Cultural Corridors of South East Europe

South East Europe / Via Adriatica

Piran

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Piran

About the site


Corridor: Via Adriatica
Country: Slovenia, Piran, Coast and Karst region
Type: Historic Town
Epoch: Modern Times, Middle Ages
Theme: Vernacular Architecture
World Heritage:
Modern TimesMiddle AgesVernacular ArchitectureHistoric Town

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 Savrini 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 for 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.

Slovenian Tourist Board