Koper is Slovenia's bustling seaside town. Koper Slovenia Spa Koper Slovenia

Have you ever watched a cartoon about smeshariki? There the main characters live in a wonderful country: sea, mountains, rivers, forests, sun and absolutely happy smeshariki. It seems to me that the prototype of this cartoon is a small country located in Central Europe.

You can drive through Slovenia in three hours by car. The length of the Slovenian coast is only 46 km. This is not most of called Slovenian Istria, the center of which is the city of Koper, about which I want to tell you a little.

My first feelings from Copra are a state of some unconditional, for some reason intoxicated happiness, when you directly shine from within. Surprisingly, even now, having lived here for four years, I experience the same state when I fly from Moscow to Koper.

How to get there

There are many options for how to get to the city of Koper - by plane, train or car. I will describe those known to me, and you may find something of your own.

By plane

Of all the options, I always prefer a plane, preferably a day flight, preferably a direct flight. Not original. But ... to leave some other memories from the trip besides the road, I advise you to skip the sections "By Train" and "By Car".

Moscow - Ljubljana

My favorite option is straight regular flight(Sheremetyevo) - with Adria Airways, which flies every day except Wednesday. The cost of tickets ranges from 100 to 700 EUR one way, travel time is 3 hours.

You can compare ticket prices by.

We are happy to fly to this small, cozy airport, where after arrival it is worth having a cup of coffee in a local cafe - only 1 EUR, and you are already immersed in the unhurried Slovenian rhythm of life, where the main slogan is "Hurry" (take your time), and each event ends with a coffee.

From Ljubljana airport to Koper

By car. The distance from Ljubljana airport to Kopra is about 130 km, so the question of how to get there is very relevant. I would recommend renting a car right at the airport, as without a car, a vacation in Europe will not be complete. More about car rental and movement around toll roads I'll tell you further.

By train... The shuttle, which runs once an hour, takes you to the railway station of the capital Ljubljana, then after 2.5 hours drive along the picturesque railroad, you will be in Koper. The train schedule can be viewed, the ticket price is 9 EUR.

By bus... There, at the railway station, there is bus station from where you can get to Kopra by bus in 1.5 hours. The bus schedule can be viewed, the ticket price is 11 EUR.

By taxi... Well, for the chic - a taxi, which can be ordered at a separate counter at the airport. Transfer to Kopra costs about 120 EUR.

Moscow - Venice

Since the distance from Venice International Airport (Marco Polo) to Slovenian Kopra is only 160 km, I recommend considering Venice Airport when looking for the best tickets to Slovenia.

There are many direct regular flights from Alitalia, Aeroflot, AirMoldova, Transaero to Venice from all Moscow airports. Ticket prices fluctuate in the same way as in Adria - from 100 EUR and more, but the chances of finding a cheap direct ticket are higher. Travel time is the same - about 3 hours.

Venice to Koper

By car. At the airport, I also recommend renting a car right away, otherwise it will take a long time to get there on your own. Roads in Italy are toll, therefore, entering the autobahn, you get a ticket, which you will have to pay at the box office when you leave the autobahn. On average, the road from Venice to Slovenia costs 10 EUR.

In Slovenia, to pay for the roads, they buy a vignette that is glued to the windshield. The vignette is sold at gas stations closer to the Slovenian border, the price is 15 EUR / week or 30 EUR / month. If you rent a car in Slovenia, the vignette will be paid for.

By train... If you do choose public transport, then from the Marco Polo airport you should get to the Mestre railway station by bus, the bus stop of which is located immediately at the exit from the arrivals terminal. Buses run every half hour, the fare is 8 EUR.

From Mestre railway station by train we get to the railway station of Trieste, train schedule. The cost is from 13 to 30 EUR, depending on the class you are going to travel with, then from Trieste we go to Kopra by Taxi for 30 EUR.

By taxi. The taxi fare from Venice Airport to Copra will average 160 EUR, the journey time is 2 hours.

Moscow - Pula

If you are traveling during the summer, then it makes sense to look at direct flights to Croatia. The small international airport in Pula receives Russian aircraft from early June to mid-September. S7 flies to Pula, " Ural Airlines», The cost of tickets is not high, you can find tickets for 60 EUR one way.

The airport in Pula is the closest, on average an hour by car.

From Pula to Koper

By bus... Public transport is traditionally cheaper: a taxi to the Pula bus station - 10 EUR, then by bus from the Pula bus station to the Kopra bus station - 11 EUR and 3.5 hours on the way.

By taxi... The cost of a taxi from the airport to Kopra is 100 EUR.

By train

I think it is advisable to travel by train for people suffering from severe aviaphobia. Otherwise, how to explain the choice in favor of the train when the price of tickets is higher in comparison with the price of the plane? But, nevertheless, let's consider this travel option as well.

There are two ways to get to Kopra by train. The first is standard and the second is exotic.

Moscow - Vienna

The standard option is to purchase a ticket for the Moscow - train departing from Belorussky railway station, travel time is about 28 hours, the cost of a ticket is on average about 150-200 EUR one way per compartment.

Then you can continue your journey also by train from Vienna to Ljubljana (with one change), the price for one way is about 60 EUR, and then by train / bus from Ljubljana to Kopra for 9–11 EUR.

You can also get from Vienna to Koper by taxi, the average price will be 300-350 EUR. I have friends who have ventured on such a difficult route more than once, and, in general, were satisfied, but as for me, I prefer a plane or a car.

Moscow - Koper

The exotic option is that theoretically there is a direct train - Koper, i.e. not a train, but a trailer car. This new route opened recently, which was trumpeted by all Slovenian media.

Of course, this offer is valid only in the summer. Travel time - 2 days. 13 hours. The route passes through Ukraine, Belarus, Hungary.

The price of the tickets is shrouded in mystery, as is the proof of the existence of this route.

How to get from the station to the center of Kopra

Trains in Koper arrive at the Zelezniska postaja Koper railway station, Kolodvorska cesta, 2.

From it you can walk to the city center or take public transport or taxi if you are staying in the vicinity.

By car

If you briefly describe the route by car, it looks like this: - - - - -, approximately 2500 km and travel time ... depends on your age, goals, children and health.

It usually takes us three days with two overnight stays in hotels in Brest and somewhere in the Czech Republic, however, the second place of overnight stay strongly depends on the time spent on the Belarusian-Polish border and on the state of traffic in Poland.

In Poland, we usually drive through Warsaw and, there are at least some autobahns, but for some reason with traffic lights that can greatly slow you down on the way. If you want to turn off the track at the urgent request of the navigator, you run the risk of driving for a long time in a convoy behind a tractor at a speed of 20 km / h, which greatly undermines the morale on trips over such long distances. Especially the brave try to pass Poland at night.

We never book hotels in advance, although we got ourselves into trouble several times. The only hotel that I love very much and where we stay all the time is Hermitage in Brest.

Crossing the Belarusian-Polish border will become a separate milestone in your road trip. Unfortunately, the time spent on this event is difficult to predict, especially in the summer, but I can formulate a few general principles that may be useful to you.

First, you need to choose right crossing point of this very border. Usually, the longest queue at the central customs point is Terespol. Few people know that, in addition to this point, there is also the Peschatka - Polovtsa point, for example, which is located 50 km from Brest, but there is practically no queue there. Another trick is time: it is better to cross the border either early in the morning or late in the evening.

If you do decide to travel by your own car, do not forget about the additional expenses that await you on this trip. Compulsory car insurance is a "green card" policy, an analogue of our OSAGO, valid in Europe. The cost depends on the class of the car and the insurance period, on average from 35 EUR for 15 days. In addition, you will need to buy vignettes for driving on Czech roads (11 EUR - 10 days, minimum price) and Austria (8.7 EUR - 10 days, minimum price). The price of gasoline in Slovenia is 1.2 EUR / liter. On average, a car trip to Koper costs us 550 EUR round trip, excluding hotels on the way.

Have you arrived in Koper? Don't forget about coffee.

Clue:

Koper - the time is now

Difference in hours:

Moscow 2

Kazan 2

Samara 3

Yekaterinburg 4

Novosibirsk 6

Vladivostok 9

When is the season. When is the best time to go

I love Koper at any time of the year, at the first opportunity I fly there at full steam, because in any season it is pleasant to relax there and there is something to see.

In general, Europeans, and Slovenes in particular, have structured their lives so skillfully that for each season they have some interesting holidays, events, traditions, for which you are waiting for the early onset of this season.

I was very surprised when I found out that the beginning of their seasons is not the same as ours: summer begins there on June 22, autumn - September 22, spring - March 22, and winter - December 22, which, perhaps, is more in line with the real climatic seasons.

As we are, domestic tourism Slovenes study mainly on days school holidays, therefore, whichever season you choose to travel, it is better if it does not coincide with school holidays, since many traditionally travel to the coast.

So, the autumn or potato holidays last one week and usually cover the last days of October - early November. And October 31 and November 1 are public holidays in Slovenia, so many take extra days off and travel with children at this time.

New Year's holidays, as a rule, are from 25.12 to 1.01. Europe solemnly celebrates Christmas, although there are fireworks and festivities in Koper on New Years.

Time winter break depends on the area of ​​residence, this is done so that everyone can relatively calmly ride on alpine skiing... Thus, one half of Slovenia rests in the penultimate week of February, and the other half rests in the last week of February.
May Day or spring holidays usually take place from 27.04 to 2.05. May 1 and 2 - public holidays, Labor Day, greetings from socialist Yugoslavia. Well, summer holidays begin on June 25, on September 1 everyone goes to school.

The so-called "hot" season begins at the end of July and lasts all August, when the whole neighboring traditionally rests.

Koper in summer

It sounds illogical, but my least recommendation would be to come to Koper in the summer. Let me explain why. A trip to the sea in summer involves a beach holiday, seeing sights in the heat is a dubious pleasure, and in order to climb the mountains and swim in cool lakes, you don't have to go to the sea at all.

Koper is located on the coast of the Koperskiy Gulf, this gulf is part of the Gulf of Trieste, the largest in the Adriatic Sea. The average temperature in June is +26 ° С, in July and August +29 ° С, the water temperature in June is +22 ° С, in July and August +25 ° С.

In summer, Koper reminds me of a big Turkish all inclusive hotel. Every evening, music plays on the streets of the city, children's performances and culinary festivals are held. The only difference is that in Turkey (with all my great respect), these are all cardboard decorations that will be removed as soon as the door closes behind you, while in Koper, this is a century-old tradition, an eternity that you can touch.
The program of evening events can be drawn up without leaving the hotel by looking. In the prireditve / events section, you can see the schedule of interesting events that usually take place either on the embankment or on the main square. Almost all of them are free.

Koper in autumn

Perhaps, I would advise you to come to Koper in the autumn, when it is already raining in Moscow and everyone has forgotten what the sun looks like. You can definitely get a contrast shock and fall in love with this city.

average temperature in September - +23 ° С, in October - +18 ° С, in November - +13 ° С, and the number of rainy days ranges from 5 to 7 per month. Agree, not bad for a dull time? Yes, and the water temperature in September is still + 22 ° С!

From the second half of September, a significant drop in hotel prices begins, there is no heat, so you can safely plan short and long trips for sightseeing.

One of the main autumn events is the collection of olives from households on the coast. The olives are collected throughout November, packed in special bags and taken to the factory. They also give out bottles with used oil, which is enough for the entire season. On average, a household donates 400 kg of olives!

Koper in spring

The average temperature in March is +12 ° С, in April - +17 ° С, in May - +21 ° С. February and March are considered the windiest months. There is a tramontana wind here - winter and cold, sometimes it can reach hurricane force. This phenomenon is not frequent, but rather unpleasant, since for three days (usually this wind blows for so long) you do not want to go outside at all.

In the spring, cafes are filled with people, there are many cyclists on the streets. At the beginning of May, everyone eats asparagus, even in restaurants there are various dishes with asparagus, at the end of May the cherries growing on the coast are already ripening.

There are pluses in visiting Kopra in the spring - low prices on hotels, lack of tourists, sunny weather and the possibility of visiting large tourist centers(for example) no extreme.

Koper in winter

There are at least three reasons why I love winter Koper.

First: it is very beautiful in December, decorated, Christmas carols are played from the speakers on the streets. In the air - anticipation of the holiday, high spirits. Children here receive gifts for the New Year three times. The first time - on the night of December 6-7, Saint Miklauj brings sweets to those who behaved well throughout the year, and to those who are bad - rods, the second time - at Christmas, the third - on New Year's.

Children's choirs perform in shopping centers, in schools they make crafts for charity bazaars, in kindergartens, kids stay overnight (!) To watch for Santa Claus. And they succeed!

On the main square - Titov Trge - they arrange a Christmas market with mulled wine and all sorts of trinkets, decorate a big Christmas tree.

The second reason is that sales start in January, we usually go to outlets in Italy to buy great things with big (up to 70%) discounts.

The third reason is alpine skiing. If you are not a fan who is ready to spend two weeks on the slopes, you can go skiing for a couple of days in Slovenia, neighboring Italy and Austria. The average weather in the winter months is about +8 ° С, there is almost never snow on the coast.

Koper - monthly weather

Clue:

Koper - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live

Koper is such a small city that wherever you live, everything will be within walking distance, and you don't need a car to move around the city.

In the traveler safety rating, it is one of the most calm countries along with Switzerland. Therefore, you can safely walk here at any time of the day or night, in any area and feel absolutely calm.

Until recently, Koper was an island that was connected by an embankment to the mainland. The former borders of the island now frame the historic city center, and “ big land”- these are the neighboring districts of Kopra (Markovets, Semedela, Justerna) located on the hills.

Accommodation for travelers can be roughly divided into three categories - hotels, apartments, hostels.

Hotels

Hotels. I will not describe all the hotels that are in Koper, I will write only about those that are worth staying in. This does not mean that other hotels are bad, just, for example, Pristan or Vodisek hotels usually accommodate business travelers who have come for a couple of days on business in Luka Port (Port in Koper), and the location of the BIO hotel seems to me not very successful.

Personally, I really love the hotel Zusterna, its description can be seen This hotel is located on the very shore, 1 km from the city center, the beach is across the road, in addition, the hotel has a water park, visit to which is included in the room rate. I am skeptical about water parks, but I come here with great pleasure because of the pleasant and calm atmosphere. If you came to Koper not during the summer season and not during school holidays and decided to look into the water park in the morning, after breakfast, before a walk, then perhaps you will be completely alone there - both in a large pool with seawater and in a small warm jacuzzi with sea views and panoramic windows. Believe me, you will no longer find such places in Europe where you can enjoy all this splendor for good money alone.

There is also a complex of saunas in the water park, but there is one "but" - for some reason in many European countries it is customary to go naked to public saunas. As a Russian person, this confuses me a little, but you just be ready for it if you decide to take a steam bath.

This hotel is considered a three-star hotel, prices in the off-season are about 60 EUR per night per person. The price includes a really good breakfast.

Another hotel, which, like the previous one, belongs to the Catez system, is called Koper and is located in the historical part of the city on the embankment, the hotel is good, all rooms with stunning sea views, everything is within walking distance - both the city beach and all city attractions. As the hotel is large, it is only open during the summer, from June to mid-September.

You can compare room prices on the dates you are interested in. You can also book accommodation on.

Apartments

Apartments. From all the abundance of proposals, I would single out two:

1. Apartment & Suits Veneziana, stylish, four-star apartments located in the historical part of the city. The only apartment of this level in Koper. Both rooms with breakfast and apartments are offered, the city beach is very close. Accommodation for the whole family will cost you an average of 100 EUR per night. In densely populated Europe, unlike Turkey itself, there are practically no private beaches, so all offers of apartments, hotels, with pictures of beaches indicate that there is a city beach nearby and it looks like this. This is especially true for Slovenia, coastline which is only 46 km away. I am sharing this well-known information, recalling the story of the owner of the apartment about the booking of a room by a guest from Russia, who was ready to move in only if the photographed beach belongs to this apartment. Slovenes laughed, but I was terribly embarrassed for my compatriot. I perfectly understand that these only two weeks of the year want to relax in style, but in Slovenia everything is kind of a little private. There is no public, and, therefore, ownerless.
2. Apartment in Koper, a small, newly renovated apartment located in the Semedela area, 15 minutes walk from the city center, the city beach of Justerna - 5 minutes walk. The cost of one night for a family will cost you 55 EUR on average. The big advantage of accommodation here for tourists from Russia is that the family that keeps these apartments is Russian, they will gladly tell you everything in their native language.

You can see the price options for the apartments.

Hostels

Hostels. This kind of tourism is not very popular with us, but why not, if you are young and unpretentious? Here I would also highlight two hostels, based on their extremely good location:

1. Hostel Museum. Located right on the square next to the Kopra Regional Museum, which is located on one of the main streets leading to the embankment. Accommodation cost - about 30 EUR per day.
2. Hostel Histria Koper. Located a little further from the center in comparison with the previous hostel, the cost of accommodation in an 8-bed room is 15 EUR per day.

To summarize

If the advantage of accommodation in the historical part is the opportunity to go out and walk along the old streets, sit in a cafe, then in the apartments of Semedela, Markovets or usterna you will most likely have a stunning view of the Kopersky Bay and the feeling that you live in a country house, although the most the remote area is located at a distance of no more than 2–3 km from the city center.

What are the prices for rest

I would not call the rest in Koper expensive, the prices are rather democratic. When my family and I go on day trips to Italy, Croatia or the north of Slovenia, we always try to have dinner at Kopra restaurants. We know that there is guaranteed tasty, inexpensive and a lot.

For me, the "litmus test" of all prices is the cost of coffee in a cafe. In Koper, an espresso will cost you an average of 1 EUR, and a cappuccino - 1.2 EUR, with a glass of water and biscuits.

In a cafe, you can easily ask for tap water, which you can drink here, and it will be brought completely free of charge, even in a glass, even in a large jug. And the local wine - Refoshk and Malvasia - is cheaper than juice in a cafe, 1 EUR per 100 ml.

Accommodation prices depend on the level of service - from 15 EUR / day in a hostel to 70 EUR / day in a good hotel (prices are on average per person).

You will hardly need a taxi here, but if you still go from the old center somewhere to the Markovets or Semedela area, the trip will not cost more than 5 EUR.

Prices for excursions here are very affordable, for example, a one-day excursion to from Kopra during the Christmas holidays costs only 35 EUR. In my opinion, the best way to organize excursions is through the local travel agency Kompas. Tour price options can be viewed.

Clue:

The cost of food, accommodation, transportation, and more

Currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, rub

Major attractions. What to see

After taking a break from the road, I would advise you to go on a sightseeing tour of the city. Simply put, for a walk in the historic center.

Inspection of the city itself and its sights will hardly take you more than one day, so the next day you can safely plan a car trip around the surroundings.

Top 5

Beaches. Which is better

Beach holidays in Koper have a place to be, but the beaches on the coast of Croatia or sand dunes in Italy they cope with this task much better.

I sometimes heard the dissatisfaction of compatriots with the Koper beaches, who expected to see animators, sun loungers and parasols here, and instead - a small democratic city beach with no frills.

Bathing season usually starts on June 15, although from June 1 all beaches are already officially open. Officially open - this means that the bathing area is limited, rafts for diving are launched, lifeguards are working, a cafe is open, ice cream is sold, sandboxes and playgrounds are cleaned, small libraries are open, which have books in Russian.

Since Koper is not a beach tourist mecca, then all this is done for yourself, for internal use. It's all clean, free and honest, and there will definitely be a small corner for children to draw and play in, again for free.

There are two city beaches in Koper - one is located in the city itself - central city beach,

another, Justerna beach, - 1 km from the center, in the Justern area,

next to the hotel of the same name, which can be reached by walking along the coast.
Of these two beaches, the beach in Justerna is preferable for me - it is larger, there is a free parking nearby, a separate shallow water zone is allocated for children. All beaches in Slovenia are pebbly, with the exception of the beach in Portoroz, a Slovenian resort located 20 km from Kopra.

Very picturesque beaches in Izola and Strunjan, neighboring towns, 10 km and 15 km from Kopra.

The swimming season ends around September 15, but the weather remains warm and sunny for a long time.

Churches and temples. Which are worth visiting

I would advise you to visit at least two temples in Koper - Catholic Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady and Orthodox Church of St. Martha.

Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady

The most important temple in Koper, the temple-museum, the construction of which dates back to the XII century, is located on the main square - Titov Trge. Later, the facade and interior decoration of the cathedral were restored. The cathedral houses the sarcophagus of St. Nazarius, patron saint of Kopra, the walls are decorated with paintings by Venetian artists.
At the end of the 13th century, a tower with a bell tower was added to the cathedral, which was also subsequently restored.

Previously, this tower was like an observation tower, but now, having overcome 36 meters (which, to my shame, I have never done this before), you can go up to the observation deck and see Koper from a bird's eye view.

St. Martha's Church

It was built in 1621 and belonged to the Roman Catholic Church. It is interesting that now it is a functioning Serbian Orthodox church, in which services are held on holidays and weekends, babies are baptized, newlyweds are crowned according to Orthodox canons.

Here I was surprised to find that, it turns out, there are differences between the Russian and Serbian Orthodox traditions. For example, in the service, men and women stand on different sides of the temple, and women with bare heads and, as a rule, in trousers. A woman in a headscarf and a skirt is certainly either Russian or Ukrainian.

Museums. Which are worth visiting

I would say that Koper itself is an open-air museum. Even while walking, you can see many interesting, historical sites.

If you approach the question formally, then Koper will not tire you large quantity museums, here it is only one - the Koper Regional Museum, located in the very center of the old town next to the Museum Square (Muzejski trg).

The museum was founded in 1910. Today, it contains many thematic expositions: archaeological, art collections (the most ancient exhibits date back to the XII-XIII centuries), a unique ethnographic collection, which presents household items and furnishings of local residents from the 18th century.

The halls dedicated to modern history - World War II, socialist Yugoslavia are also interesting. The museum hosts musical evenings - in the hall or in the courtyard, celebrating children's birthdays, conducting archaeological excavations with children.

The entrance costs 5 EUR, the main exposition is located in the Belgramoni-Tacco palace, there are also additional halls, which are located in the old town not far from the main exposition.

Parks

There are no city parks in Koper: neither the climate nor the size allows Koper to have such a luxury.

Tourist streets

As in all Mediterranean cities, the central place in Koper is the square and the clock tower. It is called Titov Square(Titov Trg) in honor of Josip Tito, leader of socialist Yugoslavia. In terms of its importance for the city, I would compare it to Red Square in Moscow.

Once Titov Square did not make a strong impression on me. Then I knew her in different ways: summer, calcined by the hot sun with lonely tourists under the tents of a cafe, and smart, Christmas with butchers (pancakes), mulled wine and a school choir.

Concerts and fashion shows are held here, tourists who are brought by huge cruise ships, first of all they lead to this square. I even saw a local beggar shouting his slogans against the local mayor, of course, on Titov Square.

Surprisingly, despite such involvement in the tourist and social life of the city, the square has not been vulgarized with souvenir shops, high prices in cafes and smells of sewage.
In addition to the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God, there are two architectural monuments on the square:

• Pretoria Palace,

• and the Loggia Palace, 15th century.

They were built for the mayor and for holding city council meetings. Since 1846, a cafe has been located on the first floor of the Loggia Palace, which is open to this day.
Three main streets radiate from Titov Trg - Cankarjeva, Cevljarska and Kidriceva.

The historic center is surrounded by Pristaniska ulica, Kopalisko nabrezje and Vojkovo nabrezje.
On the south side, large shopping centers, bus and railway stations are adjacent to the historic part of the city.

Such a confusion of times can only be in Europe - 10 minutes ago we saw the palaces of the 13th century, crossed the road and ... ended up in a modern shopping center with our friends Zara and H&M.

What to see in 1 day

One day is enough for you sightseeing tour by the city:

• Let us enter the city as we did several hundred years ago: through the Muda Gate (Vrata Muda, 1516) - the historical entrance to the city at the time when Koper was still an island and was connected to the "mainland" by a bridge.

• We will find ourselves on Presernov trg, once the main retail space Copra. The main attraction here is the Da Ponte Fountain, 1666, a copy of the Venetian fountain.

• Then we go up, towards the main square along the streets of Zhupanchicheva and Chevlyarska. The closer to the center, the more palaces in which the local nobility lived - Karli Palace (18th century), Barbabianca Palace (17th century), Orlandini Palace (18th century).

• Along the busy Chevlyarskaya street, where there are now small shops and cafes, we finally come out to the main square, Titov trg. Here is the most important architectural complex cities - the Pretoria Palace, the Loggia Palace, the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, as well as Foresteria, where the faculties of the Primorsky University are now based. There is also a tourist information center. Our walk has been going on for a good half hour, so it's time to drink coffee, especially since we came to the oldest cafe, which is located on the first floor of the Loggia Palace, and it has been open for 170 years ...

• Behind the main square is the neighboring Brolo square, which once served as a city reservoir.

• On the Brolo Square there are the ancient gates of the Episcopal Palace (16th century) and the Palace of the Brutti family (18th century), now the city library is located here.

• Another interesting building on this square is Fontico, the first half of the 16th century, it used to be a grain storage, now there are city administrative premises. For Fontico - the church of St. Jacob, the oldest building on this square, 14th century.
• Continuing our walk along Gallusovi Street, we will see Elio Palace, 1627, which later served as a vault until 1929.
• Opposite the Elio Palace, one of the most architecturally interesting buildings was built - the Gravi-Barbabianca Palace, 1710. Now there is a functioning music school here, so we can easily find this Palace by ear.
• We move towards the embankment, along the street Osvobodilne fronte (Ulica Osvobodilne fronte), where the Gravisi-Buttorai Palaces and the Tarsia Palace are located, now there are the Italian community and the editorial office of the local news newspaper. I never cease to wonder where only newspapermen get information for their issues - time seems to have stood still here, and nothing is happening.

• At the end of our walk, we return to Chevlyarska Street, from where we descend the steps to Gortanov Square (Gortanov trg) and stop for a while to see the Palace of Almerigogna, 15th century, whose facade is decorated with paintings and Gothic windows.
• After Gortanova Square we find ourselves on Valvasorjeva ulica, where, before turning to Tomazicev trg, there is an old house, Perkaus, 14th century. The house got its name from the last owner, previously it was the premises of the old court (Tribunal Vecchio).
• We pass the market and find ourselves on a small walk of fame dedicated to the memory of six Koper heroes-revolutionaries.

• From there, along the promenade, past the Tavern, the old salt storage, you can walk to the city beach, it will take no more than five minutes, and on the way I suggest going to the Capra restaurant, located on the waterfront, in the Koper hotel, where you can have a delicious lunch.

What to see in the vicinity

The Koper area is rich in natural and cultural attractions that I recommend to see.

Socerb Castle

The castle is located on the edge of a high cliff, which offers stunning views of the Slovenian coast and the Gulf of Trieste. Now the castle is very good restaurant.

Once my friends and I walked about 10 kilometers in the vicinity of the Sotserb castle - we arranged a spontaneous hike and did not calculate either the time or the distance. Since then, my children have been wary of this place. But if heroism is not planned in your program, then the pleasure of this place is guaranteed.

Miramare Castle and Park, Italy

The castle is located in the vicinity of Trieste, built on a rock in the middle of the 19th century, and is also interesting with a large park with exotic plants.

Duino Castle, Italy

Another ancient castle on a cliff with its own legend and picturesque view. Now it is privately owned, but part of it is open to tourists.

It contains a unique collection of paintings and art objects. Near the castle, along the cliff, there is a picturesque walking path, where my family and I often come for a walk.

Lipizian stud farm

Located in the village of Lipitsa, 30 km from Kopra, next to the stud farm there is beautiful park where you can play minigolf. The main highlight of the excursion is the horses of a rare breed, the Lipizzans.

They are unusual in that they are born black, and, growing up, become completely light.

Cape Debeli Rtic

The peninsula, located 15 km north of Kopra, where there is a natural resort and a children's health and wellness center.

You can walk around the park, which resembles Botanical Garden, Free admission.

Piran aquarium

Piran is one of the towns on the Slovenian coast, located 20 km from Kopra. An ancient and beautiful peninsula town, about which there are legends that pirates once lived here. I can say that this city leaves no one indifferent: either you are submissive to it, or you run from Piran with a desire not to come back here - this town has such a strong energy.

On the central square there is a museum-aquarium, it is small, but very diverse. Attending it is an obligatory part of the school curriculum for Slovenian students.

Sightseeing train in Izola

It is a crime to be in Koper and not visit Izola. The small, graceful city is connected to Kopr by a footpath along the coast, which is more than 10 km long.

During the summer season, a tourist train runs around Izola and its surroundings, and it is a great pleasure to travel on it.

Food. What to try

Oh, how I miss Slovenian restaurants in Moscow! And my friends Slovenes, on the contrary, coming to Moscow, praise our restaurants for their variety and quality.

Without the help of the Internet, I find it difficult to say which dishes are national, since the local cuisine is greatly influenced by the traditional dishes of neighboring countries - Italy, Austria, the countries of the Balkan Peninsula.

The general distinctive feature dishes prepared in Slovenian restaurants are invariably high quality products, large portions and affordable prices. For example, I have not tasted such a huge and tasty Viennese schnitzel anywhere, even in Vienna.

Restaurants on the Slovenian coast traditionally offer Italian cuisine - pizza, pasta, risotto, as well as Balkan cevapcici with chopped onions and kaymak sauce.

An average pizza costs about 8-10 EUR, the same price for any dish in mid-range restaurants.

I would place fish restaurants in a separate, more expensive category. The main ones are located in resort towns- Portorož and Piran.

For me, squid is a traditional dish on the Slovenian coast. Usually, they are prepared in two ways: grilled (hot) or deep-fried (overt). Grilled squid is served with boiled potatoes, spinach and olive oil with garlic and spices. Deep-fried squid - with fries and sauce.

After such large portions, I don’t want to talk about dessert, but for those who wish, there are usually Italian desserts - pan kota, tiramisu, Slovenian - pancakes with chocolate, jam or nut filling.

At the end, they often offer to drink a cup of espresso coffee.

Markets and supermarkets

For those travelers who cook on their own, Koper has a huge number of supermarkets to suit all tastes. For example, we definitely go to Euro Spin and Lidl.

The first one is an Italian budget chain store, in which the choice of products is small, there is everything you need, but Prosecco champagne for 3.5 EUR, a pound of Parmesan cheese for 7 EUR and prosciutto for 2 EUR, I advise you to definitely buy.

The second, Lidl, is a German chain store, which has sooooo delicious bread from its own bakery, famous German sausages and pates.

There is also a market that is open strictly on the first half of the day on Saturday, here they sell fish fresh from the sea, seasonal fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers.

The choice of a place where you should dine completely depends on the only factor, in the case of Slovenia not even money, - on whether you are with children or not.

If with children, then Pizza 33 with huge portions, fast service, affordable prices. I recommend choosing the notorious squid or pizza.

If you are on your own, then you can wait a bit and try masterpiece desserts in the Capra restaurant, and in Al Mulin, for example, steaks or pasta with seafood. It seems to me that Copra's restaurants simply cannot disappoint ..

Budget

• "Pizza 33". Krozna cesta, 27, Koper.

• "Primavera". Prešernova cesta 55, Izola

Middle level

• "Nimis". Istrska cesta 70, Koper.
• "Hotel Gusht". Drevored 1. maja 5, Izola.

Holidays

Seaside Slovenes are very fond of holidays and use even the smallest excuse to have fun. Since Koper is the most Big city on the coast, he takes on the whole festive blow.
The most eventful period is summer. Of the most interesting summer holidays, I would single out two - Rumena Night (Yellow Night) and Feshta Kalamarov (Squid Festival).

Rumenа Noc

Perhaps the biggest summer holiday on the coast takes place on the last weekend in July. Dedicated to the cultural and culinary traditions of various regions of Slovenia, a large concert stage is being assembled on the embankment, and attractions for children are brought to the city. People from all parts of Slovenia come to Koper for this event; the city walks for two nights in a row. On the last day, there is a big fireworks display.

At this time we celebrate two whole family birthdays, so walking on Rumena night has become our tradition too.

Festa kalamarov

At the beginning of July, the squid festival takes place in Koper. On the streets you can try different culinary variations on the theme of squid - squid in the heat (grilled), overti (deep-fried), squid salad, pizza with squid. Of course, all this with local wine and cheerful music.

Although I personally love calamari from the Pizza 33 restaurant more than the festival ones, local traditions should be honored ...

Sladka Istra

In autumn, the biggest holiday is considered Sladka Istra(Sweet Istra). It takes place in mid-September, various sweets are sold throughout the city - pastries, sweets, chocolate.

Other activities

In addition to the traditional holidays - Christmas and New Years, the Carnival takes place in Slovenian Istria, in which the entire Slovenian coast participates; the carnival procession goes from Kopra to Portorož. Usually this action takes place at the end of February, this is a kind of our Maslenitsa, farewell to winter. Like the Venetian Carnival, children and adults alike dress up in costumes and watch, and some take part in the carnival procession, sprinkle confetti, eat crofas (jam donuts). The holiday is also celebrated in schools and kindergartens. For one day, children come to school / kindergarten in carnival costumes, walk around the city and also eat crofes.

I have observed more than once the sincerity with which adult Slovenes, not to mention children, have fun at this holiday.

Safety. What to watch out for

In short, there is nothing to be afraid of on the Slovenian coast. There is no pickpocketing, no street bandits, no sexual harassment, you will not be deceived in the store and the market, you can safely walk at night.

Moreover, if you have any problems, passers-by will definitely help you and explain everything. It is noteworthy that the entire nation speaks excellent English. This is apparently due to the fact that almost all television here is in English with Slovenian subtitles.

Shadow life probably exists here as well. I think that it was not organized by the Slovenes, but being here in the status of a tourist, you are unlikely to feel it.

Things to do

Little Koper can compete with megacities in terms of organizing active leisure.

Sports programs

In neighboring Trieste, the major international sailing regatta Barcolana is taking place, which turns into an enchanting celebration with wine and music.

Educational programs

Slovenes are very offended that they are often confused with Slovakia and that they are not known at all in the world. It is believed that this is a flaw of Slovenian politicians. Apparently, for this purpose, there is an educational program for tourists in Koper, starting in July - August, aimed at learning the Slovenian language, culture and traditions. The duration of the training is about three weeks. It is believed that we - Russians - easily master the Slovenian language due to the similarity with ours. I hasten to reassure you: to speak freely and understand everything, one ingenuity is not enough.

Shopping and shops

Shopping in Koper caters to all tastes, from chain brands to exclusive Italian brands.

There are two large shopping centers in the city itself - Super Nova and Planet Touche with the traditional brands Zara, H&M, etc. These stores are unlikely to surprise Russian fashionistas.

I would advise you to do fashionable shopping in Trieste, where there are many expensive and not very expensive shops with excellent shoes, bags and casual clothes.

On the border of Slovenia and Italy, before reaching Trieste, there are two shops worth visiting - a large shoe store Bata, with the factory of the same name and Twin Set, a store of elegant women's clothing, mainly dresses - there is usually a large selection and frequent sales.

There are two outlets near Kopra:

• Palmanova Outlet Village(80 km).

• Near Venice McArthur Glen(145 km). I like the second one more.

The best time to shop is when sales are just starting - early July and early January. Then there is a large selection and sizes. On the other hand, at the end of the sales season (end of August, end of February), discounts reach 70%, but there is a possibility that the required size is no longer there.

Bars. Where to go

• Lord Byron. A small bar, located in the historical part of Kopra, next to the Muda gate, is open daily until midnight. The age of the visitors is average and above, the furnishings are in the English style, the average bill is 10 EUR.

And three casinos:

• Casino Portorož. Obala 75a, Portorož.
• Bernardine Casino. Obala 2, Portorož.
• Riviera Casino. Obala 33, Portorož.



Extreme sports

To be honest, a vacation in Koper is not for those who like to tickle your nerves. From the extreme, windsurfing and diving courses are presented here.

Windsurfing is possible on the Justerna beach, the cost of one private lesson is 55 EUR. Diving courses are available at the Justerna hotel, the cost depends on the duration of the lessons and the equipment chosen. The dive itself takes place off the coast of Piran, the deepest and most picturesque place on the Slovenian coast.



Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

• Prshut. Dried, thinly sliced ​​meat, pork ham, in Spain - jamon, in Italy - prosciutto. Usually served with olives, tomatoes, cheese, olive oil and melon. We usually buy prosciutto in Euro Spina, the price is 2 EUR.



• Guilt. I would advise you to bring one variety that everyone likes without exception - dry red wine from a small family winery Lisjak, variety - Teran. Sold in bottles unusual shape specially designed for this wine. Price - 11 EUR.



• Piran salt. This is a kind of brand on the Slovenian coast, eminent restaurants buy this salt, because only with it the dishes reach their perfect taste. So they say ... Since this salt is very expensive, a small bag can be bought as a souvenir. The price is about 5 EUR.



• Rogaška crystal. A good memory of the trip will be a piece of crystal, a local glassworks with 350 years of tradition. I choose wine glasses. The price is different from 10–15 EUR and more.



• "Human Fish" from Postojna Pit. A funny souvenir from the Postojna Pit, a soft toy in the shape of a human fish, a unique underground animal that lives in these caves. Small fish costs 7 EUR.



• Carnival Kurents. The main characters of the carnival, which takes place at the end of winter, symbolizing her exile. During the carnival processions, the Kurents make every possible noise, jump, dance. This souvenir is still to be found, the price is about 8 Euro.



How to get around the city

As I already wrote, Koper is a very small city, and you don't need any vehicles to get around Koper.

There are racks with bicycles around the city, which can be rented, the cost is about 5 EUR, the riding time is unlimited. Then the bike simply returns to any parking lot of rental bicycles on the way.

Another unusual way of transportation is also a bicycle, but for six people. This service is offered only in summer, many families ride these bicycles around the city. They have one drawback - you cannot enter the old part of the city on it - the streets are too narrow.

Taxi. What features are there



You can pay for the fare from the driver, you can buy a ticket at the ticket office. I think it makes no sense to buy passes, since you will only use the bus once at best.

Transport rental

It is better to rent a transport at the airport in order to save money on a transfer to Kopra. If you haven't, Koper also has such a service.

For example, Hertz is located at Koper - Kolodvorska Cesta 7. average price car rental 20–25 EUR / day.



Car rental price options can be viewed at.

The main advice to motorists is to forget the Russian driving style and switch to a law-abiding, European one without overtaking on the right and parking for two cars.

Compliance with the rules road traffic monitored by the ubiquitous patrol service - Redarstvo, which mainly checks the correctness and payment of parking lots. In case of violation, a fine or warning is issued. If the driver is in the car, they will come up to him and politely ask him to leave.

There are three types of markings for parking spaces on the road - blue, yellow and white. Blue markings mean that parking is paid, somewhere nearby there is a payment terminal, a coupon from which must be put behind the windshield so that you can see the time until which parking has been paid. The average price is 0.5–1 EUR per hour.

Yellow markings mean that parking is only allowed for company cars, white - parking is free, but in Koper, as a rule, it is only allowed to local residents who buy an annual parking ticket.

Koper - holidays with children

I think Koper is a wonderful place for families with children. It is best to stay at the Justern Hotel. If you come during the summer, there is a beach across the road with a playground, a fenced-in children's bathing area, delicious ice cream (try an orange one) and a large sandpit.

In any other season, the water park in Justern is guaranteed to please you and your child. There is only one slide, but there is a large saltwater pool, warm jacuzzis and a small pool for toddlers.

Slovenes love children very much. It's not uncommon for a stranger to compliment your little one. My children and I love to order in the café otroshkin cappuccino - a children's cappuccino made from milk foam, milk and cocoa in “adult” mugs, you will be served with cookies or lollipop, it costs 0.5 EUR.

In summer, free children's performances are held on the embankment, with posters being pasted all over the city.

The holidays that are celebrated here are Sladka Istra, Carnival, Rumena Night with attractions, everything is a little childish and will surely be remembered by a little traveler. In Moscow, we miss these funny holidays very much.

What about excursions? The Škociansky bay, Postojnska Yama, the aquarium in Piran, and the train ride in Izola are all for children.

From day trips, I would single out three directions:





Ski vacation

Everything locals skiing from childhood to old age. Parents put their children on skis at the age of 3. On the slopes you can see toddlers dexterously skiing with a pacifier in their mouth. In the fifth grade at school, as part of a compulsory program, schoolchildren go to the mountains for a week, where they learn to ride.

Before the winter season, a ski equipment and equipment fair is held in Koper, where used ski equipment is sold.

There are ski schools in Koper, which during the season on weekends take everyone to the nearest slopes and teach how to ski or just ski in groups, divided by skill level.
It is no coincidence that this sport is so popular here, there are many ski slopes Slovenia, Italy, Austria.

Ski passes

I know that Slovenes are proud of their ski slopes and champion skiers. Usually they prefer Slovenian ski resorts, Italians - the Dolomites, Russians, as a rule, choose either Austria or Italy, so I'll tell you a little about all the places near Kopra where you can go skiing.

In the north of Slovenia, there are several dozen ski resorts... The most famous of them are Pohorje Mariborske, Kranjska Gora, Bovec. Prices for ski passes are around 22-30 EUR / day.

The nearest ski resorts in Italy are located in the Dolomites, mountains of unique beauty. The most famous of them is Dolomiti Superski, which unites six ski resorts into a single ski area. Today it is the largest ski area in the world with a single ski pass, it will cost you an average of 39 to 49 EUR / day, depending on the season.

Nearest Austrian ski and thermal spa- Bad Kleinkirchheim, located 2.5 hours by car from Kopr. A lift pass costs an average of 40–45 EUR / day.



, .

The industrial and port Koper is the main city of the Istrian region. In the last article on I wrote that Koper is the most lively city on the Slovenian coast. And indeed it is. Firstly, the city's population is 27,000 people, which is more than in all the coastal towns I have already described combined, and secondly, the main and only port of Slovenia, the backbone of the local automotive industry, is located in Koper. There are two large enterprises operating here - Cimos, a supplier of Citroen cars and Tomos, a motorcycle manufacturer.

For tourists, Koper can be interesting for its sights, there are no less of them in the city than in the super tourist Piran, and shops. Near the port there is a whole area of ​​modern and varied shopping malls of the scale of our Mega. The shops are open on weekdays and on Saturdays from 9 to 21, and on Sunday from 9 to 15, everything is clear with the shops, you will not be able to see anything fundamentally new in them, so I will go straight to the sights of Koper and tell you why you shouldn't save on a hotel and choose Koper as a base for recreation on the Slovenian coast.

Koper the most Old city throughout Slovenia, in his writings he was also mentioned by Pliny himself under the name Aegis, he survived the Roman Empire and Byzantium, but most of the monuments have survived from the time of the rule of the Venetian Republic. Under the wing of the Venetian lion, Kapodostriya (Italian) or Koper (Slovenian) experienced its golden age. Its influence extended over a large area from Buzet to Novigrad (now these are Croatian cities). And during the reign of the Habsburg Empire, Koper lost its former greatness, losing the palm to neighboring Trieste, and oddly enough, this contributed in many respects to the preservation of the monuments of the Venetian period. So there is something to see in Koper.

Koper is the only town on the Slovenian coast where a tourist card (Koper city card) is offered for tourists, allowing them to use public transport, see a number of attractions and get discounts at local restaurants. This fact in itself already suggests that the city has something to offer curious tourists. Public transport may be needed only if you are leaving Koper, the old town itself is very compact and it will not be difficult to walk it up and down in 2 hours.

It so happened that the main attractions are concentrated around the four squares of the city:

1. main square Titov bargaining
2. located almost close to the Titov market Brolo square,
3. square of Carpaccio by the seafront
4. Preshernovaya Square- the most pagan square of Koper.

If you walk around these four squares, you will see everything worth seeing in Koper. We parked in Brolo Square, but it would be logical to start my story about the sights of the city from the main square, so the description of Brolo Square will be at the end.

Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary and the bell tower from Brolo square

Titov square bargaining

The very center of the city is Titov Trg Square - the only coastal area that can easily compete with the famous Tartini Square in Piran. The Venetian style, which is clearly present in its architecture, is somewhat severe and laconic.

There is a tourist information office in the Praetorian Palace, where you can take a map of the city with marked attractions for free and buy a tourist card of Koper if you wish. It is believed that the construction of the Praetorian Palace began in 1254, but usually when such distant dates are named, it means that on this place some palaces were built and rebuilt that little resemble the present. The very concept of "praetor" came to us from the Roman Empire and means - the leader, the leader. It turns out that the palace received the Roman name during the heyday of the Venetian Republic, not much is not logical, but what can you do, the past often hides interesting details from us. There are winged Venetian lions on the facade of the palace.

In the palace, paying only € 3, you can see the 19th century veduto Kopra, a wardrobe in which were kept attire for celebrations, an old pharmacy from the end of the 17th century and various items belonging to the nobility. Veduto Kopra is just a view of the city, when it was still an island, the date of its creation is not written on the painting itself, it is believed that this is the 19th century. It remains to state the fact that for 100-150 years the city has changed almost beyond recognition. Now only one tower has survived, the city has become part of the mainland and a huge port has grown up next to it, and now they just walk on the sea giant ships compared to the pitiful boats depicted in the picture. What can historians talk about when it comes to times more distant?

The Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary stands on a site that was built up in the ancient period, and in front of today's church on this site was a Romanesque basilica. The history of the cathedral goes back to the 12th century, when the city received its own diocese. The exterior of the cathedral today is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. On the right is the base of the campanile, you can climb it for only 3 € or free with a Koper city card.

The church keeps numerous treasures: the large altarpiece "Madonna and Child Enthroned and the Saints", created in 1516 by Vittorio Carpaccio, the stone coffin of the Copra patron Saint Nazarius of the 15th century and others. Vittorio Carpaccio is a very famous Venetian artist, then I will show you the house in which he was born and lived. The interior of the cathedral was changed in the 17th century by the famous architect Giorgio Massari, nothing remained of the Gothic and Venetian style.

Opposite the Praetorian Palace is an equally beautiful building - the Loggia, which houses a cafe and art Gallery... During his visit to Koper, Stendhal, then the French consul in Trieste, was struck by the beauty of this magnificent building, built in 1462. The arcade is very much like the Doge's Palace in Venice, the scale is smaller, but the shapes are the same.

The loggia is decorated with a terracotta statue of the Madonna and Child, installed in a corner niche, erected in memory of the exterminating plague of 1554.

Foresteria and Armeria now look like one whole building, but in fact there used to be two of them, both buildings were built in the 15th-16th centuries. Foresteria served for receptions and accommodation of guests of the landowners. Until 1550, the neighboring building of Armeria served as a warehouse of weapons, later it housed a city warehouse and a pawnshop, if you look closely, you can find a fair amount of details that distinguish one house from another and mentally draw a dividing line.

Chevlyarskaya street

At this point we leave the Titov bargaining square. Koper turned out to be a very patriotic city, all the old streets are hung with flags with the city's coat of arms. In the upper corner, I inserted a picture of the city's coat of arms. This sun is depicted on the Muda gate. In Slovenia, it is customary to insert the emblem of the area on the license plate numbers, in Koper, most cars with the sun on the license plate.

Chevlyarskaya Street is a typical medieval street in the city, once it was the busiest street in the city; artisans and merchants settled here. The Barbabian Palace is now the seat of the Copra tax office, and the tax authorities have to walk to work, it is not possible to get there by car.

Preshernova square

The main decoration of Preshernova Square is the fountain, created based on the Rialto Bridge in Venice and the Muda Gate. It is from one of the heraldic signs depicted on these gates that the coat of arms of Koper is drawn - a sun with a human face. This is the only gate that has survived in Koper, there used to be 12. The gate itself was copied from the antique triumphal arch by order of a local landowner, where the original stood is nowhere reported.

The Muda gate is the most pagan local building, although it was built in 1516 in a completely non-pagan time. What I was most interested in was to find out, where did such a strange name come from? But alas, nothing is said about this topic anywhere.

The Da Ponte Fountain continues the pagan tradition. In the fountain, four water deities are spitting water. Earlier this place was the end of the aqueduct supplying water to the city; it has not survived to this day.

Carpaccio square

The next focus of attractions was the Carpaccio square. She was named just after the famous Venetian painter, whose picture we could see in the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary. It is decorated with Justina's Column, erected in 1572 in honor of the victory in the Battle of Lepanto (Koper equipped a gallion for this battle), a Venetian well in the form of a column capital (transported in 1936) and the home of the famous Venetian painter Vittore Carpaccio (1465-1526). Wikipedia says that the exact dates of the artist's life and the exact place of birth are unknown, but in Koper they show the house where he was born and lived. Carpacho's house is stone with figured windows, right behind Justina's column.

The capitals of the column depict the coat of arms of Koper - the sun, and on the shield there is a two-headed eagle. The two-headed eagles were used as a coat of arms by several states - Byzantium, the Holy Roman Empire, the Principality of Chernigov, Tver, Moscow, the Golden Horde and even some smaller princes, which had died by that time, so that double-headed eagles are often found in Europe. This is one of the arguments of the famous author of the New Chronology in favor of the existence of a previously huge unified empire.

On the other hand, the Carpaccio square is bordered by an old salt warehouse, now for some reason it is called the Tavern. Maybe they organize city holidays with refreshments here? There are plenty of salt warehouses on the Slovenian coast, but Koper is the most picturesque. Salt mining was one of the most profitable businesses in the Middle Ages and this whole region rose precisely on the extraction of salt.

A Venetian winged one flaunts on the wall of a salt warehouse overlooking the sea.

Kidricheva street

The houses along Kidrichevaya Street were being renovated. Looks like old wooden rafters already refuse to keep the second floor hanging over the first floor.

Totto ex Gavardo's palace was almost covered in forests, only a winged lion was photographed. Levu, by the way, was reinforced on the facade only in 1924, earlier it decorated some kind of fortress in the province.

The Belgramono Tazzo Palace was built in the 17th century and is the most a beautiful palace in the baroque style in Koper. After the First World War, it housed the City Museum of History and Art, today it houses the Local Lore Museum, which stores precious cultural heritage northern Istria from the prehistoric period onward, with an emphasis on the Venetian cultural layer. The local history museum can be visited for 5 € or free with a Koper city card. The palace has two names, as one of the members of the Belgramon family lost it at cards, and the palace became the property of the Tazzo family. After the death of the last member of the family, the city authorities gave the house for cultural activities.

Brolo square

Can you imagine that the building of a granary suddenly became a monument of history and culture? This happens. The construction of Fontico (former grain warehouse) was mentioned already in 1392, the final form was formed around 1460, later the facade was slightly changed. The building is one of the oldest buildings in Brolo Square. From the very beginning, the building was intended as a granary, from which grain was distributed to the townspeople in the years of a bad harvest or wars, an almost biblical story about seven fat years and seven lean ones. On the building, in addition to the Renaissance and Gothic windows, you can admire the rich coat of arms. The Brutti palace now houses the Koper library, to the left of the palace is the Church of the Assumption of Mary.

Koper embankment and port

The beach is free, there are free showers and toilets nearby. On the opposite side of the bay is the village of Ankaran, its beaches offer an excellent view of the port, so I would not recommend it for a seaside holiday either. Ankaran has a large campsite and a number of bungalows, of course they do not mention the close proximity to a huge modern port in the descriptions of their services.

Ankaran became famous for its hospital in which tuberculosis patients are treated, the local climate is very useful for patients with pulmonary diseases, we can only hope that patients with an open form of tuberculosis observe quarantine.

This is the city of Koper, there is something to see, there is where to go shopping, you can stay in it in the off-season, but in the summer I personally would not want to swim on the Koper beach.

Today, Koper, again as in ancient times, competes with neighboring Trieste. Ships with cargo from the industrialized countries of Asia arrive at its port, which are further transported to Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic. After passing the Suez Canal, ships head to Koper, the Mediterranean port closest to the largest cities in Central Europe.

Getting into small town Koper in Slovenia - a person simply loses touch with reality! This is the Slovenian Reviera, which is so similar to sunny Italy. Narrow streets, cozy courtyards, lots of sun and excellent air. Previously, this amazing settlement was located on an island called Goat. But then a dam was built, and it was a small island just merged with the continent. But even today he remained "independent" and amazes with its originality and excellent climate, which allows you to restore health. The town is located largest port Slovenia, ships with cargoes from all over the world come here.

A kaleidoscope of history

Koper is a kind of symbiosis of Slavic and Latin culture. Thanks to the close proximity of Italy, the traditions and heritage of this country are highly valued here. Venetian peaked towers, southern cuisine, small courtyards with plastered walls - everything emphasizes the Italian flavor. In Koper, two languages ​​are spoken - Italian and Slovenian, they are "equal" and even in parliament there is a representative of the Italian minority.

Until the 19th century, the city of Kapodistrias (as the Italians called it) was an island. Then they erected a lot architectural monuments- Tito Square with the Praetor Palace and Loggia. Today it is so pleasant to sit here with a cup of aromatic coffee, enjoying the views of the city and the architecture of old castles.

Only in Koper you will see two completely different cities. Mainland settlements - tall modern houses, narrow streets, numerous hotels and expensive apartments. The insular part - tiled roofs of low buildings, old cathedrals and temples, pronounced Italian flavor.

Koper climate

Surprisingly, the Slovenian resort is located only 30 km of the coastal zone, but this did not prevent it from turning it into a real pride of the country. Sandy golden beaches the purest waters Adriatic sea and an excellent maritime climate. Gusty winds and heavy precipitation are rare in Koper. From early spring sunny warm days dominate here, comfortable conditions for relaxation last until late autumn. And even in winter it is very pleasant to enjoy here healing air, walk along the coast and drink the unique mineral waters that the fertile land gives.

The legacy of ancestors

Koper is not only a well-known health resort where people come to enjoy the unique mineral springs... This is real Cultural Center countries where everything breathes history. If you want to witness the Italian pomp, you need to see the Pretoria Castle, it was built in 1464 (Venetian Gothic). Opposite it is an art gallery with a rich collection of 15th century paintings and contemporary paintings.

The amazingly beautiful palaces of Armerigonha, Totto, Belgramoni-Tacco have become a real treasure of the city. The locals are also proud of the pompous temple structures. Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God (erected in the 15th century), the main shrine of the townspeople is kept here - the tomb of St. Nazarius. There is a legend that protects the city from enemies and all kinds of natural disasters.

You should definitely see the oldest place in the city - the Ascension Rotunda, built in the 12th century. Younger tourists will appreciate the local zoo. This is not just a place for entertainment and contemplation of rare animals - a research center operates here.

But for those who like active rest, Koper will be a real discovery. A huge amusement park (water) amazes with many attractions. There are even pools with artificial waves and specialized ponds for the youngest tourists. Mountaineers have appreciated the resort with its sheer cliffs that hang over the Adriatic coast.

Forward for impressions

If all the wellness procedures have been completed, and you are tired of the relaxing bliss of the beaches? Welcome to the many singing festivals. This is a real extravaganza of music of various styles, musicians from all over Slovenia and other countries come here. A grand performance awaits you, especially since festivals are held regularly. The most famous of them is the Primorsky Summer Festival.

We are treated and recuperated in Koper

Slovenia is, first of all, a climate favorable to humans. Natural treasures in the form of thermal and mineral waters allow you to quickly get rid of many chronic diseases. Koper is famous for the Pannonian, Alpine maritime climate reigning here - such a tandem is rare and it is he who has such a positive effect on the human body. The air is saturated with minerals salty water relieves respiratory diseases and dermatological pathologies. Another jewel of Slovenia is curative mud. These are inorganic or organic peloids that saturate the skin with beneficial chemical compounds.

And deserve special attention. The water in them is recognized as healing, it is ideal for daily use, replenishes the body with minerals and rare acids. Therefore, people suffering from gastrointestinal tract disorders come to Koper to enjoy this water, which has no analogues in the world. Healing peat and fango are also used here to treat some diseases. These substances have a positive effect on the skin - they tighten it, inhibit the aging process.

If you get to Koper, be sure to visit thermal springs... These waters are able to activate the internal reserves of the body and, and you will forget about viral infections for a long time.

Hotels in Koper

There are not many apartments in this city, but those that do exist are comfortable and convenient for those who come to improve their health. Apartment & Suites Veneziana Is an excellent hotel in Italian style, it boasts excellent infrastructure, delicious cuisine and picturesque views from the windows of the rooms. Hotel Vodisek- affordable accommodation, good service, on the territory there are many cafes and restaurants, their own gyms and saunas. Studio morsal an excellent place for a calm measured rest, it is conveniently located, you can quickly get to any part of the city and to the beach.

A trip to Koper is not just a pleasant holiday on the Adriatic coast. Only here you can enjoy the gifts of nature that will help you become healthy and strong. If you have small children, such an exciting journey will be a luxurious gift. The kid will improve his health, arriving in a mild warm climate, and will receive a lot of impressions from this amazing peninsula.

Where to live well in Slovenia. Coper.

June 1, 2015, 01:01, views: 6641

I decided to make a series of reports about where it is good to live on the Slovenian coast (it is also obala - Slovenian - coast). Fortunately, several years spent here have been enriched with certain information, but nevertheless I insist that everything said below is a subjective point of view.

So, Koper is the largest city on the Slovenian coast. Well, as the largest - about 25 thousand people. For us Russians it is a village. But there is one "but" characteristic of almost all of Europe. The fact is that there are a lot of cities and they are quite densely located. The situation when, having crossed the street, you are already in another city is commonplace. That is why European cities are not at all perceived as lonely Russian villages with several thousand people.

Let's go back to Koper. The city consists of two parts: the old city - the one that is located on a relative plain directly on the coast (in the same place and the port); and new town(also called Semedela), located on a pretty high mountains over the old city.

All tourism, of course, is concentrated in the old town, closer to the sea. Actually, all the main trading and entertainment centers... By the way, it was in Koper that the largest shopping and entertainment centers were built, focused on the entire coast of Slovenia. There are only shops in other cities.

• Do you need a movie? - You to Koper.
• Bowling? - You to Koper.
• Do you need to buy clothes? - You to Koper.
• Do you need to buy a toy for your child? - You to Koper.
• Looking for a 24/7 pharmacy? - They said the same to Koper.

In terms of recreation, Koper is not the worst option to spend a two week vacation on the Slovenian coast. But far from the best. The main tourist disadvantage of this city is the lack of a beach. No, there is a small "heel" (at least 100 - 150 meters long) adjacent to the port overlooking the same port, but is this a beach?

In fairness, it should be noted that there are no beaches in Slovenia. There is access to the sea for swimming, but it cannot be called beaches. The bottom is bad, there is no sand, the coastline is rarely cleaned of algae. So don't count too much.

The main tourist attraction of Koper is that there are bus and railway stations. Therefore, if you do not risk renting a car or prefer budget vacation, from Koper you can easily ride to Italy, Croatia, and the central part of Slovenia.

Now about life in Koper. Not just about two weeks, but about whether it is convenient to live in the city for several years.

Dignity

As already mentioned, all the largest entertainment and shopping centers are located in Koper. This is probably more of a plus.

Koper has a new (both in terms of building and in terms of programs) school. It is located in the old town. There are, of course, other schools, but this school is praised by both local and compatriots. In addition to schools, there is also a technical college and several universities. Also, it is in this city that there are most of all various children's sections and "circles". Thus, in terms of the development of children's and youth infrastructure, Koper is the absolute leader on the entire Slovenian coast.

secondary school

From the point of view of walking in the evening - Koper is quite a suitable town. There are several beautiful squares. The old part of the city is well-groomed and clean. Countless coffee shops, restaurants and bars. And, of course, a pleasant embankment. If you are a roller-skater, the promenade will certainly delight you. Moreover, it smoothly flows into a pedestrian and bicycle road (connecting Koper with another coastal city - Izola) and gives you another 10 kilometers of a comfortable walk.

The last advantage of the city, which has already been mentioned, is the railway and bus stations.

This is where Koper's merits end.

Flaws

The disadvantages of Koper include, first of all, the issue of accommodation. The fact is that renting an apartment in the old city (or near it) is not only an expensive pleasure (relative to other cities), but also a very difficult matter.

Finding a normal apartment for a family of 3-4 people in the old town is not easy - there are not so many offers. Meanwhile, most of the proposals are a new city, that is, the one on the mountain. And this means that every time, just to take a walk, you have to get behind the wheel of a car or wait for a bus, or walk 20-30 minutes to the old city on foot. And you can't take your child to school in the fresh air - only by transport.

At first, this circumstance will not strain much. But six months will pass, and you will simply get tired of it and will leave the house less and less. Except for business: school, shop, hospital, and so on.

Conclusion... In my personal rating of “the suitability of cities on the Slovenian coast for long-term living”, Koper takes a confident second place. And the main reason for its "silver", and not "gold", I put - its size. It is too big to forget about the car or the bus for a whole week.

All photos are taken from Google Maps (Google Streets).

Main sea ​​port Slovenia - the ancient city of Koper is located in the south-west of Slovenia on the Istrian peninsula. Koper originated in the days of Antiquity - it was located here Greek settlement Aegida. 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 commercial city of the Istrian peninsula.

Story

During the Venetian Republic, Koper became known as Caput Histriae, which means "chief in Istria". In Italian it is still called Capodistria - “the head of Istria”. After the collapse of the Venetian Republic in 1797, Koper was captured by the Austrians, and in 1918, along with the entire peninsula, he went to Italy. For a long time, Koper was located on an island where shepherds grazed sheep flocks. Only in 1825 the island was attached to the mainland by a bulk isthmus, however, the division into an island and a mainland remains today. Monuments of medieval architecture, a seaport and beaches are concentrated on the island part, while "on the mainland" it is 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 it finally became part of Yugoslavia. In 1991, the city became part of the newly independent Slovenia, but even today Italians live here and Italian is the second official language.

The city's attractions

In the central square of the city (Titov Trg), there is the Pretoria Palace, built in 1464 - 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. Also worth seeing are the houses of the Venetian nobility - the palaces of Armerigonha 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 Kopra is also the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Mother of God. The cathedral contains the tomb of St. Nazarius, the patron saint of Copra.

Koper today

Today Koper is the largest seaport and logistics center on the Adriatic, through which a significant part of European cargo turnover passes. The port has 12 terminals, and the volume of cargo transportation in 2014 exceeded 19 million tons. Cruise liners Costa Favolosa and Costa Сoncordia also call at the port, sea ​​transport to Trieste and Venice.

Koper is also famous for his football team. FC Koper belongs to the strongest league in Slovenia, and the famous football player Mladen Rudonia is a native of Kopra. Also in the city were born the famous painter Vittore Carpaccio, tennis player Andrea Klepach, and singer Tinkara Kovac, who represented Slovenia at the Eurovision Song Contest. Many tourists come to Koper to attend musical events, especially the Seaside Summer Festival.