Picturesque Piran, a town in southwestern Slovenia, is everyone’s favorite spot on the Slovenian coast. It is known for its medieval architecture and excellent seafood restaurants. Add to that the beach life and the stunning panorama over the Gulf of Piran, and … you’ll be completely enchanted!
We’ve put together a quick list of the top 3 things to do in Piran—besides soaking up the beach life and dining at one of its charming seafood restaurants!
1.) Take in the Views from St. George’s Cathedral
Many would agree that St. George’s Cathedral (Katedrala/Cerkev Sv. Jurija), overlooking Piran, is the town’s most famous landmark. Built in the Venetian Renaissance architectural style, it is dedicated to Saint George. The cathedral was the lifelong work of stonemason Bonfante Torre from Venice.
A cobbled street leads from behind the Venetian House to Piran’s famous hilltop cathedral. Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the town and harbor.
On the other side of the hill, you can enjoy stunning views across the beautiful Adriatic Sea, stretching all the way to the Italian port city of Trieste.
The Cathedral of St. George’s freestanding 46.5-meter bell tower, built in 1609, was clearly modeled after the Campanile of San Marco in Venice. It serves as a magnificent backdrop for countless photos of the town.
2.) Visit the Maritime Museum “Sergej Mašera”
Housed in the 19th-century Gabrielli Palace on the waterfront, this museum showcases Slovenia’s rich naval history and maritime traditions, featuring fascinating stories of Slovenian seafaring.
The museum spans multiple floors, each featuring different sections. In the archaeological section, visitors can admire 2,000-year-old Roman amphorae displayed beneath a glass floor.
Upstairs, the antique model ships are particularly remarkable. Other rooms showcase old figureheads, weapons, maps, paintings, and various personal items that once belonged to seamen.
Mediadom Pyrhani is a multimedia museum and multipurpose venue located in the heart of Piran. Established in 2015, it showcases the city’s history through various media, including 3D film projections and interactive, motion-sensing displays.
Here, you can discover how Piran was built, how it developed over time, and which prominent figures once lived here.
The future or the past of Piran? You will have to find out yourself … (Photo credits: MEDIADOM PYRHANI via Facebook)
Additionally, the museum features sketches depicting the history of the Venetian Republic, which ruled over Piran for centuries. It also houses the original “pillar of shame,” once located in the city center but now replaced by a replica. The basement of Mediadom is an archaeological treasure in itself—a recently discovered, centuries-old underground corridor, presumably once used as a crypt.
Of course, let’s be real—most people come to Piran for the beaches and the seafood. And who could blame them?
The salty breeze, the Adriatic glistening under the sun, the sound of waves lapping against the old stone walls. Then, there’s the food—freshly grilled fish, octopus drizzled with olive oil, briny oysters straight from the sea. It’s the kind of place where you order one glass of wine and end up staying for the bottle.
