on the central Tartini Square, was fully renovated in 2012 based on the plans of architect Boris Podrecca. The City Gallery is the main exhibition venue of the Piran Coastal Galleries, hosting major exhibition projects, retrospectives, and comprehensive thematic displays. It also serves as the administrative headquarters of the Piran Coastal Galleries.

The Tartini Theatre is a beautiful example of fin-de-siècle artistry blending historicism and Art Nouveau from the early 20th century. Designed by the Trieste architect Giacomo Zammattio, the interior decorations were entrusted to the Trieste painter Napoleone Cozzi, who had previously worked on the decoration of the Politeama Rossetti theater in Trieste.

The theater is suitable for concerts, theater performances, recitations, multimedia shows, symposiums, conferences etc. By removing the seats, the venue can also accommodate dance events, receptions, and gala dinners.