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Koper (Italian: Capodistria) is Slovenia's only commercial port and one of its oldest towns with a very rich history.
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... Read more
Koper (Italian: Capodistria) is Slovenia's only commercial port and one of its oldest towns with a very rich history.
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. Koper’s importance began to diminish in the 18th century when Trieste was proclaimed a free port and ultimately ended with the downfall of the Venetian Republic.
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-Poreč and the railway connection Trieste-Poreč 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 border 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 center and its surroundings, especially in terms of huge development with the construction of the port.
Today, Koper is both a 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.
Koper's Old City can easily be covered on foot. There are also a number of local buses that can take you from the main bus station to the old city center or the newer urban and industrial area.
Koper old town
Koper's main sight of interest is the Venetian-era old city, of which the main structures and squares have been fully renovated and restored. The main square (Tito square) is one of the nicest Venetian type squares in the Mediterranean.
The center of the old city is Tito Square (Titov trg), an austere piazza surrounded by TheKoper Hinterland
There is a public beach just west of the marina. A large sports area called Bonifika (basketball, football, running track, tennis courts, etc.) is located near the old city center. Near the industrial area of the Port of Koper (very close to the city center), there is a natural park called Škocjanki zatok, which is a perfect place for enjoying the flora and fauna of this natural resort.
In Koper you will find many taverns and restaurants, offering plenty of choice for food. You should try one or more of the many taverns and restaurants, snack bars and local smaller taverns offering local food and wine, Pizzerias, traditional Osmicas (farmers offering homemade food and wine), sweetshops and tourist farms with traditional homemade Istrian food.
When in Koper, do not leave without trying some typical Istrian goodies and other typical Istrian products. Also, you should definitely try some local olive oil from local oil providers. Istrian olive oil is reputed to have many positive effects on the body.
In Koper, you will find a variety of bars and pubs with various offer of styles and drinks, bigger and smaller wine cellars with rich local wine offerings.
Slovenian and Italian are spoken in the town. English is also a language spoken by the majority of the people.
LOCAL TIME
10:51 am
January 17, 2021
Europe/Ljubljana
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