Koper Cathedral and Bell Tower
Koper Cathedral and Bell Tower
Koper Cathedral and Bell Tower
4
About
The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands in the location of a former ancient building - a Roman basilica. The history of the Cathedral goes back to the 12th century, when the city acquired its own diocese. Today's front combines Gothic (the lower part) and Renaissance styles (the upper part). The Cathedral keeps numerous treasures: the big altar painting "Madonna with Child on the Throne and Saints", painted by Vittore Carpaccio in 1516, the stone sarcophagus of Koper's patron saint, St. Nazarius from the 15th century, etc. Town tower in Tito square, once romanic forticication, became a bell tower in 15th / 17 th century. It houses one of the oldest bells in Slovenia, dating back to 1333. From the panoramic point (43 metres) you can see the nearby and distant surroundings of the city Koper.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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378 reviews
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Megan
Malinta, OH133 contributions
Jun 2023
The bell tower offers great views of Koper for a cheap price of 5 euro. Plan on going early in the day, as it gets HOT. There is no elevator, so it is not handicap accessible. There are over 150 stairs to climb, with some of them being part of a spiral staircase. There are places to stop and rest while climbing and you can read the history of the town of Koper, the purpose of the tower, and other interesting information. Overall, it took my husband, my father, and I about 45 minutes from start to finish. The views were great and we enjoyed our visit.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CatharineB
Ottawa, Canada1,641 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
The Cathedral of the Assumption is on Tito's Square (Titov trg), the main square of Koper. It dates back to the 15th century. The facade is a mixture of Venetian Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque elements.
The church houses two important pictorial representations, the "Madonna with Child and Saints" and the "Madonna Enthroned with Saints", executed by Venetian masters, attributed to Benedetto Carpaccio, who is believed to have lived in Koper. On the main altar is the sarcophagus of San Nazario, the patron saint of the city.
It is not possible to access the bell tower from the church, I read that there are 204 steps to the top. If you want to go up, you have to go to the nearby Tourist Office, however, we did not climb the tower.
The church houses two important pictorial representations, the "Madonna with Child and Saints" and the "Madonna Enthroned with Saints", executed by Venetian masters, attributed to Benedetto Carpaccio, who is believed to have lived in Koper. On the main altar is the sarcophagus of San Nazario, the patron saint of the city.
It is not possible to access the bell tower from the church, I read that there are 204 steps to the top. If you want to go up, you have to go to the nearby Tourist Office, however, we did not climb the tower.
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DERtravels
Pomona, CA1,451 contributions
Oct 2019
In Koper, take a walk through the old town and be sure to visit the Cathedral. This church dedicated to Mary felt to be in the spirit of the country. Not overally ornate but rich looking enough to see the faithful had dedicated time and money to this place of worship.
Checkboard floors are a bit more unique. A nice walk from the port.
Checkboard floors are a bit more unique. A nice walk from the port.
Written 27 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
Roseland, NJ1,434 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Beautiful and right in the center of the town. We were able to climb to the top of the bell tower for 5 euros a person. Not too bad of a climb. Around 200 steps give or take. Gorgeous views to see at the top!
Written 5 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NickofSurrey
Surrey, UK1,047 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
5 euros to get in. Modern staircase to almost the top which isn't too steep, and where you could stop if you need to Good views across the town. In Tito Square which is the highlight of a not very exciting town. The Praetorian Palace is actually council offices
Written 16 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gianluca M
Aversa, Italy583 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
A climb of about 200 steps for a beautiful 360° view of the city and to see the oldest Slovenian bell. Beautiful also all the interior photographs with attached historical references. Ticket 5 for adults and 3 for children, can fit, but maybe a little too much.
Automatically translated
Written 20 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Asiyah Noemi K
Pula, Croatia5,334 contributions
Oct 2019
In the central square of Koper, Tito Square, are the beautiful Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary. The Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, built in the 15th century in the Gothic style, was later completed in the Renaissance style. In the 18th century, the interior was enriched in Baroque style. It houses many valuable works of art by Venetian masters, including Vittorio and Benedetto Carpaccio, Antonio Zanchi
and others. In its treasury, the cathedral also holds a number of valuables, including a Byzantine ivory chest ( 9th to 12th centuries), a chalice and a large monstrance (card) from the 15th century, bust of St. Nazarias and the antiphonarium of Koper miniaturist Nazari (Nazario da Giustinopoli).
On the facade of the cathedral lean the city tower. It was part of a Romanesque fortress that dates from the 15th century to 17th century. Later it has been transformed into a bell tower and today is a striking vantage point offering a magnificent view of the entire Koper Bay and the nearby hinterland.
and others. In its treasury, the cathedral also holds a number of valuables, including a Byzantine ivory chest ( 9th to 12th centuries), a chalice and a large monstrance (card) from the 15th century, bust of St. Nazarias and the antiphonarium of Koper miniaturist Nazari (Nazario da Giustinopoli).
On the facade of the cathedral lean the city tower. It was part of a Romanesque fortress that dates from the 15th century to 17th century. Later it has been transformed into a bell tower and today is a striking vantage point offering a magnificent view of the entire Koper Bay and the nearby hinterland.
Written 11 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalja M
The Hague, The Netherlands1,958 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
Without any doubts, this is the “ must visit” of the world heritages. Due to the Venetian influence, one can admire the masterpieces of Vittore Carpaccio, yes that one 16th century painter whom centuries later the famous “ carpaccio” was named after 🤩
Written 23 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lwkempka
Washington, NC24 contributions
Oct 2011 • Friends
Koper, Slovenia
On a recent cruise, four of us traveling together hired the tourist agency ISTRANKA for a 6-hour tour from the port of Koper, Slovenia. Ivan arranged for us to have a very pleasant, English-speaking guide in a nice, spacious van. We first visited the old centre of Koper (Pretorium Palace, cathedral, and Tito Square). After a drive through the country, the next stop was the 13th century Socerb Castle, which stands on the edge of a 300 meter-high Karst cliff offering a breathtaking view to the Gulf of Trieste. Here there is a castle restaurant, where we relaxed in the courtyard for refreshment. We stopped for a regional lunch, which was very substantial. Our tour continued with a short drive to the village of Hrastovlje, well-known for the Church of the Holy Trinity and its famous frescoes. The excursion ended with the return to our ship. Except for drinks at lunch, everything was included in the price of the excursion.
ISTRANKA can be reached on the web and by email.
On a recent cruise, four of us traveling together hired the tourist agency ISTRANKA for a 6-hour tour from the port of Koper, Slovenia. Ivan arranged for us to have a very pleasant, English-speaking guide in a nice, spacious van. We first visited the old centre of Koper (Pretorium Palace, cathedral, and Tito Square). After a drive through the country, the next stop was the 13th century Socerb Castle, which stands on the edge of a 300 meter-high Karst cliff offering a breathtaking view to the Gulf of Trieste. Here there is a castle restaurant, where we relaxed in the courtyard for refreshment. We stopped for a regional lunch, which was very substantial. Our tour continued with a short drive to the village of Hrastovlje, well-known for the Church of the Holy Trinity and its famous frescoes. The excursion ended with the return to our ship. Except for drinks at lunch, everything was included in the price of the excursion.
ISTRANKA can be reached on the web and by email.
Written 8 December 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Czabae
Hengoed, UK30 contributions
Aug 2013
Direct access easy (via steps) from cruise docking point. Bell tower ( by self), guided tour of Praetorian palace and cathedral in English (11am start) for total 7 euros. Ice cream parlour on left side of palace had some of the nicest ice cream I had ever eaten(and I LOVE ice cream), and free wi-fi access. Heading down to open air market area there was a little ceramic shop selling clay decorations. The lady took time and care to wrap each individually with raffia, dried flowers and a ceramic disc of your choosing - absolutely stunning as gifts. A beautiful spotless city, where travelling alone I felt safe in small alleyways.
Written 3 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can anyone give me the times of Sunday Mass in the Cathedral? Thanks in advance.
Written 8 April 2019
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