City Walls and City Gates Piran

City Walls and City Gates Piran

Cultural heritage

The Walls of Piran are a medieval city fortification that once enclosed Piran, a picturesque coastal town in Slovenian Istria. Today, parts of the wall are still preserved and represent an important cultural heritage site and a popular tourist attraction.

The fortifications were built gradually, in line with the town’s growth:

• The first wall, built in the 7th century, surrounded the oldest part of the town. It was divided into quarters, named after the city gates: Miljska, Stolna, Osrednja, and Poljska.
• The second wall was built when the town expanded southeast, incorporating the Marčana area.
• The third wall, constructed between 1470 and 1533, enclosed the entire peninsula. This section is the best preserved today, especially around the Mogoron slope.

Due to changes in warfare, especially the use of gunpowder, the walls were gradually adapted to meet new defensive needs.

There are seven preserved city gates, which once served as the main entrances to the town:

• The First Rašpor Gate, Gothic in style, is located on Rozmanova Street.
• The Second Rašpor Gate, built in 1470, features a pointed arch.
• The Marčana Gate from 1534 is designed in the Renaissance style.
• The Miljska Gate, dating to the 13th century, is one of the oldest.
• The Dolfin Gate, built in 1483, is adorned with three dolphins in the coat of arms.
• The Poljska Gate from the 15th century once stood by the Church of St. James.
• The St. George’s Gate is Baroque, restored in 1660.

The walls offer a beautiful view of Piran and the Adriatic Sea. The path starts at Tartini Square and takes about 10 minutes uphill on foot.

Admission fees:

• €3 for adults
• €2 for children over 13, students, and groups of more than 15 people