Aquarium Piran

Aquarium Piran is Slovenia's oldest and largest aquarium, operating since 1964. It occupies the historic Villa Piranesi building on Kidričevo Quay, about 100 metres from Tartini Square. Its 26 tanks display over 140 species of organisms from the Northern Adriatic Sea.

The aquarium is an easy walk from anywhere in Piran. Buses from Ljubljana reach Piran in 2–2.5 hours (from €7–12 / ~$8–13). If driving, park at the Fornače garage at the town entrance – a free shuttle runs to the centre.

Admission is €5 ($5.50) for adults, €3 ($3.30) for children. A visit takes 30–60 minutes. The ticket provides discounts to other Piran museums.

Location

On the Map

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About

What's Here

The aquarium occupies the ground floor of Villa Piranesi – a former customs building converted into a museum complex. Upon entering, visitors walk over a glass floor revealing the archaeological remains of an 11th-century Church of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The juxtaposition of ancient ruins underfoot and living marine world around creates an unusual atmosphere.

The 26 tanks range from 250 to 11,000 litres. The largest tank is set into the floor and holds the bigger fish species. A separate 6,500-litre tank recreates a rocky reef. Residents include sea bass, gilt-head bream, mullet, moray eels, seahorses, octopuses, dogfish sharks, starfish, sea urchins, and jellyfish. Labels beside each tank are in Slovenian, English, and Italian.

On Wednesdays and Sundays, visitors can watch feeding sessions and participate in food preparation (advance booking required). Since 2022, the aquarium has been part of the University of Primorska's Science Centre and runs sea turtle rehabilitation programmes.

Why Visit

The Highlights

Collection – 140+ Northern Adriatic marine species across 26 tanks

Building – 19th-century Villa Piranesi with 11th-century church ruins visible under a glass floor

Largest tank – 11,000 litres, built into the floor for large fish species

Feeding sessions – Wednesdays and Sundays, with visitor participation option

Research – part of the University of Primorska since 2022, sea turtle rehabilitation programme

History

Past & Present

The aquarium was founded in 1964 by the local Society of Aquarists on the ground floor of a former customs house. It was initially managed by the Maritime School of Portorož. The original collection consisted of small tanks with local fish species gathered by fishermen and divers.

In 2009, the aquarium underwent a major renovation: tanks were updated, larger basins added, and the archaeological remains of the 11th-century Church of St. Nicholas were revealed beneath a new glass floor. In 2022, management transferred to the University of Primorska, making the aquarium part of its Science Centre. Today, alongside the exhibition, it runs sea turtle rehabilitation programmes and educational workshops for children.

For Visitors

Visitor Information

Tickets & Prices

Admission:

- Adults: €5 (~$5.50)

- Children (2–15): €3 (~$3.30)

- Family ticket (2 adults + 1 child): €10 (~$11)

- Under 2: free

Guided tours:

- Group tour (up to 10 people): €40 (~$43), admission fee not included

- Booking by phone: +386 5 673 25 72

The ticket provides discounts to other Piran museums. A Science Centre Pass also covers the Archaeological Park San Simon.

Rules & Restrictions

Photography allowed without flash – bright light disturbs the fish. Do not feed the animals. The space is compact – pushchairs may be inconvenient. The building is historic with no lift.

On-Site Facilities

On site:

- Toilet and nappy-changing room

- Small souvenir corner (postcards, marine-themed stamps)

- Air conditioning

Nearby:

- Cafés and restaurants on Tartini Square (50 m)

- Sergej Mašera Maritime Museum across the road

Parking: Piran's centre is pedestrianised. Fornače garage at the town entrance – €1.80/hour (~$2). Free shuttle to the centre.

Wi-Fi: Not available. 4G is stable. Consider getting an eSIM before your trip.

Accessibility: Historic building with stepped entrance. Not wheelchair accessible.

Getting There

Transport & Directions

From Ljubljana (130 km, 2–2.5 hours):

- Bus (Arriva/FlixBus) to Piran – from €7–15 (~$8–16), several daily departures

- Car rental – via A1 motorway through Koper, 1.5 hours, eVinjeta required

From Portorož (3 km):

- Walk along the seafront promenade – 30–40 minutes

- Free shuttle to Piran

Within Piran:

From Fornače car park – free shuttle or 10–15 minutes on foot. The aquarium is on Kidričevo Quay, 100 m from Tartini Square – visible from the harbour.

When to go