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Church · Koper, Obalno-kraška
Cathedral of the Assumption
The Assumption Cathedral of Koper, on Tito Square, with Gothic and Renaissance façade, a painting by Vittore Carpaccio and the 204-step bell tower, from which you can see the whole gulf.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Cathedral of the Assumption
The Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary (Stolnica Marijinega vnebovzetja) stands on the east side of Tito Square. The first church on the site dates to the 12th century, and the present building mixes periods: the lower part of the façade is Gothic, from the 15th century, and the upper part is Renaissance. The interior was rebuilt in the 18th century in Baroque style.
Inside, the cathedral preserves a painting by Vittore Carpaccio, from 1516, depicting the Virgin and saints, and the sarcophagus of Saint Nazarius, the city's patron. The large bell, from 1333, is among the oldest in Slovenia.
Next to it stands the bell tower, known as the City Tower (Mestni stolp). It began as a Romanesque defensive tower and was converted into a bell tower between the 15th and 17th centuries. A staircase of 204 steps leads to the top, offering views of the center's roofs, the port, the Gulf of Koper, Trieste and, on clear days, the Alps. Tickets are sold at the tourist information center on the square.
Behind the cathedral, the Romanesque rotunda of Saint John the Baptist, a 12th-century circular baptistery, completes the group.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes for the cathedral and the tower climb.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, for the tower view with side light. Respect Mass times at the cathedral.
How to get there
On Tito Square, in Koper's historic center.
Tip
Climb the tower before visiting the rest of the center: from above you can understand how Koper used to be an island.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Cathedral of the Assumption
Can you climb Koper’s cathedral tower?
Yes, it’s 204 steps to the top. Tickets are sold at the tourist information center on Tito Square.
What is inside Koper’s cathedral?
A 1516 painting by Vittore Carpaccio, the sarcophagus of Saint Nazarius, and Baroque altars.
What can you see from the top of Koper’s tower?
The historic center, the port, the Gulf of Koper, Trieste, and on clear days, the Alps.