Koper - Capodistria
The rich history is the testimony of the past experiences and adventures, stories of b
bad and again better times and about people who created and lived here.
Photography - Ivan Andrejić www.secretsedition.com
History of Koper Koper, the oldest town in Slovenia, developed on a rocky island with the Roman name Capris. Out of the three Slovenian coast cities (Koper, Izola, Piran), Koper has experienced the most numerous layout modifications. The reasons for that also need to be sought in the changes of various reigns and states, all of which marked the city with their specific traits and names. Koper was called Capris in Roman times, in the times of the pope Gregory I (599) Insula Capraria (“goat island”), Iustinopolis under the Byzantine Empire (between mid 6th and 8th centuries) and Caput Histriae (‘head of Istria’) by the Aquileia Patriarchs. The Venetians rendered that name into the Italian form, Capodistria. The Slovenian equivalent of the name is Koper. The longest reign over the city was that of the Venetian Republic (1279-1797), when Koper experienced economic (trade, salt production) and cultural prosperity (painting, music). The Venetian period is still echoed by the city architecture; despite numerous modern interventions, it has preserved its medieval character, with the city of Koper being a member of the European Association of Medieval Cities. In the Middle Ages, Koper was an island surrounded by walls and connected with the mainland with a wood bridge in the direction of Škocjan. It was protected by a mighty fortress – Lion Castle, and surrounded by vast saltpans.
In the period from the 19th century to the First World War (i.e. from the Napoleonic Empire 1806-1813 to the Hapsburg Monarchy 1813-1918), Koper experienced numerous changes in the economic and social development. This period was marked by the reduction of the saltpans, which were entirely abandoned in 1912, and the changing layout of the city, which began to lose its island character. In 1825, a second road connection with the mainland was constructed (Semedela Road) followed by the coastal road in the middle 19th century, a sea connection with Trieste-PoreÄ? and the railway connection Trieste-PoreÄ? in 1902. Under the Italian Empire, Koper entirely lost its island character by means of the draining of the deserted saltpans. The time after the Second World War brought further changes. Until the final determination of the boarder with Italy through the signing of the London Memorandum in 1954, when it officially became part of former Yugoslavia, Koper was part of Zone B administered by the Yugoslav national Army, first belonging to the Julian March and from September 1947 to the neutral state called the Free Trieste Territory (FTT). As part of Yugoslavia, Koper experienced profound changes in its national structure. This also brought about new architectural interventions both in the city centre and its surroundings, especially in terms of huge development with the construction of the port. Today, Koper is both an commercial and tourist city, continuing to develop its offer in terms of seaside resorts, nautical tourism, sports and shopping. It has also become a University City.
Praetorian palace The Praetorian palace shuts in the Southern part of the square. Some information claim that Koper received its town hall in 1254, whereas some detailed studies about the panning of the square, propose 1268/9. The biggest building operations took place after the revolt, in 1348. In 1380, the unfinished constructions were destroyed by the Genoese who attacked the town and buried it. The next building for the new palace started in 1452/53. Initially was built the left wing with the portico which guides to the Calegerija (Čevljarska street). The right wing dates from 15th century. In 1505, rose the beautiful portal or gate “del Corte”, which through the small terrace over it, binds together the Praetorian palace and the Foresteria. In the middle of the two wings there is a statue of Justice. The Praetorian Palace and other buildings in the square received their definitive look during baroque period. The facade of the palace reached an ideal harmony and a refined look in 1664, after a renovation, when was changed the disposition of heraldic decoration and memorial plaques. The Venetian Republic decayed in 1797 and this event gave rise to the loss of luster of the palace which lost also its importance considering the fact that podestà, captains and the Great Conseil left Koper. In 19th century, during Austrian amministration, the mayoralty was moved to Armerija. Italian amministration, after the First world war, attempted, unsuccessfully, to bring back the municipal seat to Praetoria palace. The conditions of the palace decayed because also the following amministrations found new seats. Platea Comunis is considered one of the most distinguished town places and Praetorian palace is the most beautiful palace of Koper, because of those reasons, experts and the Municipality decided that it should become again the town palace containing the mayoralty, the hall of the town counsel and the wedding hall. After a renovation, which lasted some years, the majority moved into the palace in 2001. The palce, with its facade rich in inscriptions, heraldic device and other decorations, narrates the story and the destiny of Koper. Yesterday, today and tommorow.
LoĹža - Loggia The building was constructed in the 15th century, with its present appearance dating from the 17th century. It was used as a debate club for all the townsmen, with their discussions considered by the city council as well. It sports numerous heraldic decorations and a terracotta plastic of Madonna with Child in a corner niche, built in the memory of the devastating plague of 1554. Since the middle of the 19th century, it has also had a cafĂŠ, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and the view of one of the most beautiful city squares of the former Venetian territory.
Fontico The construction of the building is already mentioned in 1392. Fontico got its final shape around 1460, with the appearance of the front changing somewhat later on. Fontico is one of the oldest buildings in Brolo Square. From the very beginning, the building was used as a warehouse for the grain given to the townsmen in times of bad harvest or war. In addition to the Renaissance and Gothic windows, an attractive feature of the building is also rich heraldic decorations.
Muda Gate The former main city gate from 1516 is built in the Renaissance style and sports numerous heraldic decorations, among which the sun, symbolizing the city’s coat of armours, is the most prominent. Modelled after an ancient triumphal arch, the gate was built by Koper podesta Sebastian Contarini. Today, the Muda Gate remains the only preserved city gate out of the former twelve.
Fountain Da Ponte The biggest city fountain is a reproduction of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. It was commissioned in 1666 by podesta Lorenzo da Ponte, whose family coat of arms depicts an image of a bridge and whose name was also lent to the fountain itself. At the foot of the arch rising above the fountain, there are four figures with water flowing from their mouths. The figures on the left resemble mythological creatures Gorgons, daughters of Phorcys, conceived by Neptune. The other two are images of deities, one with hair in the shape of a shell and the other with a male head with a turban.
Carpaccio house Legend has it that the house was the home of the eminent Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio, but actually it was only lived in by his son Benedetto in the first half of the 16th century. Carpaccio House is an exceptionally beautiful example of 14th century Gothic building. Its present appearance reflects the renovations of 1935 and 1955.
Today, Koper is a commercial and tourist city, which continues to develop its offer in terms of seaside resorts, nautical tourism, sports and shopping. It has also become a University City. The Port of Koper is the only Slovenian international cargo port and a port of call for passenger ships on the Passenger terminal Koper. With a variety of attractive tourist destinations in a relatively small area, easily reachable by bus, first-class services and safety is a definitely excellent choice for your staying.
Hinterland of Koper Mysterious countryside in the Land of Refošk, offers specific gastronomic and wine experiences, evokes memories of the past and shows the visitor the true pleasures of the Mediterranean climate. Most important monuments and attractions in the hinterland of Koper: - World-famous frescoes »The dance of the dead« in the church of Holy Trinity in Hrastovlje, - The Castle of Socerb, - Holy cave in Socerb (the only existing underground church in Slovenia), - Living Museum in Krkavče, - House of Bardinc in Lopar - Carst Edge (Kraški rob; natural border between coastal-Mediterranean and continental part of Slovenia), - Spodmoli (rock shelters) and natural bridge in Sočerga - Osp wall (climbing wall), - valley of Dragonja, - Mountain Slavnik, - cycling through Parenzana (The way of health and friendship)
Kraški rob extends for quite 20 km from Socerb (by Slovenian/Italian border) to Mlini by (Slovenian/ Croatian border). In this area, we can find different small relief shapes, like landslips, limestone pavements, cliffs, caves and rock tunnels. In this zone is possible to find the flora and fauna of both the environments, karsic and Submediterranean (like 20 endemic species, and also 10 plant and animal species, once unknown for the science). The villages situated in this area (Kubed, Črni Kal, Črnotiče, Hrastovlje, Gračišče, Podpeč in Socerb) are considered cultural monuments.
Castle Socerb The castle is situated on the brink of a Karst wall of 300 m, because of this particular location we can admire a beautiful view of Koper’s and Trieste’s gulfs. The castle was originally built on the rests of an ancient Illyrian fort, a particularity visible even today. We can say that the castle’s story is quite stormy: it was firstly mentioned in 13th century and considering of its strategic position it was the reason of different battles between Venetians and Austrians. In 1678 the castle was visited and described by Vajkard Valvasor. The building was strongly damaged by lighting in 1780, when it became inaccessible. The castle was sold by its owner, the Municipality of Dolina, to the baron Demetrius Economo from Trieste who commissioned the restoration in 1924/5. On the east it is protected by a defensive wall and all around by steeps walls. In the past, the only accessible entrances were a drawbridge and a gallery.
Rural tourism in Koper - Istrian houses - Truške In rural Slovenian Istria, 15 minutes drive from the centre of Koper, is the Kozlovič family’s tourist accommodation. Set in a peaceful location in the middle of the countryside, with stunning views of the sea and surrounding nature. They are located 310m above sea level, which on clear days allows you to see the Julian Alps, the Dolomites as well as the Slovenian peaks. Pri Kapelci is a hamlet of the Istrian village Truške. It got its name in the year 1900 when the church dedicated to Saint Mary was built. However, there were never any settlers here until the Kozlovič family built the first house here. Despite the strong Burja wind which blows especially in winter time, Mama Zvezdana fell in love with the fantastic view.
Luxurious accommodation in Koper - Hotel Casinò Carnevale Luxury, elegance, comfort, classic Venetian style and modernism ... Enter the prestigious Hotel Casinò Carnevale Wellness & Spa. Hotel Carnevale is a 4 star Superior Hotel that offers a comfortable and luxurious stay, an exceptional culinary experience at the restaurant Venezia, relax in the inner Wellness & Spa center and fun with entertainment at the Casino Carnevale. They have 30 rooms of which: 4 singles, 6 doubles and 18 doubles with the possibility of an extra bed. For the most demanding guests, there are 2 luxurious suites available.
Hostel accommodation - hostel Histria Koper The hostel Histria Koper is located in an old renovated building in the centre of Koper. A perfectly located, fairly priced, clean and welcoming place to stay where you can relax, party and meet new friends from all around the world. This typical Istrian building was renovated to make your staying as comfortable and relaxed as possible. If that is not enough, there you will find friendly staff that will help you settle into your room, find attractive locations for your city exploring and help you find a public transportation option that suits you best.
Koper info
Turistična organizacija Koper (T
Tourist information centre Koper
Verdijeva ulica – Via Verdi 10
Titov trg - Piazza Tito 3
6000 Koper – Capodistria
6000 Koper - Capodistria
T: +386 5 6646 216
T: +386 5 6646 403
F: +386 5 6271 602
F: +386 5 6646 406
E: tic@koper.si
E: tic@koper.si
Tourist organization Koper)
Tourist information centre Hrastovlje Hrastovlje 53 6275 ÄŒrni Kal T: +386 41 398 368 E: tic@koper.si