While Piran and its surroundings boast more than ten churches, the Church of St. George is the crown jewel.
This majestic structure dominates the seaside town with its beautiful 46.45-meter freestanding bell tower. While the church exterior might seem unassuming, its interior is truly stunning. At the top of the bell tower stands the rotating Archangel Michael, and the tower itself houses four bells.
From the main square, it's just a 10-15 minute walk uphill along narrow, stone-paved paths. Although entrance to the church and bell tower requires a small cash fee, the experience is well worth it. After climbing the wooden, rickety, narrow 150 stairs to the top, you’re rewarded with an amazing view of the Town Wall, Piran, and the Adriatic Sea.
A Historical Marvel
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. This look was entirely Venetian, with the freestanding bell tower designed as a small-scale replica of St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venice. The church’s frescoes were painted by some of the finest Venetian masters, with reconstruction completed in 1637.
In the early 17th century, the old bell tower was torn down during an extensive reconstruction of the church complex. A new, freestanding campanile was erected between 1600 and 1615, between the church hierarchy and the baptistery.
Venetian Influence
For centuries, Piran was under Venetian rule, and this influence is evident in the design of the Church of St. George. The separate Baroque baptistery, known as the Church of St. John the Baptist, features an octagonal structure with a domed red tile roof and oculus. The famous local violinist Tartini was baptized here. The baptismal font is particularly unique, made from a repurposed Roman gravestone from the 1st century CE, depicting a winged boy riding a dolphin—a symbol of transition into the afterlife.
Stunning Views and Rich History
St. George's Cathedral, overlooking Piran from the hill above the town centre, offers a view of three countries. It’s the largest church building in town and is named after St. George, the town's patron saint who is believed to have saved Piran from a violent storm. The Baroque renovation in the 17th century gave the building its present appearance, with an interior boasting an organ, two sculptures of St. George, a richly ornamented suspended wood ceiling, and wall paintings influenced by the Venetian school.
St. George's Church Bell Tower
Completed during the Venetian influence in the 17th century, the bell tower is a smaller-scale copy of the San Marco Campanile in Venice. Climbing the 146 steps to the top of the 47.2-meter high bell tower, which houses four bells and is capped with a pyramidal spire topped by the Archangel Michael weathervane, offers a breathtaking view of the town and its surroundings.
Parish Museum of St. George
On the ground floor of the sacristy, an exhibition showcases various religious objects and artefacts belonging to the church. Under the nave, remains of buildings from Ancient Rome and the Early Middle Ages, as well as Romanesque and Gothic art, were found. Among the exhibits is a wooden model probably representing St. George's church in its Gothic era, before the Baroque renovation.
Instructive Tip for Visitors
When visiting St. George Church, make sure to check the open and closed times to plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, bringing cash for the entrance fees is recommended, as card payments might not be accepted. The climb to the top of the bell tower is steep and narrow, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for the effort. The views are well worth it!
St. George's Church in Piran offers a unique blend of historical significance, architectural beauty, and breathtaking views, making it a must-visit on your Slovenian adventure.
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