Bell Tower

The bell tower of St. George's Church rises on the ridge above the old town of Piran, on the Slovenian coast, and it is clearly visible across the bay from the resort of Portorož, a few kilometres along the shore. It is the best known campanile on the Slovenian coast and the one that most visitors to the area end up climbing, so it belongs in any plan for a stay here.

The tower was built in the early seventeenth century, during the long period when Piran belonged to the Republic of Venice, and it was modelled on the campanile of St. Mark's in Venice, the tall tower on the main square of the Venetian capital. The Piran version is much smaller than the original, but the intention is clear, and its slender red brick shaft rising above the roofs of the town has become a symbol of Piran. From Portorož, you can see it on the headland to the north, with the town clustered below it.

Climbing the tower is a classic outing. The route up is by a series of steep, narrow stairs, partly wooden, which lead to the upper levels where the bells hang, and the viewing platform at the top gives a panorama over the red tiled roofs of Piran, the harbour, the Gulf of Piran and the whole sweep of the coast, with the peninsula of Istria to the south and, on a clear day, the Italian coast and the distant mountains. The climb is not suitable for people with a fear of heights or limited mobility, and the stairs can be busy in summer, so go early or late in the day. Opening hours and admission arrangements depend on the season and on the church, so check locally before setting out.

You can reach Piran from Portorož on foot along the coastal promenade in under an hour, by bike or bus, or by boat in season. A visit to the tower is easily combined with a walk through the old town, including Tartini Square and the narrow lanes. Back in Portorož, the beach and promenade offer rest, and the evening scene along the promenade is the resort's own, while the aquarium stands on Piran's waterfront.

The tower suits walkers, photographers and anyone who enjoys a view. From the top, the Adriatic Sea, the Alps in the far distance and Slovenia’s whole short coast are in view, and Koper, further along the shore, has bell towers of its own.