One of the most picturesque places in Slovenia is the city of Koper, located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, which attracts tourists to visit it. History is intertwined with modernity here, and picturesque beaches add to the tourist possibilities.
The medieval center of Koper impresses with restored buildings dating back to Roman times. The most important monument is the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Cattedrale di Capodistria), whose bell tower offers tourists wonderful views of the city and the Adriatic. Walking through the narrow streets of the Old Town, you can admire architecture from different eras.
It is a vibrant city where modern bars, restaurants and shops mingle with historical buildings. You can go cycling or hiking along the picturesque coast and surrounding hills, and visit nearby caves, such as the famous Postojna Cave. Koper is also an important commercial port and marina for yachts.
Location
Koper lies in the southwestern part of Slovenia, the port city of Koper, situated on the coast of the Adriatic Sea in the Istrian region. It is located close to the border with neighboring Italy.
Praetorian Palace
The Praetorian Palace is a 15th-century Venetian Gothic palace in the city of Koper. Considered one of the most magnificent palaces in Koper, the palace continues to impress visitors with its elegant appearance and rich history.
The palace was built in the 13th century, but its current appearance was acquired in the mid-15th century. The building’s appearance is dominated by the Late Gothic-Renaissance and Venetian Gothic styles. The palace is decorated with an external staircase, an external balcony, a characteristic façade, a statue of Justice with a sword, and many decorative coats of arms with sculptures from the history of Koper. The palace houses administrative offices and offers guided tours explaining the architectural features and historical significance of the building.
Da Ponte Fountain
The Da Ponte Fountain dates from 1666 and is superstructure is in the shape of a bridge, surmounting an octagonal water basin surrounded by fifteen pilasters, each bearing the arms of local noble families who had contributed funds toward the fountain.
The water spurts from four mascarons at the base of the arch. The fountain was used as a source of potable water until 1898.
Marina Koper
Koper Marina is also known as Koper Pristanisce and it is situated in the Slovenian town Koper. The Marina Koper manages the northernmost marina in the Adriatic. Its convenient location and high quality of service make it a popular transit port and a European center for the launching of new yachts. Marina Koper is located in the north of the Slovenian coast not far from the Italian border.
The marina offers 70 serviced berths for rent with shipyard facilities also on offer, these include: travel lift (70 tonne), hard standing, winter storage, sail maker, nautical supplies, electrical and mechanical workshops and fuel station. The marina also offers boat charter, toilets, showers, bar and restaurant with other amenities just a stone-throw away in the old city.
Zusterna Beach (Plaža Žusterna)
Žusterna Beach is famous for its crystal clear waters and soft pebbled shores, making it an ideal place for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is well-equipped with amenities. Water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking make our time more enjoyable. The beach also impresses with its social life in the evening, with beach bars and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine and refreshing drinks.
Koper Regional Museum
The facility is famous for its lapidarium, which presents several dozen stone carving details, inscriptions and tombstones from the period of 500 years of Roman rule. Another permanent exhibition addresses the topic of hunger and abundance, showing changes in food culture from the 18th to the mid-18th centuries ,20th century.
Titov trg Koper
Titov Trg (Piazza Tito) is a public square in the old town of Koper. The city used to belong to Venice and Venetians built a city hall and palaces around the square which still give the place a unique Venetian feel. There is also the main parish church here and a huge belltower.
Koper Cathedral
The church was built in the second half of the 12th century in Romanesque style, with three naves, each ending with an apse. Until 1392, the church underwent changes and extensions, which also led to a change in style: the western facade is clearly Gothic. The 36-meter-high bell tower, now called the City Tower, with 204 steps to climb, offers magnificent views.
Behind the cathedral to the north is the round Romanesque rotunda of John the Baptist, the baptistery (krstilnica) from the second half of the 12th century, with a ceiling fresco.
The Lodge Palace (Palazzo della Loggia)
The Loggia in Koper is a great example of Venetian Gothic architecture, reflecting the city’s historical ties to the Republic of Venice. This 15th-century building served as a meeting place for city leaders and a place for public gatherings. The distinctive architecture attracts tourists who like to take pictures of it and is a major attraction for history buffs.
