It is often forgotten that Slovenia has a coastline. Tucked between Italy and Croatia and part of the Istrian Peninsula is where you will find Koper, Izola, Piran, Portorož, and some smaller towns between. There are endless things to do in Koper and surrounding areas, perfect for a beach city break, day trip, and especially for food.
Koper (Capodistria) is the largest coastal city with a population of 25,000. It has a Medieval core that was once an island. Today it is an important port moving goods and people in and out of Slovenia. This region uses both Slovenian and Italian as their official languages so signs, menus, etc are presented in both.
Wandering the old town will only take a few hours so you can pair Koper with another nearby activity.
More things to do in Primorska (this region of Slovenia)
- 11 Amazing Things to Do in Western Slovenia
- The Perfect Day Trip to the Slovenian Coast
- The Ultimate Slovenia Itinerary Planner
Table of Contents
History of Koper
Settlements have been in present-day Koper since 3 BC when it was an island. Known as Aegida to ancient Greeks, Capris to the Romans, and Justinpolis to the Byzantines. It became the capital of Istria in the 13th century, hence the name Capodistria (capital of Istria in Italian).
The photo below shows the old coastline in red and the islands are outlined in blue.
Koper was part of the Venetian republic for centuries and this is reflected heavily in the architecture, as a Medieval Venetian style town. It was once a walled island with one bridge connecting it to the mainland.
Between the 1800s until WWII, Koper had a bit of a dark period. The city was changing ownership frequently, they stopped developing and maintaining it as before. The salt pans that existed between the island of Koper and the mainland were drained and Koper was no longer an island.
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After WWII, Koper was part of the Free Trieste Territory with Trieste. This territory was split. Trieste became part of Italy and Koper went to Yugoslavia, present-day Slovenia. Most of the Italian-speaking population fled to Trieste. This decision is still contested today and can be a controversial topic if discussed with locals.
Things to Do in Koper
Walk through the Muda Gate
Muda Gate (Vrata muda) is the main gate to the city of Koper. In the past, there were once 12 gates but today only one remains. This gate is especially significant because Koper used to be an island and here is where the bridge was located. Built by the Venetians in 1516 along with a fortress that was destroyed in 1820 by the Austrian army.
Just through the Muda Gate is Prešernov trg. Here you can see a bronze statue of the town on the ground and Da Ponte Fountain (Da Pontejev vodnjak). The fountain once served as a subaquatic aqueduct to move potable water to the island of Koper in the 14th century. Modern archaeologists have excavated wooden underwater tubes that were originally used. The fountain has since been renovated.
Play the Tale of the Mysterious Ship
Mini Adventures, a Slovenian-based company, created a fun scavenger-style game that can be played while sightseeing in Koper. You can read my full review and experiences with the game and order yours for your next visit!
Wander Tito Square
Tito Square (Titov Trg) is probably the highlight of Koper. What was once the center of the city, when it was an island, is surrounded by truly stunning architecture. Venetian-influenced with touches of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque features. Lining the square you will find five major points of sightseeing.
- Cathedral of the Assumption
- The Bell Tower
- Praetorian Palace
- Loggia
- Armory and Foresteria Palace
Cathedral of the Assumption
The Cathedral of the Assumption (Stolnica Marijinega Vnebovzetja) an 18th-century church with a Gothic exterior and contrasting Baroque and Rococo decor inside. Next to the cathedral is the Bell Tower (Mestni stolp), and you can climb the 204 stairs for a beautiful view of Koper. Hours typically run mornings and afternoons. Tickets are 3 Euros for adults 2 Euros for children. The tower is said to have one of the oldest bells in Slovenia (1333).
Praetorian Palace
A 15th-century Venetian Gothic palace dominates Titos Square called Praetorian Palace (Pretorska plača). It was once the home of Koper’s mayor, appointed by the doge in Venice. Today it serves as the city hall, tourist information center, and a reconstructed pharmacy.
Loggia Palace
Loggia Palace (Loža) Venetian Gothic palace, which appears to be inspired by the Doges Palace exterior in Venice, was built in 1462. Additions were completed in the 16th and 17th centuries to add a second floor and embellishments on the facade. A once-popular place for artists now houses a cafe on the ground floor and art gallery on the second.
Armory and Foresteria Palace
The Armory served as weapons storage until 1550 and the Foresteria Palace accommodated guests of the Podestà of Koper (high ranking officials of Italian cities in the Middle Ages). They were connected in the 18th century and now serve as the Rector’s office of the University of Primorska and the library of the Faculty of Humanities.
Take a Dip at the Beach
Between the pier and marina is a pebble and grass beach open daily from 8 am until 8 pm from May until September. It has toilets, showers, and a bar.
Wander through Medieval streets
Kidričeva ulica is where you will find a few 16th-century churches, 18th-century Totto Palace, and Venetian style houses. The houses, while overdue for renovations have colorful motifs and protruding second floors being held up by wooden pillars.