The city of Koper in Slovenia is the identity of two cultures. Koper, Slovenia's lively seaside town

Koper (Slovenia) is a resort located on the Istrian peninsula, on the Adriatic Sea. The city is not only the largest port in the country, but also a popular holiday destination for local residents.

general information

The city of Koper is located in the southwest of the country. It adorns with its appearance and sights the bay of Koper, formed by the Istrian peninsula. The resort is the largest on the entire Slovenian coast. The city is popular among admirers of choral singing and music festivals.

The population of the town is about 25 thousand people, many speak two languages ​​- Slovenian and Italian. This linguistic feature is due to the geographical location of Koper - next to the Italian border. The resort is also connected by a highway with Ljubljana and Istria in Croatia.

Resort Features

1. Despite the fact that Koper has a railway station, maritime and road communications are more actively used.
2. The only port in the country is located in Koper.
3. The hotel infrastructure is not developed in the same way as in well-known European resorts.

Interesting fact! Until the 19th century, the resort was an island, but then it was connected by a dam to the mainland. Gradually, the island was completely connected to the continent.

Attractions

The main attraction of the city of Koper in Slovenia is the cathedral. The building looks majestic and ancient. Construction work began in the 12th century, and by the end of the century a building in the Romanesque style appeared in the city. Later, at the end of the 14th century, a tower and a bell tower were added to the temple. The bell, cast by a master from Venice, is the oldest in the country.

In the past, the tower was used as an observation deck for observing the city. Today, tourists come up here to admire the magnificent view of the bay.

Good to know! In 1460 there was a fire, and the tower was restored. The result is a unique combination of two styles - Gothic and Renaissance. In the 18th century, the interior of the temple was decorated in the Baroque style.

In the halls of the temple there is a large collection of paintings by artists from Venice during the early Renaissance. The main attraction of the cathedral is the sarcophagus of St. Nazarius.

Another attraction of Koper in Slovenia is located opposite the Loggia building. This is an amazing 15th century Praetorian Palace. The building is a magical mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and Venetian style. Today, the castle walls are located:

• a travel company where you can get a map of the city;
• city ​​hall;
• old pharmacy;
• a museum with exhibits on the history of the city;
• hall where wedding ceremonies are held.

The castle began to be built in the middle of the 13th century. Over such a long period, the building changed dramatically and changed its appearance several times.

Interesting to know! The term "praetor" in translation from the Roman language means - leader. Thus, the castle received its Roman name during the heyday of the Venetian Republic.

Entrance to the palace grounds costs 3 €.

Winery and shop

The attraction is located next to the highway. Tourists are offered a tour of the factory cellars, a shop and, of course, a wine tasting. Here you can buy wine of different varieties, the cost of a bottle varies from 1.5 to 60 €.

Good to know! The tradition of making wine has been honored here for six decades. The drink is stored in special sandstone cellars.

Guests can visit the restaurant, where amazing wine is served along with traditional, local dishes. In addition, the company holds interesting events dedicated to the presentation of new products and the celebration of young wine.

The most popular wine varieties are: Muscat, Refosque, Grganja. Wine Malvasia is best tasting with cheese.

Address: Smarska cesta 1, Koper.

The unique square, which is as famous as the Italian square in Piran, is decorated in the Venetian style. Getting to know the city starts from here. In addition to the Praetorian Palace and the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, there is a Loggia here. The building was built in the middle of the 15th century. Stendhal admired its beauty and sophistication. Externally, the building resembles the Doge's Venetian castle. Today it houses an art gallery and a café.

Good to know! The building is decorated with a statue of the Madonna. The sculpture was installed in memory of the plague that raged in the middle of the 16th century.

Also, the attention of tourists is attracted by Foresteria and Armeria. Today it is a single architectural ensemble, but earlier they were separate buildings. The buildings were built in the 15th century. The first was used to receive and accommodate noble visitors, and the second was used to store weapons.

Where is the best place to stay

The main advantage of the resort is its intimacy and small area. Wherever you stay, all the sights can be explored on foot without renting a vehicle.

Helpful information! Koper is one of the most peaceful and safe cities in the world. You can walk here day and night.

The area of ​​the resort is usually divided into two parts:

• the old town of Koper - this part used to be an island;
• the surrounding areas located on the hills are Markovets, Semedela and Zhusterna.

Depending on your personal preferences and budget, you can choose accommodation in three price categories:

• hotels and inns;
• apartments;
• hostels.

The cost of living depends on several criteria - distance from the sea and local attractions, seasonality, availability of additional conditions. In a hotel, a room will cost an average of about 60 €, renting an apartment costs from 50 to 100 € per day.

Helpful information! In the city you can find apartments owned by Russians.

Hostels are a great option for young tourists who come to Slovenia to see the sights and do not pay attention to comfort. The cost of living in a hostel located in the center will cost 30 €. If you choose a hostel further from the center, you will have to pay about 15 € for a room.

When choosing accommodation, be guided by your own preferences. If you want all the sights to be within walking distance, book a room in the historical part of Koper. If you want to live in silence and enjoy the scenery from your window, book accommodation in remote areas.

Helpful information! The most remote area is 3 km from the center of Koper.

Find out the RATES or book any accommodation using this form

How much will vacation cost

According to many tourists, rest in Koper will be inexpensive. In cafes and restaurants you can eat hearty, tasty and at a very affordable price. Espresso in Koper costs 1 €, cappuccino will cost a little more. Along with a fragrant drink, water and cookies are sure to be served.

It is important! In any cafe you can ask for water, it will be served in a glass or decanter for free. Local wine is cheaper than juice - 1 € per 100 ml.

You don’t have to take a taxi in Koper, you can walk to any attraction, but if such a need arises, the trip will cost about 5 €.

In Koper, tourists are offered sightseeing tours. A trip to Verona from Slovenia will cost 35€.

Beaches

Of course, there are beaches in Koper, but they can hardly be called an ideal vacation spot. Spoiled tourists will not find the usual infrastructure here. All that the city offers to guests is a small beach with a concrete entrance to the water, without any frills.

The beach season starts in June, but preparatory work ends on June 1st. By this time:

• swimming area is limited;
• prepared rafts for diving;
• lifeguards appear on the beach;
• open cafes;
• playgrounds work.

Helpful information! Near the beach there is a library where you can borrow a book in Russian.

The beach season ends in the second half of September, but tourists swim in the sea for a few more weeks.

In this matter, you need to understand that all the beaches in Koper are equipped, first of all, for local residents. Of course, the coastline is clean, well-groomed, there is a small corner for children.

Koper beaches in Slovenia:

• central, located in the city;
• Justerna is located 1 km from the city center.

Quite a comfortable road along the coastline has been laid to the beach of Zhusterna. This recreation area is more comfortable, there is a parking lot, a place for bathing children is equipped.

It is important! All the beaches in the country are pebbly, with the exception of the coastline in Portorož. The beautiful beaches in Izla and Strunjan are neighboring towns to Koper.

Weather and climate, when is the best time to go

Koper is always beautiful, regardless of the time of year and the weather outside. Local residents have streamlined life in such a way that it is always interesting and exciting here. Summer begins in the second half of June, autumn - in mid-September, winter - at the end of December.

During the holidays, the inhabitants of Koper leave for the coast, so it is better not to buy a ticket at this time. Vacations at schools are at the end of October, for the Christmas holidays (from December 25 to January 1). There are also holidays in the spring - from April 27 to May 2. The first days of May are a public holiday. Summer holidays for schoolchildren begin on June 25.

The hot season starts in the second half of July and lasts until autumn. At this time, the resort is visited by tourists from Italy.

It is not advisable to go to Koper in summer, because it is hot enough to see local attractions. However, in the summer months, various festivals are held on the streets of the city, music is played. The temperature varies from +27 to +30 degrees.

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Koper. The average temperature here varies from +23 in September to +18 in October and +13 in November. Rain falls infrequently. In addition, from the second half of September, prices for accommodation are significantly reduced.

The spring months are considered the windiest, especially February and March. The temperature varies from +12 in March to +21 in May. At the end of April, the town comes to life, filled with tourists, cyclists and visitors appear in local cafes. In May, guests are treated to asparagus, juicy cherries ripen. In the spring months, the city has low prices for accommodation and you can go to tourist centers without too much fuss.

In winter, Koper is especially beautiful. Christmas music sounds everywhere, the houses are festively decorated, the atmosphere of a miracle reigns. A festive bazaar with treats, gifts and a huge Christmas tree takes place on the square. In winter, sales begin in stores.

Another reason to visit Koper in winter is skiing. In addition to Slovenian ski resorts, you can visit Italy and Austria. The air temperature at this time of the year is +8 degrees.

How to get from Ljubljana and Venice

There are several ways to get from the capital to Koper

1. Machine. The most comfortable way to rent transport is at Ljubljana Airport.
2. By train. In this case, you first need to take a shuttle from the airport to the railway station. Trains run from here to Koper every 2.5 hours. The ticket price is about 9€.
3. By bus. There is a bus station near the railway station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, the ticket costs 11€.
4. Taxi. If you prefer comfort, take a taxi, you can order a car at the airport. The trip will cost 120€.

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There are also several ways to get from Venice to Koper.

1. Machine. Transport can be rented at the airport. This is the most convenient way, since the distance will have to be overcome and it will take a long time to get there on your own. Trails in Italy are paid, the road to Koper will cost 10 €.

In Slovenia, to pay for travel on local highways, you need to purchase a vignette and install it on the windshield. Its cost is 15€ for a week and 30€ for a month.

2. By train. From Marco Polo airport you need to get to the train station. There is a bus stop next to the terminal, the ticket price is 8€. The bus comes directly to the railway station. Then by train you need to get to Trieste station. A ticket will cost from 13 to 30 €. From Trieste to Koper you can take a taxi for 30€.
3. Taxi. A taxi ride from the airport in Venice to Koper will cost 160€. The journey takes about 2 hours.

Prices in the article are for February 2018.

Koper (Slovenia) gives an incredible feeling that you have arrived in an Italian town - narrow streets, linen that dries right on the street, a Venetian-style tower. The resort is a unique place where two completely different cultures intertwine.

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Koper, Slovenia: the most detailed information about the city of Koper, the main attractions with photos and descriptions, location on the map.

City of Koper (Slovenia)

Koper is a city in the southwestern part of Slovenia on the Adriatic coast in the Obalno-Kraska region. Geographically located on the Istrian peninsula. Koper is the largest city on the Slovenian coast with a rich history, a major seaport with a picturesque historical center, in which buildings and structures from the times of the Venetian Republic have been preserved.

Story

The history of Koper begins in the days of Ancient Greece. Even then, an ancient settlement was founded here, which was called Aegis. After the Greeks, the city became part of the Roman Empire and was named Caprice, which eventually transformed into Koper.

With the collapse of the Roman Empire from the 6th century, the city, like the whole of Istria, was first under the rule of Byzantium, then the Lombards, Franks and even Avars. In the 9th century, Koper was embroiled in a struggle between the Venetian Republic and the Holy Roman Empire. After that, Emperor Conrad II granted privileges to the city.

In the 13th century, Koper was annexed to Venice. At this time, the city is experiencing a golden age and becomes the largest city and port of Istria. At the end of the 18th century, the city became part of the Habsburg state. Koper remained part of Austria until the First World War. After the war and before World War II, the city was part of Italy. As a result of the Second World War, Koper became part of the free territory of Trieste, in 1954 it became part of Yugoslavia, and in 1991 - the independent state of Slovenia.

Climate and weather

Koper is located in the zone of humid subtropical climate. Precipitation is distributed evenly throughout the year. The rainiest months are September and November. The driest is July. The warmest months are July and August. The coldest is January. Winter is very mild with very rare frosts and snow cover.

Gastronomy

The traditional cuisine of Koper is Istrian. It is a mixture of Mediterranean, Slovenian and Italian traditions. The main characteristics of Istrian cuisine are a large number of herbal ingredients, spices, seasonal vegetables, fish and seafood.

Traditional products are Piran salt (mined in the city of Piran), olive oil, wine, cheese, asparagus.

Istria has a rich tradition of winemaking. Of the local wines, you should pay attention to Malvasia (white), Refosque (red), Muscat (white).

Sights in Koper

The old town of Koper boasts interesting sights and architecture from the period of the Venetian Republic.

The Praetorian Palace is one of the symbols of Koper. Beautiful building in the Venetian Gothic style, built in the 15th century. Located on the central square of the old town.

Another interesting building in the Venetian style is the Loggia Palace. The palace is located on Titov Square opposite the Pretoria Palace. Built in the 15th century.

The Muda Gate is the former main city gate built in the Renaissance style in the early 16th century. Today, this gate is the only surviving of the 12 city gates.

Fountain da Ponte - the largest fountain in Koper, a kind of copy of the famous Rialto Bridge in Venice. The fountain was built in the second half of the 17th century.

The Carpaccio House is a 14th-century Venetian Gothic building in which the famous Venetian painter of the 16th century lived.

The Rotunda is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Koper. This ancient Romanesque baptistery is located in the heart of the old town. The Rotunda was built in the 11th century.

Among other ancient buildings, it is worth noting the rotunda of St. John the Baptist. This Romanesque-Gothic building was built between the 10th and 12th centuries.

Assumption Cathedral - the main temple of Koper, built in the 15th century. The origins of the cathedral date back to the 12th century. The building combines Gothic and Renaissance styles. Inside the church, you can see several valuable paintings, including the masterpiece of Carpaccio. Also here is a stone sarcophagus of the patron saint of Koper - St. Nazaria. A high 37-meter bell tower adjoins the building of the cathedral. Once one of the defense towers, it boasts the oldest bell in Slovenia and a great view.

Video - city of Koper.

Where to live well in Slovenia. Koper.

June 1, 2015, 01:01, views: 6634

I decided to make a series of reports about where it is good to live on the Slovenian coast (it is also obala - Slovenian - coast). Fortunately, several years spent here have been enriched with certain information, but still I insist - everything said below is a subjective point of view.

So, Koper is the largest city on the Slovenian coast. Well, as the largest - about 25 thousand people. For us Russians, this is a village. But there is one "but" characteristic of almost all of Europe. The fact is that there are a lot of cities and they are located quite densely. The situation when, having crossed the street, you are already in another city is commonplace. That is why European cities are not at all perceived as lonely Russian villages with several thousand people.

Let's get back to Koper. The city consists of two parts: the old city - the one that is located on a relative plain directly on the coast (there is also a port); and the new city (also called Semedela), located on fairly high mountains above the old city.

All tourism, of course, is concentrated in the old city, closer to the sea. Actually, there are all the main shopping and entertainment centers. By the way, it was in Koper that the largest shopping and entertainment centers were built, focused on the entire coast of Slovenia. In other cities, only shops.

• Do you need to go to the cinema? - You in Koper.
• Do you need to go bowling? - You in Koper.
• Do you need to buy clothes? - You in Koper.
• Do you need to buy a toy for your child? - You in Koper.
• Looking for a 24 hour pharmacy? - They said, in Koper.

In terms of relaxation, Koper is not the worst option for spending two weeks on the coast of Slovenia. But far from the best. The main tourist disadvantage of this city is the lack of a beach. No, there is a small “heel” (at least 100-150 meters long) adjacent to the port overlooking the same port, but is it really a beach?

In fairness, it should be noted that there are no beaches in Slovenia. There is access to the sea for swimming, but it cannot be called beaches. The bottom is bad, there is no sand, the coastline is rarely cleaned of algae. So don't count too much.

The main tourist plus of Koper is that there is a bus and railway station. Therefore, if you do not risk renting a car or prefer a budget vacation, you can easily drive from Koper to Italy, Croatia, and the central part of Slovenia.

Now actually about life in Koper. Not just about two weeks, but about whether it is convenient to live in the city for several years.

Advantages

As already mentioned, all the largest entertainment and shopping centers are located in Koper. It's probably more of a plus.

There is a new school in Koper (both in terms of building and programs). It is located in the old city. There are, of course, other schools, but it is this school that is praised by both locals and compatriots. In addition to schools, there is also a technical college and several universities. Also, it is in this city that the most various children's sections and "circles" are most of all. Thus, in terms of the development of children's and youth infrastructure, Koper is the absolute leader on the entire Slovenian coast.

high school

From the point of view of walking in the evening - Koper is quite a suitable town. There are several beautiful squares. The old part of the city is well maintained and clean. Countless coffee shops, restaurants and bars. And, of course, a pleasant promenade. If you are a fan of rollerblading, the embankment will certainly please you. Moreover, it smoothly flows into a pedestrian and bicycle road (connecting Koper with another coastal city - Izola) and gives you another 10 kilometers of comfortable walking.

The last advantage of the city, which has already been mentioned, is the railway and bus stations.

This is where Koper's virtues end.

Flaws

The disadvantages of Koper include, first of all, the issue of accommodation. The fact is that renting a house in the old city (or near it) is not only expensive (relative to other cities), but also a very difficult task.

It is not easy to find a normal apartment for a family of 3-4 people in the old town - there are not so many offers. Meanwhile, most of the proposals are a new city, that is, the one on the mountain. And this means that every time, just to take a walk, you will have to drive a car or wait for a bus, or walk for 20-30 minutes to the old city on foot. And you can’t take your child to school in the fresh air anymore - only by transport.

At first, this circumstance will not strain much. But six months will pass, and you will simply get tired of it and will leave the house less and less. Unless on business: school, shop, hospital and so on.

Conclusion. In my personal ranking of “suitability of cities on the Slovenian coast for long-term residence”, Koper takes a solid second place. And the main reason for his “silver” and not “gold” I put is his size. It is too big to forget about a car or a bus for a whole week.

All photos are taken from Google Maps (Google Streets).

In one of the albums, I already said that on small section of the Adriatic coast, owned small Slovenia has four small town (okay - the city, I will not offend the locals). About two of them, Piran and Portoroz, I have already told everything I could.

Isola and Koper are next in line. Why did I decide to combine them in one album?. Each of the four towns has its own "zest". Piran is the most famous (the Gulf of Piran) and popular in tourist gradations, a medieval open-air museum city. Portorož is actually not a city, but a coastline built up with hotels, restaurants and other elements of recreation and entertainment infrastructure. Koper (in Italian Kapodistria - the main city of Istria) - the largest of all - about 24,000 people. And yet, Koper is the main trading port of the country (sorry for the slight irony, in fairness it must be admitted - the only one). Finally, Isola is a small (about 10,000 people) town, within the boundaries of which the largest marina in this region is located.

And if you forget about these "highlights", then Koper and Izola have a lot in common. Using a well-known journalistic stamp, I would say that Isola is Koper, but only smaller ... Both cities were originally located on the islands. Koper on Goat Island, which became a peninsula in 1825. And with Isola ..., just some kind of "simplified". The island did not have a name. "Isola" in Italian is an "island", which in the 19th century was also turned into a peninsula. In their historical development, the cities also went, as they say, "head to nose". Not having achieved primacy in urban wars in the 13th century, they agreed to the patronage of the rich and strong Venetian Republic. Then these territories were under the rule of Napoleonic France, and were part of Austria-Hungary, and belonged to pre-war Italy , and were part of the SFRY. Now it is Slovenia. The cities have a lot in common. Driving along the coast, you will not immediately understand: where Koper ends and where Isola begins.

Therefore, in the album, I try to show the "unifying" moments, somewhat ignoring the differences and features inherent in these lovely towns.

Of course, photos with views of Isola and Koper are unlikely to make a splash when solving the Find Ten Differences puzzle. Rather, the task should sound exactly the opposite: "Find a similar one." Here is proof of that. On the left is Isola, on the right is Koper.
Here is the peninsula (isola - island, ital.), which in the 19th century turned out of an island without a name. And on it is the old part of the modern city of Isola. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to remove a pile driver in such a compact form.

Yes, yes, this is part of the largest marina in this region.
Entrance to the old part of Koper. He, old Koper, is still more impressive than old Izola. Here is the square with a fountain at the entrance.

No, this is not a crossroads with the traditional mockery of the heroes: "You will go to the right ..." This is the beginning of the streets in old Izola. As expected, all roads lead to the temple. Do you remember how T. Abuladze's cult film "Repentance" ends, which blew up society at the beginning of perestroika? That's right - the question of an elderly woman: "Why do we need a road if it does not lead to the temple?" Isola. Church of St. Mauro (XVI century).
Differences in the size of the occupied territories of Koper and Izola naturally affect the "size" of their main attractions. The church of St. Mauro occupies almost the entire main square of Isola. By the way, "square" in Slovenian sounds surprisingly melodious - "Trg". So, the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady (XV century) in Koper, despite its impressive size, is located only on a part of the central square Titov Trg. (I do not know if this name is connected with the name of Joseph Broz Tito).
The temple houses the tomb of St. Nazarius, the patron saint of the city.

There are many other religious buildings in the towns. I can't be specific by name.
And this is the most beautiful building of Isola - the palace of Besengi del Ulla (18th century). And this is the entrance to the patio of some palace in Koper. What exactly did not understand. But the feeling of herd and tourist solidarity (everyone, pushing each other, tried to capture this object) did not allow to pass by.
We return to Titov Trg. The main administrative building of the city is the Pretoria Palace (1464). For reference: "praetor" is a public position in ancient Rome.
Palace of the Loggia (15th century). Further - some fragments of the decoration of palaces built during the heyday of the Venetian Republic, under the comprehensive influence of which both Koper and Isola were for many years. Well, these narrow streets - the hallmark of Italy in general and Venice in particular - make the seaside cities of Slovenia "Italian".



Where are the pipes of Koper, and where are the Isola ... for seagulls it doesn’t matter. However, for tourists too.
And these shots are for the "truth of life". Either - there is no money, or - the hands do not reach, or - well, you need to maintain the image of the OLD CITY ... Park on the embankment of Izola.
Park on the waterfront of Koper.

The port is the pride of Koper.
Marina Isola. Modern Isola.
Today's Koper.