Koper Slovenia. Koper is a lively Slovenian seaside town. What are analytical cookies
Koper (Slovenia) is a resort located on the Istrian peninsula, on the coast 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
- Despite the fact that Koper has a railway station, maritime and road communications are more actively used.
- The only port in the country is located in Koper.
- 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 observation deck to watch 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 one architectural ensemble, but earlier they were separate structures. 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.
Useful 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:
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- 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.
Useful information! In the city you can find apartments owned by Russians.
Hostel Secret Garden
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.
Useful 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 reasonable 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 excursion 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.
Useful 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. beautiful beaches in Izla and Strunyan are the cities neighboring 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. locals arranged life in such a way that it was 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. First days of May 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
- Machine. The most comfortable way to rent transport is at Ljubljana Airport.
- 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€.
- By bus. There is a bus station near the railway station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, the ticket costs 11€.
- 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.
- 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 €.
- 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 straight to 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€.
- Taxi. A taxi ride from the airport in Venice to Koper will cost 160€. The journey takes about 2 hours.
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.
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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The sea coast of Slovenia is quite small - only 30 km, but at the same time the country offers all the most attractive components of a sea holiday. The same can be said about the picturesque Koper. For anyone who has already managed to visit this sunny resort, memories cause a joyful smile and a desire to return to this corner of the Adriatic.
A bit of history
Koper is not only the largest seaside town in Slovenia, but also the country's main seaport. In the old days, Koper was located on the island of Goats. By 1825, the island was connected to the mainland, but still, paying tribute to tradition, the city is divided into the mainland and the island.
The mainland is a modern city: the buildings here are tall, the development is cramped. The island part has a completely different look: cathedrals, old houses with tiled roofs, the architecture of which clearly shows the influence of Italian traditions. This is quite understandable: the Slavs settled here in the 8th century, a century later they established close ties with the Venetian Republic, and by the 13th century. Koper was annexed to Venice. As it often happens, the Venetians, protecting Koper from external enemies, gradually became full owners of the city. Hence the Italian style in architecture, cuisine, music. There are even two full-fledged languages here: Italian and Slovenian.
However, over its rich history, the city has been part of many states: ancient Greece and Rome, the Republic of Venice, Austria, the free territory of Trieste, Yugoslavia and, finally, Slovenia (since 1991).
How to get there
The new modern highway connects Koper with the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, and scenic coastal roads with Istria (Croatia) and Trieste (Italy). It turns out that rest in Koper can be diversified with impressions from excursions not just to other cities, but also to other countries. Slovenian coastal cities are easily accessible by sea: boats connect Koper with Izola, Portorož, Piran and other cities. The city also has a railway station, but in this region of the country the train is not a priority mode of transport.
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Weather in Koper
Koper Hotels
Unfortunately, Koper cannot boast of a large number of hotels, but those that do exist are very well equipped and have every opportunity to make their guests' stay pleasant and comfortable.
Entertainment and attractions in Koper
Architecture
The city has preserved many monuments of the period of the Venetian Republic, very original and interesting. Most famous building in Koper - Pretoria Palace, built in 1464 in the Venetian Gothic style on central square city - Titov Trg. Opposite the Pretoria Palace is the Loggia Palace, which houses an art gallery with a rich collection of paintings from the 15th century, and a modern cafe, very much loved by tourists.
The palaces of Armerigonia, Totto, Belgramoni-Tacco once belonged to representatives of noble Venetian families, and today they are the decoration of city streets. Proud of Koper and Cathedral Assumption of Our Lady, which was built in the 15th century. The main shrine of the cathedral is the tomb of St. Nazarius, the patron saint of the city.
The oldest building in the city is the rotunda of the Ascension, built in the 12th century.
Entertainment
One of the most attractive sights of the city is the zoo. This is not only an amusement park, but also a famous research center. The zoo is huge, it contains a wide variety of animals, so many tourists choose Koper as their place of rest.
The city is also interesting for outdoor enthusiasts: a huge modern water amusement park offers many attractions for every taste and age. Koper has long been chosen by lovers of mountaineering: in the vicinity there are many sheer cliffs on which you can hone your climbing skills, and at the same time admire the beauties of the Adriatic coast.
Developments
Another factor that makes the city attractive not only for lovers beach holiday, are numerous festivals of choral singing. One of the most famous - the Seaside Summer Festival - every year gathers a lot of musical groups from Slovenia and other countries, as well as spectators who get real pleasure from this bright holiday.
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, becoming part of Venice in the 13th century - it was then that it turned into an important port and trading city 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. Also enter the port cruise ships Costa Favolosa and Costa Сoncordia, from here the route sea transport to Trieste and Venice departs.
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.
general information
Koper was founded by the ancient Greeks. They named it Aegis. The Romans renamed the city Caprice and the Byzantines renamed Justinopolis. In 1279, the city was captured by the Venetians, and it became the capital of Venetian Istria - hence its Italian name "Capo d" lstria ". By the 16th century, the city's population reached 10 thousand people.
The most interesting monuments of Koper are located in the well-preserved Old Town on Tito Square (Titov trg). On the north side of the square you will see a Venetian-Gothic loggia (loza). Cafe located on the ground floor perfect place to drink coffee and admire the old square. Opposite the loggia rises the Praetorian Palace (Pretorska palaca), which combines elements of the Venetian-Gothic and Renaissance styles. The palace was built for the head of the city. This is where the Grand Council met. The first floor houses the tourist information centre. On the east side of the square rises the Cathedral of the Assumption (Stolnica Marijinega vnebovzetja; daily 7.00-12.00, 16.00-19.00) built in the 12th century. Its appearance also combines elements of the Venetian-Gothic and Renaissance styles. Tourists can climb the bell tower, which is 36 meters high. (daily 10.00-13.00, 16.00-19.00) to admire the magnificent view of the Gulf of Trieste. Behind the cathedral is a round baptistery of the 12th century.
To the west of Tito Square is the Koper Regional Museum (Pokrajinski muzej Koper, Kidriceva 1; June - August em-Fri 9.00-19.00, Sat, Sun 9.00-13.00; September - May Tue-Fri 9.00-17.00, Sat, Sun 9.00-13.00, entrance fee; www.pmk-kp .si), where you can see magnificent examples of stone carvings for local churches, antique furniture and paintings, as well as a beautiful copy of the "Dance of Death" from the Church of the Holy Trinity in Chrastovye.
East of Piazza Tito, next to the city walls, it is located in a Venetian-Gothic building of the 14th century. Ethnographical museum (Ethnoloski zbirka, Gramsijev trg 4; May - October em-Fri 12.00-19.00, admission fee). The exposition is devoted to the use of stone in local buildings. Here you will also see sculptures created by local craftsmen starting from the 17th century.
Useful information for tourists about Koper in Slovenia - geographical position, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.
Attractions
Koper is a southwestern Slovenian city that adorns with its historical delights the coast of the bay of the same name, which is pushed out by the Istrian peninsula into the blue of the Adriatic Sea. Being largest city along the thirty-kilometer Slovenian coast, Koper has become famous among fans of choral singing with folklore and music festivals held here. The twenty-five thousandth population of the city has long chosen the territory near the Italian border, which affected the ethnic and linguistic characteristics of the local urban environment.
Koper's historical roots stretch back to Greek antiquity, when it was preceded by the settlement of Aegis. The Roman period transformed the name locality in Caprice, which gave way to the modern name. However, this was preceded by the renaming of Justinopol, associated with the short belonging of the city to Byzantium.
The 7th-8th centuries turned out to be a difficult period in the history of Koper, when the city passed by force to the Franks, Lombards, and Slavic tribes. The 11th century turned out to be no less problematic for the city, when the whirlpool of confrontation between Venice and the implacable in its grandeur Holy Roman Empire forced the townspeople to support Emperor Conrad II in exchange for some ambiguous privileges.
Koper experienced its true heyday as part of the Venetian Republic, which it joined in 1278. Having become the largest port city of Istria, it was awarded the Latin name Caput Histriae, which literally translates as “the head of Istria” and is consonant with the Italian name of the city of Kapodistria. The fall of the Venetian Republic for Koper ended with the accession to Austria in 1797, from whose control it was temporarily withdrawn by Napoleonic troops in 1805-1813.
First World War transferred the city to Italy, and the result of the Second World War was the entry of Koper into the zone controlled by Yugoslavia, which caused the forced exodus of the Italian part of the townspeople. The disintegration of Yugoslavia, which marked the year 1991 with its grim fact, annexed the long-suffering city to independent Slovenia, making it the largest seaside city and the capital of Slovenian Istria.
The historical core of this small port town - the administrative center of the Slovenian Riviera - like Venice, tremblingly keeps evidence of an eventful past embodied in stone. Being on the streets of Koper, it is easy to forget that you are not in Italy, but still in Slovenia. The atmosphere saturated with Italian flavor is confirmed even in signs demonstrating the tolerance of two languages - Slovenian and Italian.
A memorable milestone in the history of Koper is the tradition of dividing it into mainland and island quarters. In the old days, the main part of the city was occupied by Goat Island, which in 1825 was artificially connected to the mainland. Accordingly, the island part of the city has preserved Italian traditions, visible in the tiled roofs of old houses, cathedrals, the Italian style of preserved architecture, and culinary preferences prevailing here.
The Venetian influence on Koper's past has come down to us through the palaces of noble Venetian families, the Loggia Palace, a unique Venetian Gothic style. They are complemented by numerous monuments of the Venetian Republic, preserved in the city. However, modernity is not forgotten either: mountaineers will also find comfort here, examining the steep cliffs surrounding the city, and a huge water park offers an extravaganza of water attractions.