Koper is a city in Slovenia. Koper is a bustling seaside town in Slovenia

Koper (Italian: Kapodistria)- the largest Slovenian seaside city, the capital of the Slovenian Istria and the main seaport of the country. Like Venice, the old city core holds a number of interesting pieces of history. Once built on an island, in the 19th century it was connected to the ground by a dam and gradually completely merged with the continent. In Italian, the name of the city sounds like Kapodistria, which means " main city Istria".

The city is located in close proximity to the Italian border and the city of Trieste (), and is connected by a new modern highway with the capital of the country, Ljubljana, as well as coastal roads with Italian Trieste and Croatian Istria. Also in Koper railroad station, but, compared with road and sea transport Railway very little used.

Koper is the only one in trade port, where ships with cargo from the Middle East, Japan and Korea arrive.

Koper Hotels quite cozy, and the administration of some even tries to create conditions close to home. It is comfortable to relax here with the family, as everything is provided for the convenience of children, for example, as an entertainment in one hotel, your child will be offered pony riding, and in another you can rent bicycles. If you are a lover active rest, you will have a great time at the local water park, the pools of which occupy an area more than three thousand square meters. There is also a SPA-center, where you will be offered various programs for weight loss and for relaxation and good mood, massage and lymphatic drainage.

In the old days, Koper was on an island with strange name Goats, and 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.

Mainland - modern city: the houses here are tall, and the buildings are cramped. The island part has a completely different look: cathedrals, old houses with tiled roofs, in the architecture of which the influence of Italian traditions is clearly visible. This is 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 of architecture, cuisine, music. There are even two full-fledged languages ​​here: Italian and Slovenian.

Sights in Koper

The city has preserved many monuments of the period of the Venetian Republic, very original and interesting. Most famous building in Koper - the Praetorian Palace, it was built in 1464 in the Venetian Gothic style, located on central square city ​​- Titov Trg. Opposite the Praetorian Palace is the Loggia Palace, which houses an art gallery with a rich collection of paintings from the 15th century, and a modern, very beloved by tourists Cafe.

The palaces of Armerigonia, Totto, Belgramoni-Tacco once belonged to representatives of noble Venetian families, and today they are a real decoration of the city. Koper is also proud of the Cathedral of the 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, which was built in the 12th century.

One of the most attractive sights of the city is the zoo. It is not only an amusement park, but also a fairly well-known research center. The zoo is huge, the variety of animals contained in it is very large, so many tourists who are interested in the animal world often choose Koper as their place of rest: there are many opportunities to observe the habits of various animals.

Koper is also interesting for outdoor enthusiasts: a huge modern park water entertainment offers many attractions for all tastes and ages. This city has long been chosen by lovers of mountaineering: in the vicinity of the city there are many sheer cliffs, where you can hone your climbing skills, and at the same time admire the beauties of the Adriatic coast.

Another factor that makes the city attractive not only for lovers beach holiday- these are numerous festivals of choral singing, which are systematically held in the city. One of the most famous, the Seaside Summer Festival, gathers every year many musical groups from Slovenia and other countries, as well as spectators who truly enjoy this bright holiday.

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 local residents). 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 - the most famous (Piran Bay) and popular in tourist gradations, a medieval city-museum under open sky. Portorož is actually not a city, but 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 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". Having not 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. Church of St. Mauro occupies almost the entire main square Isola. By the way, "square" in Slovenian sounds surprisingly melodious - "Trg". So here Cathedral 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 Isola - 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 thing administrative building cities - the Pretoria Palace (1464) For reference: "praetor" - 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 - business card Italy in general and Venice in particular - do seaside towns 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.

Koper is a city in southwestern Slovenia located on the country's 47-kilometer (29-mile) coastline, in Istria, about five kilometers from the border with Italy.

It is the largest and most economically developed city on the coast of Slovenia. Koper is home to the only trading port in the country, Slovenia's sea gate, Luka Koper. Except cargo ships from all over the world, the port accepts many cruise ships. Tourism is the second most important source of income for the municipality.

The city of Koper is officially bilingual, with both Slovenian and Italian language and are official.

Koper Beaches.

There are two beaches in Koper, both municipal, free. The first is the city beach. It is located between two marinas, in close proximity to the port. The second, Žusterna, is located 4 km to the east, on the opposite shore of the Semedela Bay.

City beach Korera.

The urban beach of Korera is located in the old town, small, only 100 m, well equipped. There are all the necessary beach amenities, parking, a cafe, a lifeguard. In the recreation area gravel, concrete slabs. Further, a small park where you can sit on the grass in the shade of trees, but at rush hour, as a rule, everything is busy here. Rocks and stones in the water.
The water is clear, but the proximity of the port and marinas does not add transparency to it.

Žusterna beach.

Beach - concrete slabs and steps for descending into the water, the bottom is rocky. There is a playground, cafe, parking, toilet, shower. You can go diving, swimming and fishing.

The beach owes its name to the nearby area of ​​the city. Immediately on the shore is the water park-hotel Žusterna 3 * with pools and slides.

Sights of Koper.

The main attraction of Koper is Old city, it is located on the seashore, near the marina and occupies a triangle of about 600 by 800 m. Medieval buildings, red tiled roofs, narrow streets, you can get lost in time from all this.

Some of the most interesting buildings old Koper.

Praetorian Palace.

Praetorian palace of the 15th century. It was built from two old houses from the 13th century, which were connected by a loggia, in the Venetian Gothic style. The palace is located on the city square. Today it houses the Tourism Office.

Assumption Cathedral.

The Cathedral of the Assumption was built in the second half of the 12th century and has one of the oldest bells in Slovenia (1333), made by master Jakob in Venice. With upper terrace opens beautiful view on the Gulf of Trieste. In the middle of it hangs a painting of the Sacred Conversation, painted by Vittore Carpaccio in 1516. This is one of the best Renaissance paintings in Slovenia.

In addition, you can see the sights. The Koper Regional Museum, the 12th century Carmine Rotunda church, the 14th century Cathedral of St. Nazarius with a tower - more than 10 churches, monasteries and cathedrals in total. Up to thirty buildings in the old city bear the proud title of palace.

Other sights of Koper.

Zoo.

Located in a forested, protected area. Animals here live almost in freedom. The park has a playground and cafe.

Marina Koper.

A small marina with 75 berths for yachts up to 18.0 meters, located near the medieval city center and is the northernmost harbor on the coast of Slovenia. Near the marina there is a good cozy restaurant, where you can have a delicious dinner, drink a glass of local tart wine, admiring the swaying forest of masts against the backdrop of sunset.

Copper shops.

Since Koper is not only tourist town, but also a large industrial center, many souvenir shops, gourmet shops are adjacent to large chain supermarkets such as Mercator, Spar or Lidl. Moreover, if the former are mainly located in the old city and on the coast, then supermarkets are more or less evenly distributed throughout the city.

There are also large shopping centers, which are not inferior in size and assortment to Italian stores. For example, the multi-storey Interspar. This is one of the biggest stores in the city. Everything is for sale here. From large household appliances and designer clothes to all kinds of kitchen trifles.

A bit of history.

Koper began as an ancient settlement built on an island in the southeastern part of the Gulf of Koper in the northern Adriatic. AT Ancient Greece the city was known as Aegis (goat city). It later became known by the Latin names Capris (Greek Copros), Caprea, Capre or Caprista, from which the modern Slovene name originated.

In 568, the inhabitants of nearby Trieste fled to Koper due to the invading Germanic tribes. In honor of Byzantine emperor Justinian II, the city was renamed Justinopolis. Later, Justinopolis was under Lobbard and Frankish rule and was briefly occupied by the Avars in the 8th century.

Since the 8th century, and possibly even since the 6th century, Koper has been the seat of a diocese. One of the bishops of Koper was the Lutheran reformer Pier Paolo Vergerio. In 1828 it was merged into the Diocese of Trieste. After the First World War, Koper was under the rule of Italy, and from 1954 until 1991, when Slovenia gained independence, it was part of Yugoslavia.

Climate.

Koper has a humid subtropical climate, with abundant rainfall, even in the driest month. average temperature in Koper it is 14.4 °C (57.9 °F). The average annual rainfall is 1,056 millimeters (42 in).

How to get to Koper.

Koper is a fairly large city for Slovenia, it is connected bus routes and by rail not only with the cities of the country, but also with foreign centers.

Buses depart from Koper to Ljubljana, Portorož, Trieste, Zagreb. There are also passing flights linking northern Italy with Croatia. The bus covers the distance to Ljubljana 106 km in one and a half - two hours, a ticket will cost you about 5 - 15 euros. Number of 7 - 8 flights of various companies. The train also runs to the capital. He leaves 4 - 5 p. per day, is on the road 2.20 - 2.30 hours and costs approx. 10 - 20 euros. Well, the most expensive option - a taxi costs about 120 EUR.

Portorož, Izola, Piran Koper and Trieste are connected by local lines of the Arriva company, whose buses run along the coast with a frequency of 0.5 - 2.5 hours from morning to evening. The price depends on the distance. Approximately (euro): Portorož - 2.70, Isola - 1.80, Piran - 2.70 and Trieste - 3.10.

To get to Koper by plane, you can use the airports of Trieste (65 km), Ljubljana (127 km), Pula (100 km). And from there you can already get to Koper, using a bus, taxi or renting a car.

The railway station and bus station are located nearby, in the southeastern part of the city, a 15-minute walk from the historic center.

Koper on the map.

Koper on the map of Slovenia is located in the very north of a small, only 47 km section of the coast of this Balkan country, on the shores of Koper Bay, only 13 km from the border with Italy and 17 with Croatia.

In the northern part of the city, at the mouth of a small river, there is the trading port of Luka Koper; cruise ships, and even to the south the old city, from the east and south surrounded by residential areas. Between the southern quarters of Markovets, Semedela, Zhusterna and the old center, Semedela Bay juts out deep into the land, with a beach and marina berths located in it.

Read more: Slovenian resorts:

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.

Most interesting monuments Kopera are located in the well-preserved Old Town on Piazza Tito (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 tourist information center is located on the ground floor. 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.

Slovenia's main seaport old City 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. Also enter the port cruise ships Costa Favolosa and Costa Сoncordia, the shuttle bus departs from here sea ​​transport to Trieste and Venice.

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 Kovac, 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.