The walls of Piran
Piran's city walls, which adorn our most beautiful seaside pearl, were first mentioned in the seventh century. At that time, the walls were said to have been built around the old town centre on Punta. At that time, the centre of the town was located on 1 May Square, as Tartini Square was outside the walls.
As the city expanded around the bay under Venetian rule, a second part of the walls was built, including Tartini Square, which was then still a mandrake (a small harbour). The walls included the Gate of St Francis, the First Raspor Gate, the Gate of St George and the tower at the entrance to the mandrake with a stone drawbridge, which also served as a defence.
The walls were last extended around the 15th-16th century as a defence against Turkish invasions. This part of the wall is also the most beautifully preserved and still gives the city its characteristic appearance. It ran along the hill to the east of the town and descended south to the sea. It was given three new gates: the St Nicholas Gate, the Second Raspor Gate and the Marcian Gate, which is from the our apartment is 50 m away.
The city walls are over 300 metres high, with 13 distinctive towers and 7 mostly preserved city gates, which served as former entrances to the city within the walls. They can still be seen on a walk through the city.
Along the Way of the Wall
When you visit Piran, I recommend you follow the route of the city walls and see the remains of the city walls that have "merged" with the city. Climb the walls and enjoy the breathtaking view of the town itself. On rainy days, the walls are closed for security reasons, but you can visit them every day from 8am until dusk. Although currently (February 2022) they are only open from 11am onwards.
Second Raspor Gate
Continue along the walls. Whether you continue along the outside or the inside of the walls, you will first reach the second Raspor Gate.
First Raspor Gate
Head down Rozmanova Street towards the town and soon the cobbled stone steps will lead you to the first Raspore Gate.
Polish Gate
Cross Tartini Square and, after the town café, turn into Trubarjeva Street, where you will soon find the beautifully preserved Polish Gate. The house above it is also interesting and has a special character of its own.
Mile Gate
Continue towards the lighthouse and you can soon find the Miljska Gate. It was named after the old Miljska Street in the Punta quarter, which led to the sea. You can't rely on Google here, but I can tell you that you can find it between the Riva pizzeria and the lighthouse on Prešerenovo quay.
Dolphin Gate
As you continue along the Prešeren Embankment, past the Fish Canteen, turn back towards the town centre and you will find the most beautiful Dolfino Gate. It was built by the then parish priest Dolpin in the 15th century (1483) and can be recognised by its distinctive coat of arms with three dolphins.
Baroque St George's Gate
We continue back towards Tartini Square and find the Baroque Gate of St George at the Batana pizzeria. It was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1637, but was originally built in 1343.
Marcian Gate (Marcian)
Walk along the mandrake to the Square of Brotherhood, which leads to the Rok Square, where you will find the last preserved gate of the Maricana (Marchan), which is our apartments about 50 metres away.
I have also included a photo of the map for more detailed information. Click on the photo and the link will take you to a more detailed map on Google.
OPENING TIME
- from 8:00 to dusk
PRICE LIST
- 2,00 € - per person
- 1,50 € - students
- 1,60 € - groups of 15 persons or more
FREE ENTRY:
- Children up to 12 years
- groups of children with special needs
- Tourist guides, disabled people and
- journalists with ID
More information can be found at Here.
