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PIRAN
by
ALOHA DEAN
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The old seaport of Piran lies at the end of the Piran peninsula,
which gradually narrows between the bays of Strunjan and Piran.
The peninsula reaches Cape Madona, ending with the Šavrini
hills. The meaning of the name Piran: elder scientists support the supposition that the origin could derive from the Celtic word bior-dun, supposed to mean a settlement on the hill, while younger generation advocates the explanation of the Greek word pyr – fire, as the original settlement was primarily used as a lighthouse for vessels sailing to nearby Greek colony Aegida on the site of today town Koper. The town has preserved the medieval layout with narrow streets and compact houses, which rise in steps from the coastal lowland into the hills and give the whole area a typical Mediterranean look. |
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Tartinijev
trg (Piazza Tartini) Piran is the birthplace of composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini (born April 8, 1692), who played an important role in shaping its cultural heritage. The town's main square, Tartinijev trg (Piazza Tartini), is named after him. To mark the 200th anniversary of Tartini's birth, the people of Piran decided to erect a monument in his honour. Venetian artist Antonio dal Zotto was commissioned to create the larger-than-life bronze statue of the "maestro", which was eventually mounted on its pedestal in 1896. The statue dominates the square, overlooked by the Cathedral of St. George Town Wall The town walls were eventually completed between the years 1470 and 1534 and had eight crenellated towers with battlements. The external side of the walls indicates a typical defensive setting with a slight angle. It is also remarkable due to its exceptional height. A few years ago, some parts of the towers and the connecting walkways were renovated, so that the walls are today accessible and can be visited. Town Hall When the Venetians came to Piran at the end of the 13th Century, they built the Town Hall building near the harbour and outside the town walls present at that time. It was constructed in the Roman-Gothic style; its façade was full of immured coats of arms and inscriptions. It was demolished in the year 1877. Apart from the old Town Hall, they also demolished the overpass that was connecting the building with the ancient Loggia. The new Town Hall was finished two years later. Venetian House At the intersection of the 9th Corps Street and Tartini Square, there is a charming red palace, one of the most beautiful examples of Venetian Gothic architecture in Piran. It was built in the middle of the 15th Century, and is the oldest preserved hous on the Tartini Square. Exceedingly well designed architectural elements and rich stone ornaments ornate the exterior. The corner Gothic balcony is the most impressive. Old Square (Piazza Vecchia), as it was first named, is the centre of the old Punta. The main streets of Piran meet there. Inhabitants and visitors come here for shopping or a glass of native red wine. The square is a favourite meeting place for children. In the summer months many musical, dance and theatre performances are held in the centre of the square. The Old Square used to be the administrative centre of the town until the 13th Century. There stood the old municipal building, today the restaurant Delfin is in its place. The St. Donat Church, built in the first half of the 14th Century(1325), is still preserved. St. George Cathedral Above the compact town centre reigns the St. George Cathedral, which gives the city its special character. It was probably built in the 12th Century, but no exact data in regard exists. In the 14th Century it was built to its present size. In the year 1344, on the Day of St. George, the cathedral was consecrated by nine bishops from near and far. It acquired its present appearance after Baroque renovation in the year 1637. The Bell Tower was completed in 1608, and the Baptistery in the year 1650. |
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