Walls of Piran

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Walls of Piran
Piransko obzidje
Piran, southwestern Slovenia
Piranobzidje2011mw.JPG
The Third Wall
TypeWalls
Site information
Owner Municipality of Piran
Open to
the public
all time
ConditionWell-preserved
Site history
Built7th century onward
MaterialsLimestone

The Walls of Piran (Slovene : Piransko obzidje) are the defensive walls of Piran, a coastal town on the Adriatic Sea in southwestern Slovenia. Significant parts of the fortification walls remain well-preserved.

Contents

History

Map of the remains of the walls that are still visible Vratapiranzidfinish.JPG
Map of the remains of the walls that are still visible

Piran's three walls were built in response to the city's expansion. The first wall was built in the 7th century, separating the town into four streets, named after each of the entrances into the town: Miljska, Stolna, Osrednja (main) and Poljska. The first wall can be seen in the old part of the town. The wall was moved south-west when new streets were built. The fortification wall, which was built along the southern coast of the town, hasn't changed much since it was first built. [1]

At the end of the 13th century, when Piran came under Venetian rule, the town grew further and in response the second wall was built. This wall included the town quarter of Campo.

In the final phases of expansion between 1470 and 1538, the third fortification wall was built to protect the peninsula during construction. It protected the Marčana quarter. The biggest part was built when the use of gunpowder became frequent. [2]

The third wall is almost completely intact. Its northern part is accessible while the southern wall's floors and stairs are missing or are under reconstruction. Between them a gap opened where the wall collapsed. A small portion of the third wall is next to the rectory, facing north. A tower viewer is located in one of the towers.

Gates

Seven city entrances or gates remain preserved: [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Town wall - Portorož & Piran". www.portoroz.si. Retrieved 2015-09-20.
  2. Piransko obzidje - Arhitekturna dediščina - Slovenia - Official Travel Guide
  3. Portorož - Obzidje

Coordinates: 45°31′49″N13°33′47″E / 45.530243°N 13.563125°E / 45.530243; 13.563125