Between the Mysteries and Treasures of Piran
Discover the rich culture and history of Piran. Explore its legends, visit museums and galleries, and uncover hidden cultural treasures.
Don’t miss cultural events and immerse yourself in the local heritage that defines this picturesque seaside town
Museums and Galleries
Experience Piran through its rich cultural heritage, hidden within its museums and galleries – from daring divers and maritime history to church artworks and the stories of the famous Giuseppe Tartini. Each exhibition reveals unforgettable tales of the town, captivating every visitor. Discover the treasures of the past and find out what makes Piran so special!
Cultural Treasures of Piran
The handy brochure with a map features six thematic routes. You can download it for free and start discovering the treasures of the local area right away.
Do You Know Piran’s Most Famous Legends?
The Story of the Venetian House
When you stop at Tartini Square in Piran, your gaze naturally wanders across the surrounding palaces. Alongside Tartini’s birthplace, where you can learn about the life of the famous virtuoso, several striking buildings catch the eye— the Neo-Renaissance Municipal Palace, the grand Court Palace, and the Gothic-Venetian palace, known as La Veneziana.
One of the most photographed buildings in Piran, this ornately decorated palace features a pink-apricot façade. On its front, an inscription reads “Lasa pur dir,” which translates to “Let them talk!”
According to legend, the palace was built in the 15th century by Venetian merchant Del Bello as a symbol of his love for a beautiful woman from Piran, Margareta. Since their romance became the subject of local gossip, the inscription was meant to send a clear message—he didn’t care about the town’s whispers.
Fire as the Origin of Piran’s Name
Legend has it that the name Piran originates from the Greek word “pyr,” meaning fire. The ancient Greeks, sailing toward their colony Aegida in the northern Adriatic, often followed the glow of large bonfires that the locals lit along the coast to guide ships into safe waters.
Today, at the very spot where those bonfires once burned, stands Piran’s iconic lighthouse, built upon a fortress dating back to 1617. This lighthouse serves not only as a maritime beacon but also as part of a historic fortification complex, which includes the Church of Our Lady of Health.
Surrounded by mythical symbols and a statue of a mermaid, this stone fortress continues to guard the sea cape, whispering tales of Piran’s brave and storied past.
St. George: The Miraculous Savior of Piran
A legend surrounds the Church of St. George, standing atop Piran’s hill, a sacred site for over 2,000 years. One summer evening, a violent storm threatened to destroy the town, but by miracle, the storm suddenly calmed when St. George appeared to fishermen at sea.
In gratitude for their salvation, the people of Piran built a church on the hill and dedicated it to their protector. Centuries later, as the church began to deteriorate, St. George appeared to a young boy in a vision, warning the mayor to restore it or face divine punishment.
Today, the Venetian-style bell tower, crowned with a bronze statue of Archangel Michael, still watches over the town, preserving the legend of Piran’s miraculous savior.
Listen to the Legends of Piran
Free Mobile App – Nexto
Brezplačna aplikacija Nexto na igriv način, preko kvizov, izzivov in nalog skozi obogateno resničnost ustvarja novo izkušnjo vodenja po mestu. Odkrijte kjučne znamenitosti Pirana in skozi aktivno raziskovanje spoznajte zgodovinske like, rešujte uganke, odklepajte virtualne spominke, 3D artefakte ter se s pomočjo obogatene resničnosti zazrite v preteklost.
Legende Pirana
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Tour and entrance fee to Mediadom Pyrhani
Discover Piran’s rich history through an engaging multimedia exhibit that showcases the city’s past using modern technology.
Dates:from 01.04. 2024 to 31.12. 2024
€/
Climb the Piran Town Walls
The town of Piran has preserved its medieval character and compact urban structure, surrounded by a belt of city walls. Each walk offers a different and unique experience, accompanied by magnificent views overlooking the town of Piran that will not leave you indifferent.
Dates:from 25.10. 2021 to 31.12. 2024
from 2 €/per person
Piran Walking Tour with Degustation
Piran Walking Tour: Discover Piran on a 2-hour guided tour, including a walk through medieval streets and a tasting of local wines and delicacies.
Dates:from 01.07. 2018 to 31.12. 2026
from 29 €/per person
Aquarium Piran – discover the wonderful underwater world!
At Aquarium Piran, you can dive into the underwater world of the northern Adriatic Sea and uncover all the secrets of its marine inhabitants.
Dates:from 23.05. 2018 to 31.12. 2024
from 4 €/per person
Visit to the Dolphin Centre in Piran
Dates:from 21.06. 2023 to 31.12. 2024
from 5 €/per person
Experiencing Piran with All Senses
A guided tour of Piran tailored for everyone – from young to old, including families, individuals, and groups. We also pay special attention to people with special needs and those with limited mobility.
Dates:from 01.08. 2024 to 31.12. 2024
€/
Major Cultural Events in Piran
Tartini Festival
The Tartini Festival is an international summer chamber music festival, dedicated to Giuseppe Tartini, who was born in Piran. In addition to Tartini’s works, the festival showcases pieces by other great world and Slovenian composers, as well as contemporary artists inspired by Tartini’s legacy.
Piran Music Evenings
For nearly half a century, the Piran Music Evenings have enchanted both Slovenian and international culture enthusiasts. The tradition began in 1978, inspired by Giuseppe Tartini’s story and the town’s rich musical heritage.
Piran Music Stage
The Piran Music Stage brings a diverse lineup of concerts featuring Slovenian musicians, filling the stage of Tartini Theatre during the autumn and winter seasons.
Explore the Culture and Heritage of Piran
Blog
Exploring the culture and heritage of Piran offers a captivating journey through the rich history of this charming seaside town. Nestled by the Adriatic, Piran enchants visitors with its vibrant traditions and a rich selection of landmarks.Here’s a guide to Piran’s cultural highlights that you simply can’t miss.
