Koper

During the 15th and 16th centuries, Koper was the capital of Istria, under the Venetian Republic. Koper's Old Town has retained its medieval atmosphere, despite the rest of the city being very industrial. Koper is Slovenia's most important port city.

Koper has a number of interesting sights. On the central square used to be two 13th-century houses which were connected by a loggia (a covered exterior gallery or corridor). I was rebuilt several times and the current Gothic building is known as the Praetorian Palace and houses Koper's tourist office. The Cathedral of the Assumption dates from the 12th century. One of its bells was cast in 1333. The upper terrace of the church provides beautiful views over the Bay of Trieste. The church is also home to one of Slovenia's moet renowned Renaissance paintings, the 1516 Sacra Conversatione. The Carmine Rotunda church was built in the 12th century and St. Nazarius' Cathedral boasts a 14th-century tower.

There are many hotels, café's and restaurants in this 'Italianized' city. Koper is 85 km southwest of Ljubljana and has excellent road and rail connections with both Italy and the rest of Slovenia.