Piran

Piran lies on a peninsula in Slovenian Istria and is regarded as one of the best-preserved historic towns in the region. Its Venetian character is everywhere, for example in the Gothic Benečanka house of the 15th century on Tartini Square. The square is named after the violinist Giuseppe Tartini (1692 to 1770), who was born here. The town's wealth long rested on salt production. The town wall goes back to the 7th century; the third wall was built between 1470 and about 1535, and seven gates survive.

St George's Church towers over the town; its bell tower is modelled on the Campanile of St Mark's in Venice and gives wide views over the coast. Car traffic in the old town is heavily restricted, so it is best to park outside and walk. Two to three hours are enough for the old town; it is quieter in the morning or late in the evening.