Koper

This settlement spreads along the Adriatic shore and preserves a historic center built on a former island, where Venetian Gothic facades, medieval lanes, and modern harbor facilities meet. The old core opens toward the water and shows stone buildings, narrow passages, and squares lined with arcades from past centuries.

The settlement began during Roman rule as a small island called Insula Caprea and later received the name Justinopolis when refugees from Tergeste fled Lombard invasions in the 6th century. Over the following centuries, it grew under Venetian control and became part of Slovenia only in the 20th century.

This settlement belongs to a bilingual region where both Slovene and Italian are spoken in daily life and appear on street signs and public buildings. The linguistic practice reflects historical ties to both cultural worlds and shapes how residents communicate and interact today.

The old town is easy to explore on foot, though cobbled lanes and steps suggest wearing sturdy shoes. The main square sits centrally and offers a starting point for walks through the narrow streets and toward the harbor area.

The cathedral bell tower houses one of the oldest bells in the country, ringing since medieval times. Visitors can climb the tower and observe the mechanics of this centuries-old construction up close.