THE HOST CITY, PORTOROŽ
Top sights
1. City of PIRAN is known as the most picturesque town on the Slovenian coast. The old town’s architecture is an interesting blend of Venetians and medieval influences. The town of Piran is walking distance and easy reachable from the Grand Hotel Bernardin.
2. The greenery-covered small promontory between medieval Piran and contemporary Portoroz, boasting favourable climate conditions, is located on a 25-hectare area of Bernardin hotel resort. The central feature is the bell tower of an old, 15-century small church dedicated to St. Bernard, a quiet witness to the rich cultural heritage.
3. The Secovlje saltpans are considered among the largest still operating maritime saltmaking facilities.Salt pans are protected because they are home to a number of bird species. From regular kitchen salt to fleur de sal and salt-based cosmetics are produced in these ecologically sound places.
4. Avditorij Portoroz is the largest event location in Portoroz, a theatre complex where events and festivals for all generations, both the elder and the younger, take place. In summer, the outside venue hosts many theatre, music and film events.
5. TARTINI SQUARE is the main square in Piran. It is named after Guiseppe Tartini, an Italian composer and violinist, who was born here. On three sides, colorful buildings surround the square. The fourth side of the square opens up to the harbor.
6. City Walls and City Gates of Piran The city walls of Piran were mentioned as early as the 7th century when they were built surrounding the old city core in Punta. Since then the city has grown towards Mandrac, including more and more quarters that were originally formed outside of the walls. Due to the growth of the city and in order to protect it from enemy attacks, two additional parts of the wall were built, including several defence towers. Its largest preserved section known as Mogoron holds an incredible historical value.
7. St George’s Cathedral, overlooking Piran from the hill above the town centre and offering a view over three countries, is the largest church building in town. It was named after St George, the town’s patron saint who is thought to have saved Piran when it was hit by a violent storm.
8. Piran aquarium Meet the various creatures that inhabit the waters around the Slovene coast. You can observe the large spiny spider crab and various types of fish such as groupers and colourful wrasses as well as other underwater organisms.
9. The Madona Cape is the most western part of the Piran peninsula.
10. The Palace Hotel, an important milestone in the development of tourism in Portorož, first opened on the 20th of August, 1910. In 1983 the hotel became a cultural monument. It was closed in 1990 but reopened after a major renovation in 2008 as one of the most prestigious hotels in Slovenia.
11. Valeta tunnel Parenzana – The path offers many sports activities and brings together people who enjoy walking, running or cycling. The path takes you through cities and villages, sometimes following the coastline right by the sea, other times leading you through vineyards and olive tree plantations, short and well-maintained tunnels and into valleys and hills. All the tunnels are still well-preserved, the most famous one among them being the Valeta Tunnel, a 550m long tunnel that connects Strunjan and Portorož.
Sources:
https://www.hoteli-bernardin.si/en/destinations/portoroz-piran
https://www.portoroz.si/en/