- Address: Via Primož Trubar 18a, 6330 Piran - Pirano, Slovenia;
- Website: zupnija-piran.si;
- Phone: +38656733440.
The Church of St. George in Slovenia is on the Adriatic coast. It stands on a high hill in the old center of Piran. The city in the Middle Ages was part of Venice, which can be seen with the naked eye. After all, its architecture has bright Italian features. The church itself has been repeatedly restored, rebuilt and rebuilt, but has not lost its value for the Piranians and passing sailors.
Architecture
Historians argue that the Church of St. George was built in the XII century on the ruins of a temple erected in the IX century. But the pages of history have preserved only those events that occurred from the first half of the XVII century. In 1637 the cathedral acquired its present appearance. The Italian Giacomo di Nodari worked on the project. He not only gave the temple a beautiful view, which combined elements of Baroque and Renaissance styles, but also erected a bell tower. The creation of the architect was inspired by the bell tower of the Venetian cathedral of San Marco. In contrast to the prototype, which fell in the early XX, burying a cat under it, the bell tower of the temple in Piran has been standing for four centuries and does not give cause for concern. Moreover, it is the main observation point of the city. The height of the tower is 99 m, so the tourists enjoy a stunning view.
A feature of the architecture of the temple complex can be called arches, which intersect in the form of a star. The interior of the Church of St. George is filled with sculptures, but the most attention is drawn to a powerful organ. Also there are several marble altars, which are undoubtedly the main decoration of the hall.
What is interesting about the temple?
George the Victorious is considered the patron of Piran. Its image can be found, both on new and old buildings in the city. Therefore, it is curious to visit the main temple, which bears his name. The church is accompanied by a great story. After the bell tower was built, the temple became the main landmark in the search for the city. From each passing ship, a tower was visible, and the sailors knew that now Piran was in front of them.
The Cathedral is the most striking landmark of the city. First, he emphasizes the influence of Italian culture on the Slovenian city, and secondly, it is the center of the spiritual life of the Piranians.
Photos of the Church of St. George are sold in all souvenir shops. In order to emphasize its primacy over other buildings, photographers often take pictures from a bird's eye view, where it is clearly visible how small houses with red roofs fit tightly to the cathedral, and how high a bell tower was erected above them.
How to get there?
In the old part of Piran does not go public transport. The nearest stop is 800 meters from the temple. It is called "Piran", and all city buses go to it. Nearby is the bike rental center, where you can take two-wheelers and a 5-minute drive to St. George's Church. The way is as follows: first you need to move along the street Adamiceva ulica, then turn to Ulica IX Korpusa, after 120 m turn left onto Tartinijev trg and after 150 m turn to Cankarjevo nabrezje, which will take you to the Cathedral.