Koper, Slovenia

Old Koper Walking Tour

The Glories of a Former Venetian Capital Uncover the rich architectural legacy of Slovenia’s only port city, once Capodistria, the grand capital of Istria. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Venetians all left an imprint on this former Venetian Republic stronghold. Meet your guide and head to Tito Square, where you can admire the 15th-century Venetian-Gothic Praetorian Palace. Its crenellated roof and exterior stair paint a graceful picture, and its Bocca del Leone, or Lion’s Mouth, carved into the building’s side tells a fascinating story about how the local citizenry were kept honest. Opposite the square, the Loggia is another architectural treasure, home today to an art gallery. Admire the 12th-century Cathedral of the Assumption with its tower that houses a bell cast in 1333, one of Slovenia’s oldest. View the monument honoring the Battle of Lepanto of 1571, a naval conflict. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.