Tartini Square

The square is an oval space measuring roughly 100×60 m, open toward the sea on the southwest side. The central feature is the bronze statue of Tartini by Venetian sculptor Antonio Dal Zotto (1896), placed on a stone pedestal at the focal point of the ellipse. The white Istrian stone paving with its elliptical pattern was designed by architect Boris Podrecca in the 1990s. In the evening, the square is softly lit, and cafés set out outdoor tables.

The northeast side is dominated by the Venetian House (Benečanka), a 15th-century palace and the square's main architectural highlight. Its red façade in Venetian Gothic style features a triple lancet window, stone rosettes, and a corner balcony with a balustrade. Between the second-floor windows is a stone relief of a lion with the inscription "Lasa pur dir" ("Let them talk"). Legend says the inscription defended the love of a local girl and a Venetian merchant from town gossip. The northwest side is formed by the neoclassical Town Hall (1877–1879, architect Giovanni Righetti), which now houses the tourist information center.

On the western edge stands the Church of St. Peter (1818). From here, a path leads uphill to the Church of St. George – a 10–15-minute walk along stone lanes. Steps from the square, you can find the Tartini House (composer's museum), the Maritime Museum in Palazzo Gabrielli, and the Piran Aquarium.

Age – the square was created in 1894 when the old fishing harbor was filled in; surrounding buildings date from the 15th century

Venetian House – a 15th-century Gothic palazzo built by the Del Bello family, the only building on the square retaining its original façade

Tartini Monument – bronze statue from 1896 by Venetian sculptor Antonio Dal Zotto

Paving – elliptical platform of white Istrian stone designed by architect Boris Podrecca (1992)

Town Hall – neoclassical building from 1877–1879, now the tourist information center

Before the late 19th century, the site of today's square was an inner harbor (mandraç) for fishing boats, located outside the first city walls. During the Middle Ages, palazzi and public buildings grew up around the harbor, making it a center of town life. However, sewage turned the bay into a health hazard, and in 1894 the authorities filled it in to create a proper square. In 1896, the Tartini monument was erected at the center.

From 1909 to 1912, a trolleybus line ran through the square, connecting Piran with the railway station in Lucija. In 1912 the trolleybus was replaced by a tram that operated until 1953 – its turning loop defined the square's elliptical shape. In 1992, for the 300th anniversary of Tartini's birth, architect Boris Podrecca led a major reconstruction: the elliptical platform was paved with white Istrian stone and the monument repositioned at the focal point of the ellipse. Since the 2000s, the square has been fully closed to cars from July 1 to September 1.

From Ljubljana (130 km, 1.5–2.5 hours):

– Bus (Arriva/FlixBus) – from €12 (~$13), several daily departures, 2–2.5 hours

– GoOpti (shared transfer) – from €15 (~$16), 1.5 hours

– Car rental – 1.5 hours via A1 motorway, eVinjeta toll sticker required (from €15/week)

From Portorož (3 km):

– On foot along the waterfront – 30–40 minutes

– City bus – €1.50 (~$1.60), 5 minutes

– Free shuttle from Fornače parking – every 15 minutes

From Koper (17 km, 20 minutes):

– Bus – €3.60 (~$3.90), every 30–60 minutes

– Taxi/Bolt – €15–20 (~$16–22)

Parking:

Fornače – €1.20/hr, 800 m from the square, free shuttle

Arze – €20/day (~$22), 500 m from center

No car access to the old town.

Season: May–October – warm weather, all venues open. July–August – peak tourist season, cafés open late. Winter is quiet, some cafés closed, but a Christmas market runs in December.

Time of day: Morning (before 10:00 AM) – the square is nearly empty, soft light for photos. Evening (after 6:00 PM) – best atmosphere, building illumination, live music in summer.

Duration: 20–30 minutes for the square itself. With an old town stroll – 1.5–2 hours.

Avoid: July–August at midday – hot, little shade on the square. Tour bus groups arrive between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.