St George's Church, Piran, Slovenia

Hello everyone, and welcome to our tour of the beautiful seaside town of Piran! Today, we'll be exploring one of its most iconic landmarks, the Church of St. George. We'll start our journey from the heart of Piran, Tartini Square, which you can see in the video on our page. From there, we'll make our way up a rather steep alley towards the top.
Souvenir Stop
Right at the beginning of our ascent, you'll have the opportunity to see and perhaps buy some handmade souvenirs from local artist Nika's tiny house atelier. Her unique creations are perfect keepsakes to remember your visit by.
The Journey Uphill
As we continue our walk uphill along narrow, stone-paved paths, you'll notice the charming atmosphere of this historic town. The journey will take about 10-15 minutes, and though it can be a bit of a climb, I assure you, the view and the experience are well worth it.
Church of St. George
Standing proudly at the top is the Church of St. George, the main church of Piran. From the outside, it might seem unassuming, but its interior is absolutely stunning. The church dominates the town with its beautiful 46.45-meter free-standing bell tower. At the top of this tower, you’ll find the rotating Archangel Michael, and inside, the tower hosts four bells.
Historical Background
The Church of St. George, also known as St. George’s Cathedral, was originally built in the early 12th century. Its current structure dates from an expansion in the 14th century, and by the 16th century, it had adopted a Renaissance appearance, influenced heavily by Venetian rule. The bell tower itself is designed as a small-scale replica of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice, adding a unique charm to this Slovenian town.
The Bell Tower Experience
For those of you who are up for a little more adventure, climbing the 150 wooden, rickety, narrow stairs to the top of the bell tower offers an amazing view. You'll need to pay a small cash fee to enter, but once at the top, the panoramic views of the Town Wall, Piran, and the Adriatic Sea are simply breathtaking.
Parish Museum and the Baptistery
Separate from the church and bell tower, you’ll find the Baroque baptistery, known as the Church of St. John the Baptist. This octagonal structure has a domed red tile roof and an oculus. The famous local violinist Tartini was baptized here, and the baptismal font is made from a repurposed Roman gravestone from the 1st century CE.
Instructive Tip for Visitors
When visiting St. George’s Church, please check the open and closed times to plan your visit accordingly. Remember to bring some cash for the entrance fees, as card payments might not be accepted. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb, and be prepared for the effort-the views are absolutely worth it!
Conclusion and Invitation
I hope you've enjoyed our journey today to the Church of St. George. For more fascinating virtual tours of Piran and other incredible destinations, be sure to check out our other videos. And always remember our slogan: TRAVEL with a smile!
Thank you for joining me today, and enjoy the rest of your time in beautiful Piran!