Piran - renowned as the most touristically developed municipality in Slovenia

The Municipality of Piran is renowned as the most touristically developed municipality in Slovenia. Tourism, however, has not always been the main economic activity in the municipality, and preserved documents testify to the region’s rich and varied economic and social life. We can thank our town archivists, past and present, for the preservation of centuries-old municipal archives, including some rarities such as the statutes from 1274. The archives reflect a rich historical tradition that reaches back to the Roman Empire.

In the past, the primary occupations were linked with the sea and the soil, and the production of salt in Secovlje, Strunjan, and Lucija placed its stamp on the economics of the past. In the Napoleonic period, large storehouses for salt were built in Portoroz and stimulated an extensive sea trade. With its favourable Mediterranean climate, the interior of the municipality offered suitable conditions for the production of vegetables, wine, and olives-products for which the municipality is still famous today. Here we should mention two autochthonous wines, the white Bela Malvazija and the red Refosk, and connoisseurs maintain that our olive oil is among those of the highest quality.

We are trying to preserve everything that our ancestors left us and adapt it to the modern way of life.

The town of Piran, the administrative center of the municipality, developed at the tip of the peninsula that is the westernmost part of Slovenia. In past centuries, its serried buildings, typically stone and Mediterranean, were encircled by city walls several times. It is believed that the first walls were built in the 7th century, extended in the 12th century, and achieved their present appearance in the 16th century as protection against Turkish raiders. It is understandable that the town and its surroundings therefore boast many historical monuments and a rich tradition. Because the municipality draws much of its impetus for development from its historical tradition, together with the municipalities of Ptuj and Skofja Loka it is a member of the Association of Old Towns of Slovenia. We are especially proud that in September 1998 we will host the annual meeting of the Walled Towns Friendship Circle of Europe based in Tenby in England; at present, we are the only member of this organization from Slovenia.

With 17,500 residents and covering an area of 44 km, we belong among the middle-sized municipalities of Slovenia; most importantly, we have eighteen kilometers of sea coast with still operating salt works in Secovlje and Strunjan. Following World War II, economic trends led our municipality into the arms of tourism. Planners of the tourist offer drew their inspiration from history and nature to create tourist products that have become traditional. Above all, we must mention the tourist center of Portoroz that offers an abundance of entertainment, relaxation, and cultural satisfaction for tourists of all ages with its beaches, hotels, restaurants, sports facilities, and especially its casino. The Portoroz Marina, said to the best equipped on the Adriatic, is a starting point for many yacht cruises on the Adriatic.

The health spas in Portoroz and Strunjan offer their services to tired travellers, businessmen suffering stress, and convalescents. Long walks in the wonderful Mediterranean nature of our hinterland are a unique way to seek one’s inner balance in harmony with nature.

We invite you, Dear Readers, to come visit us, luxuriate in our sun, and enjoy a glass of the wine they will offer you at our farms, for here we say that the warm sunbeam of hospitality is captured in wine.

Ms. Vojka Stular, Mayores

This wonderful panorama of the Piran peninsula from the west offers a view of the Cape of Piran stretching far into the sea. On the left are the salt works of Strunjan and farther in the distance the coastal towns of Izola and Koper. To the right of Piran, the coast continues to Portoroz and its marina and the Seca peninsula where we can admire the oldest open-air Forma Viva sculpture park in Europe. Farther on, we see the Secovlje salt works, the largest in this part of the Adriatic. The Municipality of Piran can claim with pride to be ecologically aware: most of the areas you can admire in the picture are nature reserves.

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History is reflected in the shining marble of Tartini Square in Piran in all its richness of colour and exciting expectation. Tartini Square is where the lively and important events of the coming week are announced by the Mayor’s Herald in his colourful historical costume. Guided sightseeing tours of the old town begin at the monument to the great composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini (1692 - 1770) who was born in Piran. A special attraction in Piran are its summer Music Evenings in the cloister of the Minorite monastery.

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Along with nature, history, and cultural events, the Municipality of Piran offers an abundance of entertainment and sporting pleasures. Information about coming events is always available at the municipal tourist office in Portoroz.

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The marina, beaches, restaurants, pubs, the large Avditorij Portoroz congress center, sports facilities, hotel congress centers, and the hotels themselves will satisfy even the most demanding visitor. The health spas in Portoroz and Strunjan offer a special experience, using in their therapy programs both their climatic advantages and salt mud which is especially appropriate for soothing rheumatic problems.

When you are in an especially good mood, say to yourself, “This is my lucky day!” and throw a chip or two on the roulette table at Casino Portoroz. As you all know, luck must be seized and there is no reason it might not be waiting for you here with us. Come and join us!