Koper, Slovenia: everything a tourist needs to know. The city of Koper in Slovenia – the identity of two cultures Koper slovenia

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 ... it’s just some kind of “simplification”. The island didn’t even 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 head”. 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 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.

Slovenia is a unique country in terms of its geographical position. Skiing down from the Alpine peaks, you actually immediately find yourself on the beaches of the Adriatic coast. There are not so many cities on the Slovenian coast, and the main one among them is Koper (sl. Koper, it. Kapodistria). Despite the city's population of only about 25,000, Koper is the largest Slovenian city and port on the coast of the Gulf of Piran.

Until the 19th century, Koper was located on the island, which in ancient times was called "Goat". In 1825, the island was connected to the mainland by an embankment, but the city is still, according to tradition, divided into the old - "island" part and the new - "mainland".

The “mainland” part is a modern city with its own infrastructure, lively life and tall buildings. In the “island” part of Kopra, the picture is completely different: time seems to be frozen here. Old houses under red tiled roofs in the Italian style, small narrow streets overlooking the sea - all this is reminiscent of the centuries-old history of Koper, which dates back to ancient Greece.

HISTORY OF KOPRA

In those days the city was called Aegida (Goat City). Later, at the mention of Koper, names such as Capris (Greek Copros), Caprea, Capre and Caprista pop up. The chronicles mention that in 568 AD, the Roman citizens of the neighboring city Tergeste(Trieste), because of the invasion of the Huns, they fled to Capris. The Byzantines, who captured Koper in the 7th century, renamed it Justinopolis, in honor of their emperor. Justinian II .

The name of the city Tergeste comes from the Slovenian word trg - market square. So there is not much Italian in this (now) Italian city!

In many ways, the medieval history of the city is determined by relations with the Venetian Republic. By 932, among all the cities of Istria, Koper becomes the main partner of Venice, observing neutrality in the event of a war between Venice and any of the cities of Istria.

This alliance brings Koper great benefits. The city experienced a real economic take-off during the time of the Crusades, when the demand for its agricultural products increased sharply: oil, wine, fish and salt. Maritime trade also brings great profits. In the XI-XII centuries in Koper, as in other coastal cities, an oligarchic system of government was formed: with an outwardly republican form, power belongs to several families of noble patricians.

Due to its rapid economic growth, Koper grows stronger, and eventually decides on a conflict with Venice. In 1145, the union of the three cities of Istria - Pula, Koper and Izola, challenges the Venetian Republic. The result is disastrous: the defeated cities are forced to swear an "oath of loyalty" (facere fidelitatem) to the Doge of Venice. After this conflict, the authorities of Koper began to behave extremely cautiously: the city provided military assistance to the Venetian fleet in every possible way, and in conflicts between Venice and other cities, invariably taking the side of the Republic.

In 1182, as a reward for his loyalty, Koper receives from Venice the right to monopoly salt mining on the entire coast of Istria, for a period of 29 years. Salt mining was of paramount importance in those days, and this contributes to strengthening the status of Koper as the central city of the Istrian coast. The development of salt for many centuries brought great economic benefits to the city and was stopped only in 1911.

In 1380, Koper is severely attacked by the Genoese (Medieval Genoa). The troops of Genoa plunder the city and take away with them jewels and sacred relics, including the relics of St. Nazarius - the heaviest punishment for the medieval city (returned in 1423). But even these small attacks cannot stop the economic rise of Koper. In the 16th century, Koper was considered the largest port city in northwestern Istria. In the middle of the 16th century, its population numbered about 10 thousand inhabitants. Unfortunately, more than 50% of the population perishes during the terrible plague that rages in Europe in 1553-1554.

Having existed until the end of the 18th century, the Venetian Republic perished under the onslaught of Napoleon's army. In 1797, French troops enter Koper, and the city becomes first part of the Italian kingdom, and then part of the Illyrian provinces (1809-1813). After the fall of the Napoleonic Empire, Koper falls under the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, in whose possession it remains until the First World War.

In 1918, Koper passes to Italy, and after the Second World War, in 1947, joins the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, as part of Free Territory of Trieste. When in 1954 the Free Territory of Trieste officially ceases to exist, Koper becomes part of Yugoslavia, already part of the federal Republic of Slovenia. By this time, most of the Italians who lived in the city leave the city, moving to Italy.

WHAT TO SEE IN COPRA

Koper is a city of ancient history and the latest tourist infrastructure. Walking along the old, medieval streets of its island part, you immediately pay attention to the huge influence of Venetian architecture. Here everyone can see wonderful evidence of different cultures and eras. All inscriptions in the city are made in Slovenian and Italian, and every building has an Italian flavor.

The oldest decoration of Koper is the Rotunda of the Ascension, built in the 12th century. The church served as a gathering place and blessing for soldiers going to war. Inside it hangs one of the best paintings of the Renaissance in Slovenia, painted by an Italian painter. Vittore Carpaccio(Vittore Carpaccio) in 1516 and here is one of the oldest bells in Slovenia (1333), cast by the Venetian master Jakob.

In Koper, many very original and interesting monuments of the Venetian period have been preserved. One of these monuments is the Praetorian Palace, built in 1464 in the Venetian Gothic style. The palace is located on the central square of the city - Titov Square (Titov trg), and opposite it flaunts the Loggia Palace, which today houses an art gallery with a rich collection of paintings from the 15th century.

Here, near the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God, built in the XV century. It houses the main city shrine - the tomb of St. Nazarius, the patron saint of the city, whose relics in 1380 were taken out of the city by the Genoese troops.

Built in the 17th century, the Belgramoni-Tacco Palace is one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Koper. The palace has two names, because at one time, one of the members of the Belgramoni family, lost it overnight to another family - Tacco. Today, the palace houses the Regional Museum of Northern Istria. The amazing palaces of Gravisi Barababianca, Brutti and Totto also once belonged to noble Venetian families, and, along with many other historical buildings, today serve as a real decoration of Koper.

Koper is also interesting for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to clean city beaches, a large modern water park offers its visitors many attractions for every taste. In the vicinity of the city there are many sheer cliffs, long chosen by mountaineers, as well as a small airfield offering fantastic panoramic flights over the Adriatic coast to everyone.

Koper hosts numerous choir festivals. One of the most famous is the seaside summer festival, which every year brings together musical groups from Slovenia and other countries. It attracts spectators from all over the world who get real pleasure from the bright spectacle and from the city of Koper itself.

) is the center of the Istria region, located on the Adriatic coast. Of all the cities in this part of the country, Koper is the liveliest and most attractive for tourists. It is both a port and a hub for the automotive industry. Here, tourists will not be bored at any time of the year, because there are interesting sights, a variety of entertainment and shopping opportunities.

Koper (Slovenia), whose sights are gathered around four squares, is the oldest city in this country. It is mentioned in the writings of Pliny, but under the name Aegis. Koper "survived" Byzantium and the Roman Empire, was under the rule of Venice, so there are many monuments of the Venetian era.

What travelers should know is that they have a tourist card that allows them to use public transport, go sightseeing and get discounts at local restaurants. It's a good deal, but you may not need public transport because Koper is a fairly compact city and you can get around it up and down in about two hours.

What is the weather like?

Koper (Slovenia) is famous for its climate. People come here at any time of the year and enjoy a pleasant holiday. In winter, tourists are more busy shopping (discounts reach 70%) or skiing at the nearest ski resorts. In spring and summer, music festivals, fun events await guests, and the air temperature rises to +30ºС. In autumn, the temperature drops significantly, so swimming in the sea will not work, but this time of year is popular due to low housing prices.

Going for a walk, you should get to one of the four main squares:

The style of the main square is austere and somewhat laconic Venetian. Titov bargaining in beauty competes only with. Here are the following attractions:

After the main square, you should walk along Chevlyarska Street, which reminds of medieval times. Here is located barbabian palace allocated for the needs of the tax inspectorate. It is interesting that the employees of the institution are forced to go to work on foot, it is impossible to drive up to the building by transport.

Preshernova Square is famous with its fountain inspired by the Rialto Bridge in Venice and the Muda Gate in Koper itself. Moreover, these are the only surviving gates in the city, once there were 12 of them. They have an image of the sun with a human face. The style of the gate continues in the De Ponte Fountain. Four pagan deities “spit out” water into the bowl.

The next Piazza Carpaccio was named after the famous Venetian painter. The square is dominated by the column of Justina, erected in honor of the victory at Lepanto in 1572, and there is also a Venetian well in the form of a column capital.

On the square is the most colorful old salt warehouse, which the locals call "Tavern". Next, walk along Kidricheva street and admire the old houses, and at the same time palaces - Totto ex Gavardo, Belgramono Tazzo. The latter is one of the most beautiful buildings built in the Baroque style. It has a double name because an heir from the Belgramono family lost the house to someone from the Tazzo family. At the present time it is located.

Brolo Square will be remembered granary which has become a monument of history and culture. This is one of the oldest buildings in Koper, and is also located on the square. brutti palace, which housed city ​​Library, and next to it Church of the Ascension of Mary.

Koper is a city with a sufficient number of comfortable hotels. Regardless of which hotel is chosen for temporary accommodation, attractions will be within walking distance. Koper hotels are distinguished by a variety of prices and conditions, the following options can be cited as examples:

As for restaurants, Italian cuisine prevails here. Eat fish restaurant, Skipper which serves a variety of seafood dishes. You can taste them on the terrace overlooking. For a quick bite, you should visit fast food restaurants or visit cafes. Restaurants are both with average prices and expensive. The latter include "Capra", "Al Mulin". The first one serves delicious desserts, while the second one offers amazing steaks and pasta with seafood.

There are many ways to get to Koper, but there is no direct air or rail connection. By plane you can get to, and then by car, train, bus or taxi. You can rent a car right in, then you will be able to explore the coast more freely.

The train is interesting because the road passes through picturesque places. But first you need to get to the railway station, and from there take a train to Koper in 2.5 hours. The ticket price is approximately 9€.

There is a bus station next to the railway station. The travel time by bus is 1.5 hours, the cost is approximately 11€. A taxi ride will cost the most - about 120 €.

The main seaport of Slovenia - the ancient city of Koper is located in southwestern Slovenia on the Istrian peninsula. Koper originated in the times of Antiquity - the Greek settlement Aegida was located here. During the Roman Empire, the city was called Capris, and Koper reached its heyday when it became part of Venice in the 13th century - it was then that it turned into the most important port and trading city of the Istrian peninsula.

Story

During the Venetian Republic, Koper became known as Caput Histriae, which means "the main in Istria." In Italian, it is still called Capodistria - "head of Istria". After the collapse of the Republic of Venice in 1797, Koper was captured by the Austrians, and in 1918, together with the entire peninsula, he went to Italy. For a long time, Koper was located on an island where shepherds grazed their flocks of sheep. Only in 1825, the island was attached to the mainland by a bulk isthmus, however, the division into island and mainland parts remains to this day. On the island part, monuments of medieval architecture, a seaport and beaches are concentrated, while "on the mainland" it is a modern city with dense buildings and tall buildings.

After World War II, Koper became part of the "Free Territory of Trieste", which was controlled by Yugoslavia, and in 1954 finally became part of Yugoslavia. In 1991, the city became part of the newly independent Slovenia, but today Italians live here and Italian is the second official language.

The city's attractions

On the central square of the city (Titov Trg) is built in 1464, the Pretoria Palace - the most famous building in the city. Opposite it, on the other side of the square is the Loggia Palace, which houses a collection of works of art. It is also worth seeing the houses of the Venetian nobility - the palaces of Armerigonia and Totto, and the oldest city building - the Rotunda of the Ascension, whose history dates back to the 12th century. Among the most important sights of Koper is also the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady. The tomb of St. Nazarius, the patron saint of Kopra, is kept in the cathedral.

Koper today

Today, Koper is the largest seaport and logistics center on the Adriatic, through which a significant part of the European cargo turnover passes. The port has 12 terminals, and the volume of cargo transportation in 2014 exceeded 19 million tons. The cruise liners Costa Favolosa and Costa Сoncordia also call at the port, and shuttle sea transport to Trieste and Venice also departs from here.

Koper is also famous for its football team. FC Koper belongs to the strongest league in Slovenia, and the famous football player Mladen Rudonja is a native of Koper. The famous painter Vittore Carpaccio, tennis player Andreja Klepach, and singer Tinkara Kovacs, who represented Slovenia at Eurovision, were also born in the city. Many tourists come to Koper to attend musical events, especially the Seaside Summer Festival.

Getting into the small town of Koper in Slovenia, a person simply loses touch with reality! This is the Slovenian Riviera, which is so similar to sunny Italy. Narrow streets, cozy courtyards, lots of sun and excellent air. Previously, this amazing settlement was located on an island called Koziy. But then a dam was built, and it was a small island that simply merged with the continent. But even today it has remained "independent" and impresses with its originality and wonderful climate, which allows you to restore health. The largest port in Slovenia is located in the town, ships with cargoes from all over the world come here.

Kaleidoscope of history

Koper is a kind of symbiosis of Slavic and Latin culture. Due to the close proximity of Italy, the traditions and heritage of this country are highly valued here. Venetian pointed towers, southern cuisine, small courtyards with stuccoed walls - everything emphasizes the Italian flavor. In Koper, two languages ​​are spoken - Italian and Slovenian, they are "equal" and even in parliament there is a representative of the Italian minority.

Until the 19th century, the city of Kapodistria (as the Italians called it) was an island. Then many architectural monuments were erected - Tito's Square with the Praetor's Palace and the Loggia. Today it is so nice to sit here with a cup of aromatic coffee, enjoying the views of the city and the architecture of old castles.

Only in Koper you will see two completely different cities. The mainland of the settlement is high modern houses, cramped streets, numerous hotels and expensive apartments. The island part - tiled roofs of low buildings, ancient cathedrals and temples, pronounced Italian flavor.

Climate of Koper

Surprisingly, the Slovenian resort is located only 30 km from the coastal zone, but this did not prevent it from turning into a real pride of the country. Sandy golden beaches, the clearest waters of the Adriatic Sea and an excellent maritime climate. In Koper, there are rarely gusty winds, heavy precipitation. From early spring, sunny warm days dominate here, comfortable conditions for recreation last until late autumn. And even in winter it is very pleasant to enjoy the healing air here, walk along the coast and drink the unique mineral waters that the fertile land gives.

The legacy of ancestors

Koper is not only a well-known health resort where people come to enjoy unique mineral springs. This is a real cultural center of the country, where everything breathes history. If you want to witness Italian pomposity, you need to see the Pretoria Castle, built in 1464 (Venetian Gothic). Opposite it is an art gallery with a rich collection of paintings from the 15th century and contemporary paintings.

The palaces of Armerigonya, Totto, Belgramoni-Tacco, amazing in beauty, have become a real treasure of the city. Proud of the locals and pompous temple buildings. The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God (erected in the 15th century), the main shrine of the townspeople, the tomb of St. Nazarius, is also kept here. There is a legend that protects the city from enemies and all kinds of natural disasters.

You should definitely see the oldest place in the city - the Rotunda of the Ascension, built in the 12th century. Little tourists will appreciate the local zoo. This is not just a place for entertainment and contemplation of rare animals - a research center operates here.

But for outdoor enthusiasts, Koper will be a real discovery. A huge amusement park (water) amazes with many attractions. There are even pools with artificial waves and specialized ponds for the youngest tourists. Mountaineering lovers have appreciated the resort with its sheer cliffs that hang over the Adriatic coast.

Forward for impressions

If all the wellness procedures have been completed, and you are tired of the relaxing bliss of the beaches? Welcome to numerous singing festivals. This is a real extravaganza of music of various styles, musicians from all over Slovenia and other countries come here. A grandiose performance awaits you, especially since festivals are held regularly. The most famous of them is the Seaside Summer Festival.

Treatment and recuperation in Koper

Slovenia is, first of all, a climate favorable for humans. And natural treasures in the form of thermal and mineral waters allow you to quickly get rid of many chronic diseases. Koper is famous for the fact that the Pannonian, Alpine maritime climate reigns here - such a tandem is rare and it is he who has such a positive effect on the human body. The air is saturated with minerals, salt water relieves respiratory diseases and dermatological pathologies. Another gem of Slovenia is therapeutic mud. These are inorganic or organic peloids that saturate the skin with beneficial chemical compounds.

and deserve special attention. The water in them is recognized as healing, it is ideal for daily use, replenishes the body with minerals and rare acids. Therefore, people suffering from disorders of the gastrointestinal tract come to Koper to enjoy this water, which has no analogues in the world. Also here, for the treatment of certain diseases, they use healing peat, fango. These substances have a positive effect on the skin - tighten it, slow down the aging process.

If you get to Koper, be sure to visit the thermal springs. These waters are able to activate the body's internal reserves, and you will forget about viral infections for a long time.

Hotels in Koper

There are not many apartments in this city, but those that are are comfortable and convenient for those who come to improve their health. Apartment & Suites Venice is an excellent Italian-style hotel boasting excellent infrastructure, delicious cuisine and picturesque views from the windows of the rooms. Hotel Vodisek- affordable accommodation, good service, many cafes and restaurants on the territory, their own gyms and saunas. Studio Morsal a great place for a quiet measured rest, it is conveniently located, you can quickly get to any part of the city and to the beach.

A trip to Koper is not just a pleasant stay on the Adriatic coast. Only here you can enjoy the gifts of nature that will help you become healthy and strong. If you have small children, such an exciting trip will be a luxurious gift. The kid will improve his health, arriving in a mild warm climate, and will get a lot of impressions from this amazing peninsula.