Izola
The Venetian Gothic Manzioli House was built in 1470 and was the residence of an Istrian chronicler in the 16th century. Today it houses the bureau…
Must-see attractions in Southwestern Slovenia
Western Wine Regions
The Renaissance-style Dobrovo Castle, dating from 1606, has a handful of rooms filled with artworks and period furnishings (limited labelling). There's a…
Koper
The Belgramoni-Tacco Palace, dating from the early 17th century, houses the Koper Regional Museum. Not surprisingly given its construction date, there's a…
Koper
Plumb on Titov trg is the Cathedral of the Assumption and its 36m-tall belfry, now called the City Tower, with 204 climbable stairs. Tickets are sold at…
Koper
On the north side of Kidričeva ulica there are several disused churches from the 16th century, including the Church of St Nicholas. The exterior is…
Izola
This renovated, salmon-coloured, 16th-century church and its detached bell tower are on the hill above the town. The views are the main reason to climb up…
Koper
Behind the Cathedral of the Assumption to the north is a circular Romanesque Rotunda of John the Baptist, a baptistery dating from the second half of the…
Koper
Linked to Titov trg to the east, Trg Brolo is a wide and leafy square of fine old buildings, including the late-18th-century baroque Brutti Palace, now…
Izola
On Veliki trg is the Municipal Palace, which now houses offices of the local council. It was built in Gothic style in 1325; but the present baroque facade…
Koper
The Column of St Justina commemorates Koper's contribution – a galley – to the Battle of Lepanto in which Turkey was defeated by the European powers in…
Koper
On the eastern side of Trg Brolo is the Fontico, a granary where the town’s wheat was once stored, with wonderful medallions and reliefs adorning the…
Koper
Opposite the Totto Palace are some wonderful medieval town houses, with protruding upper storeys painted in a checked red, gold and green pattern.
Koper
On the north side of Kidričeva ulica are some restored Venetian houses and the 18th-century baroque Totto Palace, with winged lion relief.
Koper
The western edge of Carpacciov trg is marked by the large arched Taverna, a one-time salt warehouse dating from the 15th century.
Koper
On the north side of Titov trg is the arcaded Venetian Gothic Loggia built in 1463; attached is the Loggia Gallery.
Izola
The best beach close to Izola is at Simon’s Bay, about 1.5km to the southwest. It has a grassy area for sunbathing.
Koper
On the eastern side of Trg Brolo is the 17th-century Vissich-Nardi Palace containing government offices.
Slovenian Coast
For centuries the people who lived at Strunjan, a peninsula halfway between Izola and Piran, were engaged in salt-making. Today the old salt-pan area is…
Southwestern Slovenia
One of a number of small galleries to have opened in Hrastovlje in recent years, this quiet space exhibits works by sculptor Jožeta Pohlen (1926-2005),…
Koper
The 17th-century Belgramoni-Tacco Palace houses the Koper Regional Museum, whose history collection spans prehistory to more recent times. In beautiful…
Piran
Tartini House was the birthplace of composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini. Today it's the base of Piran's Italian community and is used for cultural…
Koper
At the southern end of Prešernov trg is the Muda Gate. Erected in 1516, it's the last of a dozen such entrances to remain standing. On the south side of…
Piran
This engaging little museum is a cornucopia of more than 4000 shells from across the world (including the world's largest snail shell); the 3D exhibits of…
Piran
The porticoed 19th-century Municipal Hall (home to the tourist information centre) dominates the northwestern edge of Tartinijev trg.
Church of St Mary of Haliaetum
Izola
This central church dates from around the latter 11th century and has been lovingly restored. It has no set opening times, but is generally left open…
Koper
On the western side of Titov trg, the Armoury was a munitions dump four centuries ago. The whitewashed facade is striking, the block-rectangle shape…
Museum of Underwater Activities
Piran
One for diving enthusiasts, this museum makes much of Piran’s close association with the sea. Particularly noteworthy are all the old diving suits and…
Piran
The statue of the nattily dressed gentleman in the centre of Tartinijev trg is that of native son, composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini (1692–1770).
Piran
To the east of Tartinijev trg is the 1818 Church of St Peter. As with most Piran churches, the richly adorned interior is visible through the grille.
Piran
The aquarium gets mixed reviews: overall it's small and overpriced, but may be something for a rainy day.
Koper
Just off Trg Brolo is the disused Church of St James dating to the 14th century.
