Walls of Piran

Walls of Piran
Piransko obzidje
Piran, southwestern Slovenia

The Third Wall
Type Walls
Site information
Owner Municipality of Piran
Open to
the public
all time
Condition Well-preserved
Site history
Built 7th century onward
Materials Limestone

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

History

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 for each entrance 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]

In the final phases of expansion between 1470 and 1538, the second 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]

References

External links

Coordinates: 45°31′49″N 13°33′47″E / 45.530243°N 13.563125°E / 45.530243; 13.563125

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